Jacques Heim, a prominent figure in the world of fashion and fragrance, began his family's legacy in the fur business with the establishment of the couture house Isidore & Jeanne Heim in 1898 at 15 Avenue Matignon in Paris. As the son of Isidore and Jeanne, Jacques brought innovation to the family business during the 1920s, introducing day and evening wear that showcased his keen sense of style. By the 1930s, he expanded the brand’s offerings to include perfumes, initially selling them exclusively to his female clientele, before introducing them to the public around 1945. This move marked the beginning of a new era for the Maison Heim, which, while famous for its luxurious furs, blossomed into a reputable perfume house.
Heim's journey was not without its challenges. During World War II, as a Jewish designer, he faced immense danger and was forced into hiding from the Germans. Remarkably, he managed to keep his boutique operational in Monte Carlo during these turbulent times. This resilience reflected his dedication not only to his craft but also to the survival of his family's legacy.
In the 1920s-1930s, Jacques Heim created several perfumes that were only sold to his female customers: Je Veux, Amour-Passion, Alambic, Maroflore, Esclave… He believed in the transformative power of fragrance, considering it an "invisible diaphanous scarf which completes an ensemble," a philosophy that underscored his work as a perfumer. In 1949, Jacques Heim officially founded Parfums Jacques Heim, and his first major success came with the public release of Alambic in 1945, which resonated with fragrance lovers. He continued to innovate throughout the 1950s, creating notable perfumes such as J'Aime in 1950 and Ariane in 1953. The brand continued to flourish into the 1960s, culminating in the launch of Shandoah and the first men's fragrance, Monsieur Heim, in 1966. However, Jacques Heim's life came to a close on January 8, 1967, and sadly, his fashion house ceased operations in 1969.
Distinctive features of Heim's fragrances included the striking ‘fox-head’ logo designed by the artist Sonia Delaunay, which adorned the stoppers of all his perfumes. This artistic touch not only reflected the luxury associated with Heim’s brand but also captured the spirit of an era marked by creativity and elegance. Today, Jacques Heim is remembered not just as a furrier but as a pioneering perfumer who left an indelible mark on the fragrance industry.
The perfumes of Jacques Heim:
- 1925 Je Veux
- 1930 Amour-Passion
- 1930 Alambic
- 1938 Mariflore
- 1938 Esclave
- 1945 J'aime
- 1953 Ariane
- 1960 Shandoah
- 1966 Monsieur Heim
Mariflore was presented in a "refreshing green container", while Esclave was presented in one with a "violet motif".
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