Eau d'Orange Verte

Hermès's first juice came into being in 1951 and was called Eau d’Hermès. Later, when the house created Eau d’Orange Verte, in 1979, the aim was to establish itself as a perfumer in its own right. A look back at the birth of this juice, which has forever marked the history of the house of Hermès.

Eau d’Orange Verte, the beginnings of a collection

When Hermès created Eau d’Orange Verte, the house wished to pay tribute to the beginnings of modern perfumery by creating a form of Eau de Cologne. This olfactory format had, for a very long time, been the only one used by men. It was thus simply under the name Eau de Cologne that Eau d’Orange Verte made its first appearance. It was only renamed with its current name in 1998. It stands halfway between a historical testimony to fine perfumery and today's know-how. Eau d’Orange Verte has an authentic, fresh refinement. Its formula is fairly simple, but the craftsmanship behind its creation is almost unmatched. It gave rise to a collection of Colognes signed by the Hermès house. Today, about two are released per year, and these juices are still eagerly awaited by the public. Eau d’Orange Verte has a scent directly inspired by a day spent outdoors. It thus drew its inspiration from shifting attitudes, as people increasingly wished to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. It almost makes one want to ski, cycle, run or gallop. In other words, Eau d’Orange Verte is meant for men and women who feel at ease and at one with nature.

Hermès's emblematic chypre freshness

It was the perfumer Françoise Caron who created this emblem of perfumery. Like any self-respecting Cologne, Eau d’Orange Verte is a concentrate of citrus. Orange takes center stage, lending the whole a tangy, citrus freshness. It is joined by mandarin and lemon. Likewise, mint leaves further heighten its freshness. Blackcurrant bud, for its part, brings more sharpness and liveliness to the whole. This is then rounded out by a juicier, fruitier character drawn from mango and pineapple. Next, a floral accord takes over. Eau d’Orange Verte reveals an elegant scent of gardenia, lily of the valley, honeysuckle and rose. The whole is worked in a very fresh manner, as if still under the effect of morning dew. Finally, the composition gradually warms, and Eau d’Orange Verte ends with a pairing of oakmoss and patchouli.