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Fragrance Spotlight: Houbigant Quelques Fleurs

Fragrance Spotlight: Houbigant Quelques Fleurs

Fragrance Spotlight: Houbigant Quelques Fleurs

Jean-Francois Houbigant opened the doors of his parfumery boutique in 1775, in the Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honore. 

His fragrances caught the attention of the ladies at court, and over time the House of Houbigant became perfumers to the royal courts.

Jean-Francois created Quelques Fleurs in 1775. Literally meaning “some flowers”, Quelques Fleurs was reformulated by perfumer Robert Bienaime in 1912 and relaunched as Quelques Fleurs L’Original in 1913. Bienaime composed his version honoring Jean-Francois’s original creation, with his own personal touches. It became the first perfume comprised of a multi-floral bouquet, and was a sensational success.

Up to this time, women’s perfumes were singular florals, or florals blended with herbs and spices. Quelques Fleurs L’Original became a timeless composition that is still made today, even being created in the same laboratories where Jean-Francois Houbigant composed his perfumes.

Quelques fleurs disappeared in the 1970’s as the House of Houbigant went through changes in ownership. It was relaunched again in 1985 as the version that is available on the market today.

The current composition is as follows:

~Top Notes: Bergamot, Galbanum, Tarragon, Lemon

~Heart Notes: Jasmine, Tuberose, Lily of the Valley, Violet, Rose, Ylang Ylang, Carnation, Broom Flower, Orange Blossom, Clove

~Base Notes: Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Civet, Cedarwood, Musk, Orris, Tonka Bean

It evokes a vintage feel with modern nuances. It has an elegant, powdery essence with a polished flair. It has a playful essence that will work for casual settings, and a mature elegance that makes it work for formal occasions. While there are times you can pick out the flowers as they blossom on the skin, the bouquet blends effortlessly. The warm base adds a depth that never becomes too rich.

It is said that Princess Diana wore Quelques Fleurs on her wedding day (most likely the 'vintage' version, which had only disappeared shortly beforehand), which later called attention to this scent for a new generation. 

In 2004 Quelques Fleurs Royale was released. It turned the original scent on its head, adding a sweetness that comes steps within the Gourmand category. 

The flowers were toned down, and Blackcurrant and Grapefruit were added to give a sweet and bright vibe to the opening. Vanilla, Musk and Sandalwood made up the base, adding a decadent touch that brought a flirty playfulness to the composition.

In 2017, perfumer Luca Maffei created Quelques Fleurs Jardin Secret - the Secret Garden of Flowers. This one came closer to the original version than Royale did, bringing back a lush floral bouquet, though softer and sweeter this time. Bergamot, Mandarin, and Neroli opened the scent with an invigorating freshness, while Amber and Musk added a delicate warmth. 

The floral bouquet vibe was back, created as a modern interpretation of the original perfume, and made more bright and playful for a new generation to fall in love with.

Quelques Fleurs was originally created in 1775, and became so beloved by the world that many perfumers over the centuries have recreated this scent for the world to fall in love with all over again. It is timeless, elegant, and transcendent.

You can find all 3 versions of Quelques Fleurs at Parfumerie Nasreen today! Stop in any time, or check them all out on our website.

Let us know your thoughts on this iconic scent!

Comments

  • This scent smells like red by Beverly Hills

    Robert Simpson on

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