The Creators Of Montblanc's Scents: Who Crafts These Fragrances?

Montblanc, a German company, is known for its writing instruments and luxury goods. The company was founded in 1908 by Claus-Johannes Voss, Alfred Nehemias, and August Eberstein. While the company is most famous for its luxury pens, it also designs and distributes bags, perfumes, small leather goods, and watches. Montblanc fragrances are produced in partnership with Inter Parfums Inc. The company's first fragrance was a women's perfume called Presence, launched in 2001, followed by a men's scent, Starwalker, in 2005.

Montblanc's history

Montblanc, named after the highest mountain in the Alps, is a German manufacturer and distributor of luxury goods, founded in Berlin in 1906 and currently based in Hamburg. The company was started by stationer Claus-Johannes Voss, banker Alfred Nehemias, and engineer August Eberstein. They first began making upscale pens in Hamburg under the name Simplo Filler Pen in 1908. The company got the Montblanc name from one of its high-quality pens introduced in 1910. The company's signature "White Star" logo, inspired by the peak of Mont Blanc, first appeared on its products in 1913.

In 1924, Montblanc created its breakthrough pen, the Meisterstück, meaning "masterpiece" in English, which is still made today. The success of the Meisterstück allowed for international expansion and the export of the company's goods. The figure "4810" (the height of Mont Blanc) was engraved on the nibs of all Meisterstück pens starting in 1929. In 1934, the company changed its name to Montblanc-Simplo GmbH and debuted its piston pen filler product line. By 1935, the company had expanded its offerings to include leather goods such as pen pouches, notebooks, and writing cases to accompany its pens.

During World War II, the company's manufacturing facilities were destroyed, but operations continued in Denmark as reconstruction efforts were underway. The Dunhill company acquired a majority stake in Montblanc during the 1970s, and it was later purchased by the Richemont Group, which allowed Montblanc to expand into a wider range of luxury goods beyond pens. Revived interest in fountain pens in the 1980s enabled the company to expand into Asia. In the 1990s, Montblanc set up exclusive boutiques and antique Montblanc pens became a hot collector's item.

In 2001, Montblanc expanded into fragrances with its first women's fragrance, Presence, and in 2005, it introduced its first men's scent, Starwalker, which debuted alongside the Starwalker pen and Timewalker watch collection. Montblanc fragrances are produced in partnership with Inter Parfums Inc. Today, the Montblanc brand is known not only for its pens but also for its watches, jewellery, fragrances, leather goods, and eyewear.

The company's expansion into fragrances

Montblanc, the German manufacturer and distributor of luxury goods, expanded into fragrances in 2001 with the launch of its first fragrance, 'Presence', for women. This was followed by the introduction of its first men's scent, 'Starwalker', in 2005. The Starwalker fragrance was launched alongside the Starwalker pen and the Timewalker watch collection.

Montblanc fragrances are produced in partnership with Inter Parfums Inc. The company has since released numerous fragrances for both men and women, including popular scents such as 'Legend', 'Explorer', and 'Signature'. These fragrances offer a range of aromatic experiences, from citrusy and floral to fresh and woody aromas.

The success of Montblanc's fragrance line can be attributed to the company's attention to detail, high-quality standards, and collaboration with renowned perfumers. By creating distinctive and appealing fragrances, Montblanc has solidified its position as a leading luxury brand, offering a diverse range of products that cater to the needs and preferences of its discerning customers.

Inter Parfums Inc

Inter Parfums is also the owner of Lanvin fragrances and the Rochas brand. The company's products are sold in over 120 countries through its global distribution network.

In 2024, Inter Parfums reported a 6% increase in Q4 net sales, totalling $329 million, with full-year net sales increasing by 21% to surpass $1.3 billion compared to 2022. The company's CEO, Jean Madar, attributed this success to their "stimulating pipeline of innovative products" and "dynamic positioning within the industry".

Inter Parfums has been recognised for its success, featuring on Forbes' list of Most Successful Mid-Cap Companies for 2024, and its founder and CEO, Jean Madar, was recognised as a 'Dealmaker' in the 2023 Glossy 50 List for his leadership in the company's notable growth and strategic brand acquisitions.

Inter Parfums has been a partner of Montblanc in producing its fragrances. Montblanc, a German company founded in 1908, is known for its fine writing instruments and luxury goods. The company's first fragrance, a women's scent called Presence, was introduced in 2001, followed by the men's fragrance Starwalker in 2005, which debuted alongside the Starwalker pen and Timewalker watch collection.

Montblanc fragrances reflect the company's signature style and attention to detail, offering a range of aromatic experiences that have contributed to the success of Inter Parfums.

The Dunhill company and Richemont Group acquisitions

During the 1970s, the Dunhill Company acquired a majority stake in Montblanc. Dunhill is a British luxury house synonymous with British craftsmanship and design, leveraging a unique 130-year heritage. It was founded in 1893 in London, England, by Alfred Dunhill. The Dunhill company is known for innovation and contemporaneity in its offerings, which include ready-to-wear, tailoring, leather goods, accessories, and footwear.

Subsequently, the Richemont Group purchased Dunhill. Richemont is a luxury goods holding company, headquartered in Bellevue, Switzerland, founded by Johann Rupert in 1988 through the spin-off of the international assets owned by the Rembrandt Group Limited of South Africa (now known as Remgro Limited). Richemont owns minority holdings in various luxury brands, including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Alfred Dunhill, through which it also holds investments in Montblanc and Chloé. Richemont's ownership has allowed Montblanc to expand into larger leather goods, jewelry, and watches. Additionally, Montblanc fragrances were introduced in 2001 in partnership with Inter Parfums Inc.

Richemont has continued to expand its portfolio through acquisitions, with an average acquisition amount of $6.3 billion. In 2024, Richemont acquired a 100% stake in the Italian jewelry brand Vhernier.

Montblanc's other luxury goods

Montblanc is a German company known for its fine writing instruments and luxury goods. Founded in 1908, it began as the Simplo Filler Pen company, making upscale pens in Hamburg. The company's signature "White Star" shape, inspired by the peak of Mont Blanc, first appeared on its products in 1913. The company's first fountain pen, the Meisterstück ("Masterpiece"), was produced in 1924 and is still manufactured today. The success of the Meisterstück allowed the company to expand internationally.

Over time, Montblanc expanded its product range to include leather goods such as pen pouches, notebooks, and writing cases. The company was bought by the Richemont Group, which also owns other luxury brands such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. This acquisition allowed Montblanc to expand further into larger leather goods, jewellery, and watches.

In the 1990s, Montblanc opened exclusive boutiques and antique Montblanc pens became a hot collector's item. The company also ventured into fragrances, launching its first women's fragrance, Presence, in 2001, and its first men's fragrance, Starwalker, in 2005.

Today, Montblanc continues to innovate and attract younger consumers. The brand has collaborated with streetwear brands such as Bape and Maison Kitsuné, and its artistic director, Marco Tomasetta, has helped sharpen its focus on leather goods. The Extreme 3.0 collection, for example, includes backpacks, document cases, and bags with a more fashion-forward edge.

• Leather goods: wallets, document cases, backpacks, clutches, and bags.
• Jewellery: watches, bracelets, and cufflinks.
• Writing instruments: fountain pens, ballpoint pens, and rollerball pens.

Frequently asked questions