In 1974, Madeleine Mono, a young English woman, embarked on a journey to New York with her aspirations and dreams in tow. With a background in the London theater, Madeleine had always adorned her eyes with dark kajal(kohl) make-up from India, creating a striking and dramatic look. As she strolled through the streets of New York and worked at her beauty salon, numerous women would stop her, marveling at her unique appearance and inquiring about the origin of her remarkable eye-enhancing cosmetic.

Recognizing a golden opportunity, Madeleine Mono decided to create her own version of this captivating eye make-up. She meticulously formulated a special blend consisting of a black carbon base and select oils, aptly named Indian Eyes. Madeleine’s innovative product made its debut at Henri Bendel’s on 57th Street in Manhattan and quickly gained a devoted following. As a result, Madeleine Mono cosmetic counters were established at renowned retailers such as Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and Lord & Taylor. The success and recognition she achieved propelled her towards a promising future.

In 1978, Madeleine Mono further expanded her brand by introducing her signature fragrance, Madeleine de Madeleine. Graced with immense praise, she proudly emphasized its uniqueness, proclaiming that the world had countless fragrances, but none quite like hers. To this day, her Madeleine de Madeleine perfume boasts a loyal clientele who remain faithful to this exclusive eau de parfum.

Passionate about connecting with her customers, Madeleine Mono frequently embarked on travels to engage in personal appearances, beauty breakfasts, and media interviews. Her experiences allowed her to share her beauty secrets directly with her clientele, forging personal connections in the process. In 1981, she published a beauty book titled “Make Eyes With Madeleine Mono,” which effortlessly conveyed to women the simplicity of achieving beauty. In recognition of her accomplishments, a New York Times article labeled Madeleine Mono as one of the “cosmetic legends” of her time.

Starting with little more than an entrepreneurial spirit and an appetite for challenge, Madeleine Mono took on every aspect of her business herself. From designing and developing products to packaging, sales, and delivery, she embraced each role with unwavering determination. In addition to her cosmetics, Madeleine Mono has also ventured into the world of fragrances. She currently has two perfumes in our fragrance base, with the earliest edition dating back to 1978 and the most recent created in 2013. The celebrated nose behind these perfumes is Hugh Spencer.

Madeleine Mono’s journey exemplifies the power of ambition and tenacity, demonstrating how a true visionary with determination can carve out a place in the competitive world of cosmetics and fragrances.