Perfumery Maison Desti was founded by Madame Mary "Desti" Dempsey (1871–1931), a fascinating and multifaceted woman whose ventures spanned art, beauty, and literature. Born on October 10, 1871, in Quebec, Canada, Desti made her mark as the proprietor of the Maison Desti Beauty Products cosmetics firm. Her entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond cosmetics; she also operated a sophisticated New York City studio located at 603 Fifth Avenue. This space offered an eclectic array of art objects, perfumes, and fashionable items such as batik scarves, catering to a clientele that valued creativity and refinement.
Desti's personal life was as remarkable as her professional achievements. She was the mother of Preston Sturges, the celebrated Hollywood screenwriter and director. Additionally, she shared a close, enduring friendship with the iconic dancer and choreographer Isadora Duncan, serving as Duncan's confidante for over two decades. This profound connection inspired Desti to pen The Untold Story: The Life of Isadora Duncan, 1921–1927, a memoir published in 1929 that shed light on the latter years of Duncan's extraordinary life.
Through her artistic pursuits and vibrant social circle, Mary Desti left an indelible legacy, blending the worlds of beauty, culture, and storytelling.
