Rochas

The perfume brand Rochas was founded by Marcel Rochas, a man known for his handsome looks and fashion sense. In the midst of World War II, Marcel married his ballet dancer bride Hélène and created the iconic fragrance "Femme" as a wedding gift, which featured plum as a prominent note, making it the first of its kind in history. Originally a lawyer, Marcel ventured into fashion when he couldn't find the perfect dress for his fiancée, ultimately opening a fashion store in Paris at the age of 23, which quickly gained popularity among young, active women. His designs reflected a blend of simple, comfortable cuts and feminine elegance, attracting stars like Carole Lombard and Marlene Dietrich as clients. Expanding into perfumes in 1936, Marcel's success in the fragrance industry led him to refocus on developing scents over clothing, closing his fashion house in 1953 to dedicate his efforts to perfumery. After his passing, Hélène took over the reins, transforming the brand into a major company and launching successful perfumes like "Madame Rochas" and "Eau de Rochas." Despite changes in ownership over the years, including Roussel-Uclaf, Wella AG, and Procter & Gamble, Hélène remained involved as a consultant until her retirement. Today, the Rochas brand continues to produce couture fashion alongside its renowned perfumes, embodying a legacy of high-quality fragrances and timeless elegance.