Histoires de Parfums is a fragrance house that brings stories to life through scent. Founded by Gérald Ghislain in the early 2000s, the brand goes beyond conventional perfumery, offering an olfactive library that narrates tales of legendary characters, significant years, poetry, and musical ensembles. Each fragrance crafted by Histoires de Parfums is an immersive experience waiting to be discovered on the skin.
The commedia unfolds under a heavenly veil of ylang and artemisia swept over by the psychedelic warmth of jasmine and incense. Forbidden fruits, plump lips drenched in liquorous rum, skins of amber and ebony: fine is the line from heaven to hell… A tale of vice and virtue, of heaven and hell, of lust and ecstasy. Inspired by La Divina Commedia, by Dante Alighieri.
A heady blend of powdered lipstick and sparkling tangerine where plum has the sweet plumpness of a shoulder, where bodies brush against each other in a cloud of feathers, sequins and anticipation.
1969, an erotic year… This perfume represents the sexual revolution and evokes an intense sensuality, accentuated by white musk and intense chocolate.
A mysterious whisper, between the hallowed purity of frankincense and the mystical warmth of precious balsams, Encens Roi is an ode to the most scented and ancient of offerings.
The mythical characters of yore are brought back to life by Gérald Ghislain who created a fragrance for each of them, bringing along George Sand, Jules Verne, Casanova with the sublime figures of Mata Hari and Empress Eugénie to create a gallery of personalities in full colour: the epic, the classic, the erotic, the romantic. The moods and faces are endless…
Davana, cistus labdanum and patchouli unveil the depth of their woodsy notes to evoke a charismatic nature along with an intoxicating seduction.
This fragrant expression is a tribute to the most beautiful verse of the Occident and the most beautiful prose of the Orient. The Three Golds Symbols of eternity, wisdom and love. Three beloved, scented poems that touch the heart of gold’s mysterious and sensual nature make up a secret collection with life’s treasures unveiled.
All the glowing and profound demeanour of a rose strengthened by oud to summon perfect love.
Born in Morocco and raised in the south of France, Ghislain grew up surrounded by the rich scents of the Mediterranean. His journey into the sensory arts began in the kitchen, where he refined his palate and developed his olfactory skills through gastronomy. By the age of 22, he had opened his first restaurant, and by the late 1990s, he was a successful restaurateur with two establishments in Paris. Recognising the power of scent to evoke memories and emotions, Ghislain shifted his focus from crafting recipes to composing perfumes.
”I come from the world of gastronomy, closely linked to that of perfume. In both cases, we elevate nature.“
— Gerald Ghislain, founder
After completing his training at ISIPCA, a prestigious French school of perfumery, Ghislain launched Histoires de Parfums in 2000. At a time when niche perfumery was still in its infancy, his vision was clear: to create a collection of rare and delicate fragrances that reflected his passionate nature and romantic spirit. Over the past two decades, Histoires de Parfums has established itself as a teller of stories in the niche perfumery industry. With a single spritz one can encounter extraordinary characters, explore rare and precious ingredients, and delight in the poetry of both the Orient and the Occident. As Ghislain puts it:
”My perfumes have never been about a quest for the most beautiful scent, but always for the most beautiful emotion.”
Continuing to draw inspiration from his global travels and encounters, Ghislain is now setting his sights on the United States. There, he aims to tap into emerging trends and redefine the concept of ‘reasonable’ perfumery—a term he prefers over ‘sustainable’ as it reflects a more balanced and honest approach to production. At nearly 60 years old, Ghislain remains as passionate and committed as ever to his craft, balancing a thoughtful approach to business with an unbridled enthusiasm for creative exploration.
Each fragrance by Histoires de Parfums offers itself as a vessel to travel through time, space, and emotion, guided by the boundless imagination and passionate spirit of Gérald Ghislain. Each bottle is an invitation to step into a new narrative—one that is equally captivating as it is unforgettable.
