Two centuries of history.
the origin.
A historic house.
Founded in 1827 by Mr. François-Étienne Violet, the Violet perfumery left its mark on the French cosmetics industry. Holder of several patents, including one for the thridace soap, the company won several awards during its existence. Based in Paris, and at several addresses, Violet was best known for 12 boulevard des Capucines.
an icon
Conquering European Courts.
The mid-19th century was marked by royal recognition of Violet. It officially became the supplier to Empress Eugénie and Queen Isabella II of Spain. Even today, the bee, the symbol of the Empress, is featured on every bottle. In 1858, the boutique adopted the name "À la Reine des Abeilles - Maison Violet" to establish its legitimacy. The committee of the 1867 Universal Exposition particularly distinguished the work of Louis Claye, then director of Violet, by awarding several of the Maison's products.
AN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION
After Europe, the rest of the world.
Upon the death of Louis Claye, Violet was among the ten largest French perfume houses. It was not until 1885, with the arrival of Aaron-Marc Rehns at the head of the company, that it became publicly traded. The company then entered the era of export. It could be found in the United States under the name Veolay, as well as in England, Russia, and several European countries such as Germany, Spain, and Portugal. It became an industry employing more than 250 workers in its factories.
The pillars.
In the history of VIOLET, three prominent figures have distinguished themselves through their influence and invaluable contributions to the development and renown of the house.
Firstly, François Étienne Violet epitomizes innovation and creative passion that marked the company's beginnings. As a visionary, he revolutionized the cosmetics industry by introducing numerous innovative patents and pushing the boundaries of manufacturing. His bold concepts changed the game, positioning VIOLET as a pioneer in its sector.
Secondly, Louis Claye brought "À la reine des abeilles" its touch of excellence and rigor. As a savvy businessman, his ambition was to make VIOLET a symbol of luxury and elegance. His deep market knowledge led him to publish the iconic work "Les Talismans de la Beauté," revealing his commitment to quality and attention to detail, values that endure to this day.
Lastly, Marc-Aaron Rehns embodies the strategy and leadership that propelled Violet onto the international stage. His drive for global development and expansion enabled VIOLET to establish itself as one of the leading French perfumeries. Under his guidance, the company experienced remarkable growth, becoming an essential reference.
These three personalities perfectly illustrate VIOLET's core values: passion and innovation, excellence and quality, as well as strategic vision and global influence. Their legacy continues to guide the brand's decisions today, shaping its DNA and ensuring its success in the cosmetics arena.
The end of a chapter.
After many years of economic prosperity, historical events disrupted the company’s stability. World wars, the 1929 economic crisis in the United States, and complex partner relations ultimately led to Violet's decline. The brand eventually fell dormant around 1955. It would take until 2017, when three young men revived the story, picking up exactly where it had been left.
The renewal
A new story.
In 2015, Victorien, Anthony and Paul were studying perfumery in Paris. Passionate about the great classics, they spent those years exploring the history of French perfumery — its houses, its creations, its legends.
That's how they discovered Violet.
Founded in 1827. Official supplier to Empress Eugénie. One of the most iconic houses in French perfumery for over a century. And yet, nobody seemed to remember it.
They couldn't understand how a house like this had fallen into such obscurity. That incomprehension turned into curiosity. Curiosity into obsession. Obsession into love.
In 2017, Violet opened its eyes again.
A house with a soul too beautiful to be forgotten. They didn't bring it back out of nostalgia. They brought it back because they couldn't imagine a world without it.
A shared passion
Perfumer.
Bringing Violet back to life wasn't enough. It had to be brought back to its former greatness. For a house with such a history, they wanted to surround themselves with one of the finest names in French perfumery. They called upon Nathalie Lorson — a renowned master perfumer, whose talent and sensitivity resonated perfectly with their vision. Together, they work on every creation: Anthony, Victorien and Paul bring the artistic direction, the intention, the history. She provides her art to make them real.
Life is short. Wear great perfume.
