Molinard was founded in 1849 in Grasse, Provence, in the south of France, cradle of the world's fragrance industry and it has remained an entirely family-run business to this day. At that time, Molinard produced floral waters and Eaux de Cologne, among their first customers were wealthy foreigners from England and Russia and In 1891, Queen Victoria stayed at Grasse, and bought Molinard Eaux de Cologne there.
In 1921 Molinard launched the famous Habanita originally marketed not as a personal fragrance but to perfume cigarettes, it was available in scented sachets to slide into a pack of cigarettes or in liquid form, to be drawn along a lit cigarette which perfumed the smoke with the fantastic lasting aroma of Habanita. By 1924 Molinard turned their fabulous scent into a perfume to be worn. Molinard hired famous master glass-maker René Lalique, who created and signed for Molinard some stunningly beautiful bottles. Today's Habanita bottle is a modern interpretation of an original creation by René Lalique. Molinard's Habanita is loved by women but has a huge following among men due to the masculine notes including Vetiver, Cedar, Amber, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Oakmoss and Musk.
World War II was as challenging a time for Molinard as for all of France so Molinard invented "The Prisoner's Parcel" to provide a touch of comfort to French soldiers. The company endured and Molinard celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1949. The Gentleman's Groom Room are proud to bring such a historic brand to our Dundee shop.
