When it was launched in 1882, Fougère Royale revolutionised the world of perfumery and established modern perfumery as we know it today.
Fougère Royale was the first fougère fragrance ever created. It established a completely new fragrance family that today encompasses the most popular and successful men's fragrances. These include Brut by Fabergé, Paco Rabanne, Azzaro, Boss by Hugo Boss and Prada by Prada for Men.
Even more important, however, was the fact that the House of Houbigant was also the first perfume house capable of isolating individual ingredients from natural raw materials. This was primarily coumarin, a component of the tonka bean. Based on the history of the House of Houbigant, this outstanding classic has been successfully revived in a contemporary and elegant form. To ensure that the original formula of Fougère Royale is preserved, the House of Houbigant collaborated with the unique ‘perfume professor’, Roja Dove. He enthuses:
‘Houbigant's Fougère Royale, the world's first modern perfume, is a legend. Being asked to help create a new legend for 2010 was a dream come true. The owners of the House of Houbigant, the Perris family, have invested a great deal of time, energy and love to preserve the reputation of France's oldest perfume house. It is our declared goal to restore Fougère Royale to the success it enjoyed in the past. This fragrance is intended to be the fragrance for everyone who is discerning but also stylish. I worked with a great perfumer, Rodrigo Flores-Roux from Givaudan, to create this masterfully reworked formula. We believe we have succeeded in creating a masterpiece of the ‘Fougère’ family...’
The perfume – Deluxe Edition
To celebrate the rebirth of this inimitable fragrance in a fitting manner, Houbigant is presenting the highly concentrated perfume version (Extrait de Parfum) alongside the Eau de Parfum, which is also available in our shop. Only the purest and finest raw materials in the world are used for the Fougère Royale perfume.
The fragrance
The top note of Fougère Royale is an invigorating cocktail of sparkling citrus aromas. These combine with an aromatic bouquet of Mediterranean herbs. Lavender and Moroccan chamomile set the pace here.
The heart notes reveal floral and spicy rondeletia accords. Geranium essences, warm spice notes, precious rare rose essences and absolutes of pepper, cinnamon and clove make this fragrance so precious.
The base note captivates with earthy, woody harmonies combined with ambergris. Mossy aromas and sensual patchouli are caressed by the warmth of tonka bean and sage absolute.
The bottle
In collaboration with designer Jean-Christophe Gaydon, the classic crystal bottle originally created by Lalique at the beginning of the 20th century has been modernised. All the details from the original design have been retained, but the overall impression is more modern and ‘masculine’: each small square has been cut into the glass in a diamond shape to give the bottle more luminosity. The shoulder details of the bottle are inspired by the Art Deco style of the late 19th century. The front and back of the bottle have been curved to resemble cushions, adding further opulence.
The zamak cap
Zamak is the name given to a special zinc die-cast alloy and is very similar to the original bottle. The nickel-plated cap reinforces and emphasises the opulent overall impression. The details are reflected on the top of the cap; the name Houbigant is engraved in Art Deco style on all four sides.
Men's Collection
Since its foundation, Houbigant has perfumed the men who have shaped history: from Louis XVI to Napoleon to the Russian tsars. Houbigant's books record that Napoleon stopped at the Houbigant store during his 100-day campaign to fill his suitcases with perfume before continuing his march to regain power. Today, as in the past, Houbigant focuses on men with a collection dedicated to them, consisting of precious raw materials and sophisticated combinations.
