PARFUMS GRÈS is a Swiss-based perfume company, owned by the Lalique Group, that continues the legacy of the original Parisian haute couture house founded by Madame Grès. The brand is renowned for its classic, elegant fragrances, most notably Cabochard and Cabotine.

Company Background and History

Origins in Haute Couture:
The brand’s history begins in 1942 when Germaine Emilie Krebs, known as Madame Grès, established her haute couture fashion house in Paris. She was celebrated for her sculptural, draped gowns that dressed celebrities like Marlene Dietrich and Jacqueline Kennedy.

Entry into Perfumery:
Madame Grès launched her first perfume, A de Grès, in 1947. Her most significant fragrance breakthrough came in 1959 with Cabochard, an iconic leather-chypre scent inspired by her travels to India.

Ownership Changes:
Madame Grès sold the perfume business in 1982. After changing hands multiple times, the company was eventually acquired by the Lalique Group (formerly Art & Fragrance) in 2007, under the ownership of Silvio Denz.

Current Operations:
Today, Parfums Grès SA is a private company headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, focusing exclusively on creating and marketing fragrances. The original Grès fashion house ceased operations after its last store closed in 2012.

Key Fragrances

Cabochard:
Launched in 1959, this is the brand’s signature and most enduring fragrance, known for its bold, leathery, and chypre accords. The name means “stubborn” in French, reflecting Madame Grès’s strong personality.

Cabotine:
Introduced in 1990, this popular green floral fragrance with notes of tuberose and ginger lily was the first to appeal to a younger audience and remains a bestseller.

Other Notable Collections:
The company has since released numerous other perfumes and flankers, including the Lumière collection and Pièce Unique, all while maintaining the core brand identity of Parisian elegance and timeless appeal.