1924 Paris, the capital of art, literature, and elegance, this vibrant era of the “Roaring Twenties”, Isabey emerged, leaving an indelible mark on French perfumery by capturing the spirit of modernity and seduction.
Baron Henri James de Rothschild, a remarkable philanthropist, doctor, and playwright, whose deep admiration for the pioneering work of Pierre and Marie Curie led him to sponsor their research. Recognizing perfume as an embodiment of French art de vivre with global appeal, Rothschild’s unwavering support gave birth to the Société Parisienne d’Essences Rares & de Parfums on March 5, 1924. Under the name Isabey, inspired by the renowned French painter, the brand unveiled six exquisite fragrances at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative Arts in Paris. Intoxicating scents, adorned with artistic bottles and jewel-like packaging, mesmerized visitors, while the creative prowess of Isabey’s bottles captured hearts.
Guided by the visionary Rania Naim, Creative Director of Isabey, the brand continues its wonderful journey instired by the acquisition of Maison Isabey Paris in 1999. With reverence for the brand’s heritage, Rania breathes new life into its treasures, infusing the codes of the 1920s with a contemporary touch. Collaborating with master perfumer Jean Jacques, she unleashes their creativity, resulting in captivating scents crafted from the finest ingredients. Our latest fragrances, including the acclaimed “Tendre Nuit” and “Prends-Moi,” have earned recognition as the “Best Niche Perfumes” by Fragrantica’s esteemed Editors-in-Chief. Prepare to be enchanted in the world of Isabey, where passion and artistry converge in every bottle.
For nearly 100 years, Isabey has embodied an exceptional fragrance heritage. A French perfume house steeped in timeless refinement and elegance.
Discover in the captivating essence of Isabey’s vintage perfumes, timeless testaments to exceptional fragrance craftsmanship spanning generations.
The first fragrance to bear the Isabey label took its name from a magnificent French tallship commissioned by the Prince de Roquelyne in 1914 and built at Arcachon.
The vessel had barely left the Barrière shipyards when it was seized by the French authorities.
This was because of the German origins of its owner, whose coat of arms featured the eponymous black fleur-de-lis.
The Lys Noir is now based at Granville in Normandy. The name was chosen not merely in recognition of Henri James de Rothschild’s passion for sailing and boats, but also as an acknowledgment of the presence among the firm’s shareholders of Vice Admiral Charles Mornet and Commander Léopold Rebel. Julien Viard and René Lalique surpassed themselves in the creation of two luxurious bottles with a floral decoration that hinted at the heady delights contained within.
Introduced in 1924, “La Route d’Emeraude” – The road to the Emerald Triangle from Isabey was designed by Julien Viard, in a faceted bottle and a jewel-like case, reminiscent of the splendor of the Far East.
This perfume is inspired, with a touch of nostalgia, by the journey leading to the “Emerald Triangle” (Thailand, Laos and Cambodia), filled with the scents of Jasmine Sambac and blooming flowers. Many Orient lovers took the path to these faraway lands and experienced sensations that are recaptured in this re-edition of the mythical perfume. Gold leather (cordovan) effect, distinctive of La Route d’Emeraude previous designs, has been preserved. The fragrance has been slightly changed.
In 1925, Julien Viard designed for the Perfume House Isabey, a little jewel made of crystal called « Bleu de Chine ». Only few pieces of what was considered as collectors’ items, are still available; one of them at the “Museum of Perfume” in Grasse, France. The same year, Ludwig Moser designed another bottle, with a Crystal Master from Karlsbad: a dark amethyst with hand painted patterns in a lozenge shape bottle.
When the decision to produce a contemporary version was taken, it was not possible to use the original name as it was, in the meantime, registered by another company. However, the spirit of « Bleu de Chine » was captured by realizing an exceptional scent treasured in a bottle that was treated with a unique process known as “Sublimation”. The dark blue color and the unique decor have been kept on the new edition.
Launched in 1926, Le Gardénia is considered as one of the most prestigious of its kind in the world. Among the rarest sixty fragrances in the book “Scentfully Precious” of J-M Martin-Hattemberg, Le Gardénia is known for its distinguished match of bottle drawn by Julien Viard and jewel case-like box elaborated by Sorys.
Isabey Gardenia is the ultimate, splurge-worthy, Rembrandt of Gardenia Scents. Luminous and sensual, this captures the true essence of this bewitching bloom – it feels like holding the glowing white blossom in your hand.
A limited-edition of 1500 pieces of the “Gardenia” pearl – sold out – was produced in 1999 by Panouge. However, in order to satisfy lovers of this great perfume, a natural spray series was launched in 2002. The gold color chosen for this version has become emblematic of Gardenia and therefore kept on the 2017 version.
When Isabey Paris created Prends-moi (take me) with a misspell on its label as ‘Prends-Mois’ in the early 30’s, it was one of the last perfume created for North American market, with a minimalistic design. In the 30s it was a bold move to name a perfume Prends-moi (take me) but Isabey was a daring house.
Prends-moi (take me) is now relaunched among the iconic perfumes of Isabey Paris. But much more than a simple fragrance’s revival, Prends-moi (take me) is an ode to love and passion. This is why the strong and emblematic red colour, a symbol of desire, is used.
Avant et Après was part of Isabey’s latest launches during the 1930s, same as Prends-moi (take-me).
Between romance and sensuality, this fragrance is the continuation of the merge between two hearts in love. Who were they before? And what will they be after?
The way they love will be perfumed with the sweet and salty notes of Avant et Après.
The name, Avant et après (Before and After) evokes the emotion, the transition caused by a unique encounter. The bright white color of the bottle represents the purity of the moment, the luminous gold color of the plate and the ribbon are symbol of a luminous
future.
First created by Isabey Paris in 1944 in New York, Tendre Nuit (Tender night) is remembered for its romantic name, like a whisper. The poetic and flamboyant plum colour of the bottle combined with voluptuous night Rose and animal Ambrette seeds fragrance are inspired by emotions of a tender and passionate night.
“It is 3 am in Paris, she is sitting on the edge of her bed in a room filled by sensations. Love is floating in the air, sweet and sensual like a night Rose. A warm breeze from the balcony thru the room is caressing her skin. The night is tender, her life is a dream.”
Tendre Nuit was released in 2018 by the French house Isabey, although the first version was released in 1944 back in New York but it’s name was Tendres Nuits.
