Parfums de Hennessy

Parfums de Hennessy was founded in 1932 by Frank Reilly, marking the brand's entry into the world of luxury fragrances. Located at 1457 Broadway in the heart of New York City, the company quickly became a notable name in the perfume industry. To further enhance its prestige and global reach, Parfums de Hennessy also established a branch in Paris, the epicenter of high fashion and fine fragrance. This dual presence in both New York and Paris allowed the brand to tap into the sophisticated markets on both sides of the Atlantic, cementing its reputation as a purveyor of elegant and refined scents.

Parfums de Hennessy, renowned for their luxurious and artistic fragrances, launched an impressive collection of perfumes during the early 1930s, each reflecting the elegance and sophistication of that era.

In 1930, "Guernsée" debuted, followed by a prolific series of releases in 1931, which became a hallmark year for the brand. Among these were "Après Midi," capturing the essence of an afternoon in Paris, and "Deep Night" (also known as "Nuit Profonde"), a fragrance evoking the mystery of the night. "Easter on Fifth Ave" brought the vibrancy of New York’s springtime to life, while "First Night at the Empire" offered a scent reminiscent of an evening at the grand Empire Theatre.

The namesake fragrance "Hennessy," launched in the same year, embodied the brand's signature style. "Jerzee" followed, reflecting a more casual, yet still refined, character. "L'Heure des Thé" translated the serene moments of tea time into a fragrant experience, and "Le Message de Violette" carried the delicate scent of violets. "Molnar" paid homage to the famous Hungarian playwright, while "Moonlight on the Ganges" transported wearers to exotic locales. The lively "New Year's Eve in Havana" and the dramatically named "Strictly Dishonorable" also joined the lineup. "Two Hearts in Waltz Time" closed out the year, symbolizing romance and dance.

In 1932, the brand continued its creative momentum with "Jasmin," a floral tribute, and "La Defaite du Corsaire," which evoked the adventurous spirit of pirates. "Moonlight and Roses" blended the romantic imagery of roses under a moonlit sky, while "Rose Noire" introduced a darker, more mysterious rose scent. "Roses of Picardy" evoked the pastoral beauty of northern France.

The year 1933 saw the release of "Caballero," a fragrance inspired by the gallant Spanish horseman, followed by "Drezden," likely a nod to the historic German city, and "Sérénate," a perfume with a name suggesting a soothing melody or serenade.

By 1934, the brand introduced "Rose-Ébène," a re-branded version of "Strictly Dishonorable," now with a name meaning "Ebony Rose," emphasizing its luxurious depth. In 1935, "Easter Parade" celebrated the springtime tradition with a vibrant, fresh scent, while "Jardin des Baghdad" transported the senses to an exotic Middle Eastern garden.

Each fragrance from Parfums de Hennessy not only showcased the brand's dedication to quality and artistry but also reflected the cultural and romantic nuances of the early 20th century, making them timeless pieces in the world of luxury perfumery.

The perfumes of Hennessy:

• 1930 Guernsée
• 1931 Après Midi
• 1931 Deep Night/Nuit Profonde
• 1931 Easter on Fifth Ave
• 1931 First Night at the Empire
• 1931 Hennessy
• 1931 Jerzee
• 1931 L'Heure des Thé
• 1931 Le Message de Violette
• 1931 Molnar
• 1931 Moonlight on the Ganges
• 1931 New Year's Eve in Havana
• 1931 Strictly Dishonorable
• 1931 Two Hearts in Waltz Time
• 1932 Jasmin
• 1932 La Defaite du Corsaire
• 1932 Moonlight and Roses 
• 1932 Rose Noire
• 1932 Roses of Picardy
• 1933 Caballero 
• 1933 Drezden
• 1933 Sérénate 
• 1934 Rose-Ebene 
• 1935 Easter Parade
• 1935 Jardin des Baghdad

Bottles:

Parfums de Hennessy was renowned for its commitment to luxury, exemplified by its use of Baccarat crystal flacons for its exquisite perfume presentations. These bottles, crafted by the prestigious French crystal house Baccarat, were the epitome of elegance and sophistication, adding an extra layer of opulence to the fragrances they encased.

Among the perfumes that were housed in these luxurious Baccarat bottles were "First Night at the Empire," a scent likely inspired by the glamour of New York's Empire State Building; "New Year's Eve in Havana," evoking the lively spirit of a Cuban celebration; and "Nuit Profonde," which captured the mysterious allure of a deep night.

Other notable fragrances included "Strictly Dishonorable," perhaps a playful nod to the 1931 play and film of the same name; "Two Hearts in Waltz Time," a romantic scent perfect for lovers; and "Moonlight and Roses," a classic blend evoking the timeless beauty of a moonlit garden.

Additionally, "Caballero" brought a sense of masculine elegance, while "Serenate" and "Rose-Ebene" offered a more delicate and refined fragrance experience. Each of these perfumes, with their carefully curated scents and stunning Baccarat crystal bottles, reflected Parfums de Hennessy’s dedication to creating fragrances that were as visually captivating as they were olfactorily enchanting.

A stunning example of Art Deco design, the crystal Baccarat flacon featuring a crescent moon-shaped stopper recently garnered significant attention when it sold for an impressive $12,000 on eBay. This exquisite bottle, a testament to Baccarat's mastery in luxury glassmaking, was utilized for two of Parfums de Hennessy's most evocative scents: "Nuit Profonde" and "A Night in Havana."

The flacon's crescent moon stopper not only added a whimsical yet elegant touch but also perfectly captured the essence of the perfumes it held—one evoking the deep, mysterious allure of a profound night, and the other encapsulating the vibrant, nocturnal energy of Havana. The sale of this rare flacon underscores the enduring appeal and collectible value of Parfums de Hennessy’s creations, particularly those housed in Baccarat’s iconic crystal designs.

A rare Art Deco perfume bottle crafted by Baccarat for Hennessy’s "New Year's Eve in Havana" recently achieved a remarkable sale price of $8,400 at the Mastro Perfume Bottle Auction, far exceeding its expected value of $3,000 to $4,000. This striking piece exemplifies the timeless allure of Baccarat's craftsmanship and the enduring appeal of vintage perfume bottles.

The elegant design of this bottle has not only captivated collectors but has also inspired contemporary perfumery. Today, the esteemed fragrance house Annick Goutal continues to celebrate this iconic shape by utilizing the same Baccarat bottle design for their perfume "Songes." The connection between these two perfumes, spanning decades, highlights the lasting influence of Art Deco aesthetics and the luxurious allure of Baccarat crystal in the world of fine fragrances.

"First Night at the Empire" was elegantly presented in a flacon crafted by Baccarat, one of the most renowned names in luxury crystal. The choice of Baccarat for this perfume's presentation reflects the high standards of artistry and sophistication associated with the fragrance. Baccarat's exquisite craftsmanship has long been synonymous with opulence, making their flacons the perfect vessel for a perfume as refined and exclusive as "First Night at the Empire." The collaboration between Baccarat and the perfume house showcases a harmonious blend of olfactory and visual artistry, elevating the fragrance to an object of desire for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

"Sérénate," a name derived from the word "serenade," conjures images of romantic evening melodies played under the moonlight, a fitting choice for a fragrance designed to evoke elegance and charm. This perfume was originally known as "Caballero" before it was re-branded under the name Sérénate. The fragrance was presented in a flacon crafted by the renowned Baccarat, specifically design #734. Baccarat's involvement ensured that the bottle was not just a container, but a piece of art, reflecting the luxurious nature of the scent within. The use of Baccarat crystal flacons underscores the exclusivity and refinement associated with this fragrance, making it a treasured item for collectors and perfume connoisseurs alike.

"Rose-Ébène," translating to "Ebony Rose," is a name that evokes a sense of deep, mysterious beauty, blending the delicate essence of a rose with the rich, dark allure of ebony wood. This fragrance, once known as "Strictly Dishonorable," was re-branded as Rose-Ébène to emphasize its luxurious and enigmatic qualities. The perfume was presented in an exquisite flacon crafted by Baccarat, a name synonymous with elegance and sophistication. The Baccarat crystal bottle not only housed the fragrance but also served as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that defined this luxurious scent.