Isabey

Isabey, established in the heart of Paris in 1924, owes its inception to Baron Henri James de Rothschild, a prominent figure who greatly admired and supported the groundbreaking work of Pierre and Marie Curie. Recognizing the significance of perfume as a representation of French culture, he laid the groundwork for the Société Parisienne d'Essences Rares & de Parfums on March 5, 1924. Inspired by the legendary French artist Jean-Baptiste Isabey, the brand unveiled six exquisite fragrances in artistically crafted bottles and packaging at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative Arts in Paris. The inaugural scent, 'Le Lys Noir' (The Black Lily), made its debut in 1924. This name was borrowed from a French sea vessel, commissioned by Prince de Roquelyne, that bore the same distinctive black lily emblem. The legacy of Lys Noir continues to thrive in Granville, Normandy, as a nod to Baron Henri James de Rothschild's love for sailing and the dedication of Vice-Admiral Charles Mornet and Commander Léopold Rebel, who were crucial shareholders in the company. Among the remarkable collaborations with esteemed perfumers like Jean Jacques, Luca Maffei, and Marie Shnirer, Isabey reintroduces classic scents from the 1920s in a contemporary guise. For instance, the timeless Sir Gallahad fragrance, originally introduced in the 1920s, was reissued in 2017 by perfumers Jean Jacques and Catherine Selig. In 1999, Maison Isabey Paris became part of Panouge SAS, appointing Rania Barakat Naim as the creative director—a role she continues to excel in today. Panouge, established in 1947 as "Parfums Lavarenne," rebranded as "Panouge" in 1984, signifying "Parfums Nouvelle Génération" or "New Generation Perfumes." The company aimed to be recognized as a respected Maison de Parfums rather than just a conventional perfumery. Many Isabey creations spotlight the essence of white flowers such as lilies, gardenias, jasmine sambac, and roses, crafting a delicate and feminine aroma inspired by the charm of Parisian women.