Amazone by Hermès was introduced in 1974, first making its debut in France before arriving in the United States in late 1976 as part of a limited holiday release. By 1977, the fragrance was placed into general distribution across the U.S. At the time, Hermès was seeking to expand its fragrance offerings for women, as its only existing perfume was Calèche. According to Pierre de Seynes, then director general and president of Hermès, the two perfumes were meant to provide contrasting identities: "A discreet and reserved blend of expensive floral essences, Calèche is safe and conservative, while Amazone is for the woman who does not mind being noticed." The introduction of Amazone marked a shift toward a more assertive and modern fragrance profile, one that embodied confidence and vitality.
The name Amazone was a deliberate choice, reflecting a spirit of independence, strength, and elegance. In French, the word simply refers to a female equestrian, particularly one who rides side-saddle—a practice historically associated with aristocratic women. A 1977 reference to the perfume’s U.S. launch connected the name to the amazone saddle, a side-saddle style used by Queen Elizabeth I of England, who believed that women should ride alongside men. This connection positioned Amazone as a fitting symbol for the liberated woman of the 1970s—assertive, graceful, and unafraid to take her place in the world. Furthermore, Hermès, with its deep equestrian heritage, found the name especially appropriate, reinforcing the brand’s association with refined sport and luxury.
Marketing materials for Amazone underscored its radiant and adventurous character. One advertisement declared, “Hermès' most recent perfume is an absolutely radiant beauty named Amazone. Constant flowers are accompanied by cedar and peach, mandarin and orange blossom. Follow your instincts. Indulge your desires. Abandon yourself to Amazone, the fragrance that captures the spirit of the age, the nature of women today.” The perfume was described as a symbol of free and modern femininity, drawing inspiration from the mythical Amazons—legendary female warriors said to have ruled the lands around the Black Sea.
