Madeleine de Rauch, a prominent French fashion designer, was born in 1896 in Ville d’Avray. She gained recognition for her exquisite and sophisticated clothing, known for its graceful fluidity. Initially designing outfits for herself, she quickly garnered a reputation among her friends, leading her to establish her first fashion house, named “House of friendship,” in 1928. Alongside the likes of Jean Patou and Chanel, de Rauch was considered a pioneer of the “sportswear style” during that era.

In 1932, Madeleine de Rauch transitioned to haute couture and established her eponymous couturier house, where she continued to embrace her distinctive “sporty” aesthetic while never compromising on elegance. She showcased her designs alongside well-known designers such as Lelong and Fath, rapidly gaining international acclaim and a loyal clientele. Eventually, de Rauch settled in the exquisite surroundings of the Hotel Ganay in Paris’ 8th arrondissement.

While initially recognized for her expertise in sportswear couture, Madeleine de Rauch also expanded her repertoire to include a more classic “couture” style. Fashion-forward women admired her beautiful tweed ensembles adorned with muslin veiling and her evening gowns crafted from luxurious flannel and silks. What set her designs apart was the exceptional quality of the fabrics, as well as their impeccable cut and finish.

Throughout her career, de Rauch was intimately involved in the fashion industry, whether as a friend, partner, or rival to her contemporaries. In the mid-1950s, recognizing the growing importance of mass production, she joined forces with eight other fashion designers to establish the “Ready-to-Wear Association.” Additionally, de Rauch played a vital role in nurturing emerging talents, such as a young and promising Yves Saint Laurent, whom she assisted in finding a workshop in 1961 to launch his first collection.

During the 1960s, which was an era characterized by a “grand parade of perfumes,” Madeleine de Rauch’s fashion house saw tremendous success with fragrances such as “Belle de Rauch”, “Vacarme”, and “Miss de Rauch”. Complementing these scents was a line for men titled “Monsieur de Rauch.” The renowned nose Raymond Chaillan contributed his expertise in creating these fragrances.

Sadly, the esteemed couture house of Madeleine de Rauch closed its doors in 1974. However, the enduring legacy of her six perfumes continues to enchant fragrance enthusiasts. The earliest edition was introduced in 1960, while the latest dates back to 1974, all of which bear the mark of Raymond Chaillan’s olfactory mastery.