Although many people think of it as a recent development, perfume actually has its origins in antiquity. In ancient Greece and ancient Egypt, there was a wide-spread reverence for fragrance. The people used scented oils and smoke during sacred rituals and believed that they had medicinal benefits. This ancient period saw the birth of the art of perfume and the beginning of its history.
The emergence of perfume over the centuries
Although perfume first appeared in the ancient world, it wasn’t until the Middle Ages that it really began to develop. New scents from the East were discovered at this time. However, the clergy refused to allow people to use perfume; it was only used for religious rituals and by the wealthiest members of society, including royal families.
These people didn’t spray perfumes on their skin as we do today. Instead, they used pomanders to enjoy the smell of their favorite scents, worn around their necks.
An improved technique
On their Crusades, knights discovered new plants and spices, along with the technique of distillation. Using water vapor and allowing it to evaporate created a liquid with a powerful scent. This was a significant step in the development of the art of perfumery and this technique is still used today.
In the 19th century, other techniques were developed and perfume became increasingly industrialized. It was produced in large quantities and enjoyed wide-spread popularity. The first synthetic molecules were created and the vaporizer was developed. Perfume was at its peak at this time.
A history of scent
We owe our modern perfumes to the new scents that were discovered in previous centuries. During the Renaissance, musk, vanilla and jasmine appeared in Europe for the first time. At the same time, perfume became more accessible and every wealthy family took a keen interest in it. Men began working as perfumers and many shops were opened in cities. This new breed of artists started making their own creations and even produced custom perfumes. Perfumery was particularly popular in Grasse, in the south of France. Many perfumers lived there, taking advantage of the region’s quality raw materials.
Later, in the 1980s, scents became more exotic and were inspired by oriental fragrances. Patchouli was given pride of place, along with amber and vanilla. These fragrances were popular because of their sensuality and exotic appeal.
Slowly but surely, trends changed. Within a decade, these captivating perfumes were less popular; a trend for gourmand and zesty scents began to develop.
Today, modern perfume is multifaceted and versatile. There’s a wide range of scents and fragrances are increasingly unisex. Today, it’s all about developing a unique olfactory identity by wearing perfume that conveys your personality! Combine perfumes that reflect who you are and create your own olfactory signature.
More original and personal than ever, modern perfume reflects the person who wears it. Like a second skin, it helps you stand out and embodies who you are. Subtle, intense, charismatic, sweet, gourmand, refreshing: your perfume offers endless possibilities!
