Calèche, the beauty of tradition. Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès, the shop was that of a harness maker and saddler who made accessories for horses. It was in 1880 that the Hermès shop moved to rue du Faubourg St Honoré.
Released in 1961, the Eau de Toilette “Calèche” is the fragrance that brought the house of Hermès into the heart of perfumery. It is, moreover, the first women's perfume presented by Hermès. Woody floral and chypre, “Calèche” echoes the names of the brand's carriages. Composed of noble and sought-after raw materials, the Eau de Toilette “Calèche” is both natural and sophisticated. “Calèche” is one of the greatest successes of the Hermès brand, a success signed Guy Robert.
Eau de Toilette Calèche, Guy Robert creates Hermès's first women's perfume
It was the perfumer Guy Robert whom the brand had chosen to create its first women's perfume. Born into a family of perfumers, Guy Robert grew up in the world of perfumery and scents. Over the years, and through his fragrances, Guy Robert gained great renown and worked for major brands. Guy Robert was the official perfumer for the Rochas brand, and created the iconic “Madame Rochas.” In 2000, Guy Robert wrote a book titled “Les sens du parfum.” Guy Robert is also responsible for magnificent fragrances such as Dior's “Dioressence” or Hermès's “Equipage.”
Eau de Toilette Calèche, floral seduction according to Hermès
“Calèche” begins with a multifaceted freshness, namely that of aldehydes, bergamot, lemon, mandarin, and neroli, which brings great luminosity here. Originating in Persia, bergamot is grown mainly in Italy, in the region of Reggio Calabria. While bergamot has the spherical shape of an orange, it has the color of a lemon. It should be noted that bergamot is not eaten; it is used for its essential oil. Nevertheless, the city of Nancy made it its emblem and made bergamot candies famous. Back when perfumes were composed solely of natural products, bergamot served as a fixative. Today, bergamot is highly prized, mainly in citrus and floral compositions. It offers fresh, zesty, sweet, and orangey tonalities. Then, the heart of “Calèche” is intensely feminine and resembles an enormous bouquet of flowers. It is composed of rose, lily of the valley, ylang-ylang, iris, and jasmine. Originating in Southeast Asia, ylang-ylang is also called “the gold of the Comoros.” Ylang-ylang is used in herbal medicine for its relaxing, sedative properties. In the Philippines, ylang-ylang means “flower of flowers.” Highly prized in niche perfumery, ylang-ylang gives off powerful, sweet, vanilla-like, and jasmine-like tonalities. Finally, the base of “Calèche” is deeply sensual, combining oakmoss, patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood, and cedarwood. The bottle also echoes a carriage lantern. Understated, it features a shape fitted with heavy glass that gives it all its elegance.