The beautiful and romantic Princesse Jeanne d’Albret was the mother of dashing and handsome Henry of Navarre, King Henry IV of France. She was the inspiration for the name of the Paris perfume house of Jean d’Albret, founded in 1946 by Comte Guillaume d’Ornano, the creator of Orlane Beauty Preparations.
Also in 1946, Jean d’Albret released its first fragrance, “Ecusson”, an aldehydic floral perfume. The name which means “crest” or “coat of arms” proved to be the brands most successful fragrance over the years.
Later he released an eau de cologne simply named “Classic”, as well as “Lavande”, an eau de cologne scented with lavender flowers. The youthful “Casaque”, named after a woman’s short silk jacket, brought even more success to the house, with its blend of flowers and chypre notes.
The romantic floral “Princesse d’Albret” perfume, named after his mother, propelled the house into infamy with a unique wild strawberry top note.
A men’s fragrance, “Messire”, which was notable for its coriander and rosewood notes was next on the scene and delighted the hearts of men well into the 1970’s.
“MW”, (Modern Woman), an early 1970’s fragrance for women with a light fusion of citrus, woods and spices, aimed at the young career orientated women who were tired of the overly floral fragrances that dominated the previous decades.
The fragrances of Jean D’Albret:
1946 Écusson
1948 Lavande
1948 Classic Eau de Cologne
1956 Casaque
1960 Princesse d’Albret
1961 Messire (renamed Messire de Orlane in 1980 and relaunched, disc. then relaunched in 1996)
1972 MW de Jean d’Albret (renamed MW de Messire/MW de Orlane, disc.)
In 1973, Jean d’Albret introduced “Bodylove”, a floral scented bath and body collection. It’s scent was a blend of lily of the valley, mimosa, jasmine, carnation and hyacinth.
By 1977, Jean d’Albret stopped producing perfumes and the brand was acquired by Orlane which continued to co-brand with the Jean d’Albret name in newspaper advertisements for the fragrances. Orlane released “Messire”, “Ecusson” and “Casaque” under their own brand in the 1980’s.
Source: Cleopatra’s Boudoir
See items by Jean D’Albret in our Virtual Museum.
