In 1914, Henri Rigaud became the sole proprietor of the French perfumery Veuve (widow) Rigaud, renaming the house simply “Rigaud.” To mark this pivotal moment, he launched the iconic fragrance “Un Air Embaumé” — a name that evokes a sense of poetic beauty and escapism.
The phrase “Un Air Embaumé” is French, pronounced roughly as "uhn air ahm-boh-MAY". Translated, it means “A Perfumed Breeze” or “A Scented Air.” The words stir imagery of a soft, fragrant wind carrying the delicate aromas of blooming flowers and sun-warmed earth — a gentle, enveloping sensation both comforting and alluring. The phrase conjures feelings of serenity and romance, as though one were transported to an idyllic garden, infused with the sweet, heady scent of blossoms on a warm, tranquil afternoon.
The year 1914 was a time of profound transition. Europe was on the cusp of World War I, and the era leading up to this moment was known as the Belle Époque — the “Beautiful Era.” This period, spanning from the 1870s to 1914, was characterized by a flourishing of the arts, culture, and luxury. Paris, the heart of fashion and perfumery, embodied a spirit of elegance, optimism, and indulgence. Women’s fashion embraced fluid, softer silhouettes inspired by Paul Poiret, freeing them from restrictive corsets. Delicate silks, oriental embroidery, and pastel palettes reigned, while elaborate hats and art nouveau jewelry completed the look. Society reveled in the romanticism of theater, opera, and café culture, all against the backdrop of Parisian grandeur.
