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Frédéric Malle

Les Éditions de Parfums Frédéric Malle was born in Paris in 2000 out of a publisher's idea: to sign each perfume with its author's name, like a book, and to leave that author complete freedom. Frédéric Malle, grandson of the founder of Parfums Christian Dior, ran the house until June 2024. It has belonged to the Estée Lauder group since January 2015.

Frédéric Malle perfumes

A publishing house for perfumes

Frédéric Malle, born in 1962, trained at Roure and worked for fifteen years in perfumery before opening his house. The first store opened at 37 rue de Grenelle, in Paris, on June 6, 2000, in a decor by Andrée Putman.

The principle is editorial: the perfumer signs their creation, without a marketing brief, without constraints of budget or schedule. Malle decides whether or not to launch, like a book publisher, and his role ranges from complete withdrawal to co-writing depending on the perfumer.

The authors of the collection

Musc Ravageur bears the name of Maurice Roucel, Une Fleur de Cassie that of Dominique Ropion, Angéliques sous la Pluie that of Jean-Claude Ellena: three of the perfumes from the opening year. Portrait of a Lady, Carnal Flower, French Lover and The Night followed.

At the time of the acquisition by Estée Lauder, the collection numbered twenty-one perfumes composed by twelve perfumers. The house never advertised, and its reputation came from word of mouth and the press.

Estée Lauder, and the founder's departure

The Estée Lauder group signed the acquisition in late 2014 and closed it in January 2015, without disclosing the amount. The deal followed closely those of Le Labo and RODIN olio lusso: Lauder was then building a niche perfumery division.

Frédéric Malle left the house that bears his name at the end of June 2024, without giving his reasons. He thanked the perfumers and the group in a statement; Estée Lauder stated that the house's identity would be preserved.