Calèche Eau de Toilette

From father to son, the house of Hermès gradually turned toward leather goods and perfumery. In 1951, the brand presented “Eau d’Hermès,” a feminine essence that became as famous as the Kelly handbag. In 1961, the house of Hermès unveiled “Calèche,” a woody floral chypre whose name echoes the brand's emblematic carriage.

Hermès, true to tradition

“Calèche” is the perfume that brought the house of Hermès into the world of perfumery. Hermès was the first leather goods brand to dare create a perfume, all the more so since the Hermès brand was rather associated with a masculine world. At that time, perfumes came exclusively from perfumers or fashion houses. Hermès then took a major risk by wanting to market “Calèche.” It is a tribute to the famous calèche introduced in France in the nineteenth century. The calèche is generally very elegant and, above all, a symbol of luxury. It was an indispensable “accessory” for the great figures of the time, who used the calèche for rides through the city. For Hermès, the calèche is primarily a display piece, and the house decided to take it as inspiration. The “Calèche” woman is both natural and sophisticated, innate and refined.

The aldehydic floral notes of Calèche

Hermès opted for a floral, aldehydic essence in keeping with the trend of the 1960s. “Calèche” opens with the invigorating aldehydic notes of lemon, neroli, and bergamot. These are paired with synthetic aldehydic notes, those of Chanel's N°5. The heart is meant to be intensely feminine, combining the nobility of Damask rose, the opulence of jasmine, along with lily of the valley and iris. The base is chypre and sensual, with vetiver, oakmoss, cypress, and cedar sandalwood. Like the composition, the bottle is meant to be very elegant. Slender and understated, it is the brand's emblematic bottle, inspired by the shape of carriage lanterns, used for the first time for “L'Eau d’Hermès” in 1951. Today, “Calèche” is part of the luxurious world of the house of Hermès.

A great success for Hermès, “Calèche” is the perfume that established the brand as a perfumer. “Calèche” is the story of the Hermès brand and of its world, the horse. Everything here echoes the equestrian domain, yet Hermès uses the calèche as a feminine element. Hermès was the first leather goods brand to imagine a perfume. A bold bet, a winning bet.