Founded during the latter part of the Ancien Régime in the 18th Century, Maison Dorin quickly gained renown as a symbol and guarantor of feminine beauty. While perfumes first made their debut at the Royal Court in the Regency period, it was during the reign of Marie-Antoinette that Maison Dorin truly became celebrated. The house’s meticulous attention to textures and scents endeared it to aristocrats and nobility, ultimately earning the prestigious title of official purveyor to the Royal Court of Versailles in 1780.

The first Maison Dorin boutique, situated on the Rue Grenier Saint-Lazare in Paris, became a gathering place for the self-respecting noble class. It was established by Marguerite Montansier, a renowned actress with a keen eye for luxury, cosmetics, and female aspirations. This marked the inception of some cosmetic and scented products that would achieve masterpiece status and subsequently define the art of Maison Dorin.

As the perfume industry underwent a transformative shift with the advent of scientific advancements, Maison Dorin was quick to modernize its working methods. The house established the largest and best-equipped laboratories in Paris, cementing its position as an industry leader.

By the end of the 19th century, Dorin had expanded into the foreign luxury market, exporting its products to esteemed clientele in England, Russia, Spain, and America. This expansion included the opening of grandiose shops and the establishment of important factories for the production of scientifically advanced offerings.

In 1998, Maison Dorin’s journey to new heights was paved by Bashar and Imane Nasri. This year saw the creation of the Candle Light collection, in honor of Princess Diana, with all proceeds dedicated to charities supporting handicapped children. Additionally, the wonderful classic scent Un Air de Paris, originally concocted in 1896, was relaunched in 2007, followed by new variations in 2008, including Fruity, Floral, and Spicy editions. The introduction of the beautiful collections Un Air de Damas and Un Air d’Arabie also adorned Maison Dorin’s repertoire.

The revival of Maison Dorin has rekindled a commitment to core values in perfume making and a determination to infuse fragrances with a distinct personality. Excellence and quality remain at the heart of the house’s essence. Today, designer Dorin boasts an impressive fragrance base of 62 perfumes. With its rich heritage, Dorin stands as an esteemed perfume house, with creations spanning from its earliest edition in 1886 to its latest release in 2023, all artfully crafted by the skilled nose of Nejla Barbir.