Diptyque

In an unconventional twist, Diptyque initially gained fame for their distinctive candles before venturing into the world of perfumery. Established in 1961 by creative visionaries Christiane Gautrot, Desmond Knox-Leet, and Yves Coueslant on Paris' esteemed Boulevard Saint-Germain, the boutique offered handmade decorative items and their signature scented candles. The candles quickly captivated a loyal following, prompting customers to clamor for fragrances. In response, in 1968, the trio transitioned into perfumery, introducing their own line of scents under the Diptyque name. The brand's moniker, Diptyque (derived from French for two-part), is an homage to the large diptych windows that adorned the store. While the fragrances flourished alongside the candles, Diptyque deliberately maintained an intimate, boutique-style setting, limiting their clientele to a select few. This changed in 2005 when an English investment firm acquired Diptyque, leading to broader distribution and a more expansive marketing strategy that extended the brand's reach beyond French borders.