Maison Violet
Maison Violet was founded in 1827 by François-Étienne Violet in Paris — one year before Guerlain. In the mid-19th century, the house received the royal seal of approval: official supplier to Empress Eugénie and Queen Isabella II of Spain. The bee, the Empress's emblem, became the enduring symbol of its bottles.
Under Louis Claye and later Marc-Aaron Rehns, Violet ranked among the ten greatest French perfume houses. The world wars and the 1929 crisis eventually got the better of the house, which faded away around 1955.
The revival — 2017 — Three young Parisians, Anthony Toulemonde, Paul Richardot and Victorien Sirot, bought the brand and entrusted the first creations to master perfumer Nathalie Lorson. The Heritage Collection revisits the great signatures: Pourpre d'Automne, Sketch, Un Air d'Apogée, Nuée Bleue.
Commitments — Three pillars: French heritage, olfactory excellence and an eco-responsible approach. Made in France, natural raw materials preferred, streamlined packaging.
Nearly 200 years of history
Maison Violet was founded in 1827 by François-Étienne Violet in Paris — a year before Guerlain. An innovator in the fledgling perfume industry, the founder registered several patents, including one for thridace soap, and won numerous awards at major world exhibitions.
In the mid-19th century, the house received royal recognition: it became the official supplier to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, and to Queen Isabella II of Spain. The bee, the Empress’s emblem, became the enduring symbol of the bottles. In 1858, the boutique adopted the sign ‘À la Reine des Abeilles — Maison Violet’.
Under the leadership of Louis Claye (author of *Les Talismans de la Beauté*) and later Marc-Aaron Rehns, Violet ranked amongst the ten greatest French perfume houses. The world wars, the 1929 crash and disputes amongst the shareholders would eventually bring about the house’s downfall; it ceased trading around 1955, its final creation being Nuée Bleue.
The Renaissance — 2017
After more than sixty years of dormancy, three young friends from Paris — Anthony Toulemonde, Paul Richardot and Victorien Sirot — bought the brand in 2017 and set about bringing it back to life. Far from being a mere exercise in nostalgia, they entrusted the first creations to master perfumer Nathalie Lorson (Firmenich), a leading figure in contemporary perfumery.
The house was reborn with the Heritage Collection: three fragrances that take their names from historic successes — Pourpre d’Automne, Sketch, Un Air d’Apogée — and revive the spirit of the great 19th-century Violet signatures.
Philosophy & Commitments
Maison Violet’s DNA is based on three pillars: French heritage, olfactory excellence and an eco-responsible approach. The bottles are made in France, natural raw materials are prioritised, and packaging is streamlined to minimise its environmental footprint. The house embodies a spirit of refined, elegant perfumery that does not sacrifice detail for the sake of volume.
Current collections
The catalogue is now organised into two themes:
• Heritage — a fresh take on heritage: Pourpre d’Automne, Sketch, Un Air d’Apogée, Nuée Bleue, Compliment, Tanagra, Abîme, Pour Rêver.
• Icons — contemporary signature fragrances curated by Nathalie Lorson.
• Home fragrances — candles and soaps featuring compositions drawn from the same olfactory universe.
Best-seller: Pourpre d’Automne, a blend of organic rose and a refined violet — the perfect introductory fragrance to the brand’s world.
Key figures & length of service
• Founded: 1827, Paris
• Founder: François-Étienne Violet
• Revival: 2017 — Anthony Toulemonde, Paul Richardot, Victorien Sirot
• Perfumer: Nathalie Lorson (Firmenich)
• Historical honours: Supplier to Empress Eugénie and Queen Isabella II of Spain
• Emblem: the Empress’s bee
• Made in France