Histoires de Parfums
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.
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.