Germaine Monteil, a renowned French fashion designer and cosmetician, established her own fashion house in New York. With a primary focus on cosmetics and fragrances, the house proudly bears her name.

Born in France in 1898, Germaine Monteil made her way to the United States in the early 1930s. Possessing a strong interest in dressmaking and cosmetics, she began her career as a cosmetician, eventually finding her true passion as a fashion designer. Her specialty lay in creating timeless dresses with flaring skirts that accentuated women’s slender silhouettes. Additionally, her striking prints on clothing gained immense popularity among American women. In recognition of her profound influence on the fashion industry, Germaine Monteil was honored with a Neiman Marcus Fashion Award in 1938. Sadly, she passed away in 1987, leaving behind a legacy that still inspires today.

In 1936, Germaine Monteil, together with her husband Guy Bjorkman, established Germaine Monteil Cosmetiques Corp., a company specializing in skin treatments and creams. It was during this time that her foray into the world of perfumery began. Her inaugural fragrance, initially called Laughter and later renamed Rigolade, was introduced in 1941 and enjoyed unparalleled success. This triumph led Germaine to shift her focus away from fashion design, enabling her to concentrate fully on perfume and cosmetics. In 2006, the German company Wilde Cosmetics GmbH acquired the company, further cementing its place in the industry.

During the 1940s, Germaine Monteil unveiled several notable fragrances, including Laughter, New Love, Nostalgia, and Frou Frou. The 1950s saw the introduction of Fleur Savage, Gigolo, Nouvel Amour, and Rigolade. In 1964, the fragrance Galore was launched, solidifying Germaine Monteil’s reputation as a master perfumer. More recently, the Royal Secret collection, originally created in 1935, has welcomed new fragrances. With a rich history spanning many decades, Germaine Monteil remains an enduring perfume house. The range consists of 10 fragrances that have been expertly crafted under the imaginative nose of Christiane Plos. The oldest edition dates back to 1935, while the most recent was released in 2012.