Jean Desprez is a renowned perfumer hailing from France, known worldwide for his exceptional talent in the field. As the great-grandson of perfumer F Millot, Desprez carries on the family legacy with elegance and creativity. While the house of Jean Desprez has primarily produced the iconic perfume Bal a Versailles, the perfumer has also ventured outside the confines of his eponymous brand to design fragrances independently.
Desprez sets himself apart from others in his profession by not merely following trends but rather inventing them. His exquisite vintage classic perfumes are complemented by the expertise of renowned designers such as Paul Mergier, who has crafted the alluring packaging for his products, and Leon Leyritz, who has lent his artistic vision to the design of the perfume bottles.
The allure of Desprez’ fragrance Bal a Versailles has attracted a dedicated following, including the likes of Michael Jackson, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, Joan Collins, Elizabeth Taylor, Olivia de Havilland, Arlene Francis, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, and Britt Ekland. Since its creation in 1962, Bal a Versailles has been revered as the epitome of timeless sensuality. It belongs to the Floral Oriental fragrance category and boasts a composition of over 350 rare essences. The top notes comprise rosemary, orange blossom, mandarin orange, cassia, jasmine, rose, neroli, bergamot, Bulgarian rose, and lemon. Meanwhile, the heart notes offer an enchanting blend of sandalwood, patchouli, lilac, orris root, vetiver, ylang-ylang, and lily-of-the-valley. The fragrance rests on a base of tolu balsam, amber, musk, benzoin, civet, vanilla, cedar, and resins.
In 2002, the house of Jean Desprez broke a 50-year hiatus by launching a new version of the beloved Bal a Versailles fragrance, seamlessly merging the timelessness of a vintage classic with the contemporary needs of today’s consumers.
The latest fragrance by Jean Desprez transcends boundaries, penetrating the psyche, awakening the senses, and enticing as well as comforting those who wear it. Its mercurial nature reveals a different facet with each application, creating an ever-evolving olfactory experience. This fragrance is part of a new scent system designed to keep it fresh and relevant for years to come, whilst still retaining the seductive allure of the past with a touch of independence.
Before establishing his eponymous house, Desprez designed several exquisite fragrances that deserve recognition. In 1925, he paid homage to his grandfather, the esteemed perfumer Monsieur Millot, with the creation of Auguste Espirte de Chine Parfum. This fragrance swiftly garnered acclaim, becoming the most coveted scent in Paris. Opening with citruses, it transitions to a creamy floral heart with spicy undertones, before settling into a base of white musk, tree moss, and sandalwood.
Another notable fragrance is Jean Desprez Escarmouche, presented in a sword-shaped bottle with a golden tip and cap, adorned with a black label and a multi-colored tassel – a true collector’s item.
Jean Desprez Debutante International Edition is an exquisite perfume exclusively created for luxury brand Daggett & Ramsdell.
Jean Desprez Crepe de Chine, crafted in 1929, revolved around the essence of exclusive and highly prized jasmine. It was one of the legendary French fragrances characterized by their complexity, unfortunately discontinued due to the soaring costs of jasmine.
In 1930, Jean Desprez released Votre Main Perfume, one of the pioneering perfumes accompanied by a travel case featuring a lustrous laminated wood exterior and a satin-lined interior.
A limited edition fragrance, Jean Desprez Jardanel Perfume, made its debut in 1973. This extraordinary scent was distinguished by its “sealed wax” top and luxurious satin-lined box.
Jean Desprez 40 Love stands out among the perfumer’s rare offerings designed for both men and women. Its popularity endures even in contemporary times.
With an illustrious career spanning several decades, Jean Desprez has crafted some of the world’s most extraordinary fragrances. From the impactful Jardanel in 1917 to the mesmerizing Scheherazade, Grand Dame, Votre Main, and Bal A Versailles in subsequent years, Desprez’s olfactory masterpieces leave an indelible imprint. The house of Jean Desprez hosts a fragrance portfolio boasting 10 exceptional scents. Collaborating with esteemed perfumers such as Richard Ibanez and Max Gavarry, Jean Desprez has created an enduring legacy in the perfume industry.