THE HERITAGE
“Once upon a time, there was a man named Jacques Fath. He was obsessed with dresses.” – Jéromine Savignon, Fashion Historian and Author
The story of La Maison Jacques Fath Parfums begins with our founder, Jacques Fath.
A star French couturier of the mid-20th century, he was known for his bold, modern designs and magnetic influence on the era’s fashion. His creative vision extended beyond couture, shaping a distinctive approach to perfumery.
1912 - Early Life & Education
Born on September 6, 1912, in Maisons-Laffitte, Jacques Fath was drawn to creativity and self-expression from an early age. With fashion illustration in his lineage—his paternal great-grandparents were esteemed illustrators—his innate passion for design seemed almost inevitable. Some of his earliest memories were of the gardens at his grandparents’ home just north of Paris, a place filled with peculiar objects and unique furnishings. He often credited this enchanting environment as the source of inspiration for his creativity, artistry, and world of fantasy. He spent his childhood drawing, designing costumes, and writing plays.
Despite his artistic inclinations, he initially followed a conventional educational path, attending the Institut Commercial in Vincennes at his parents’ request. However, academia could not contain his restless creativity, and he soon found himself drawn to the world of fashion and the arts. It was within this world that he crossed paths with Geneviève Bouchet, a striking fashion model and former secretary to Chanel. More than just a muse, she became his greatest inspiration. The two married—becoming the golden couple of Parisian high society.
1937 - Jacques F. Fath & Company Established
Largely self-taught, Jacques Fath had no formal training in couture. To refine his understanding of garment construction and aesthetics, he turned to a friend who introduced him to Madame Gulbenkian—who would later become his business partner.
In 1937, at just 25 years old, Fath boldly launched his own fashion house in Paris, debuting in a modest two-room salon at 32 Rue La Boétie. His clientele initially came from his circle of affluent Parisian friends and acquaintances. Even in these early years, his designs stood out for their modernity, playfulness, and keen understanding of the female form, setting him apart from more traditional couturiers.
Fath’s innovative approach also included introducing thematic collections, making him the first couturier to infuse his work with narrative-driven concepts. This marked the beginning of a more imaginative and expressive approach to fashion that would define his career.
1939 - Building a Legacy as a Couturier
By the late 1930s, Fath’s work was thriving, offering an escape into a world of glamour and sophistication. Navigating the challenges of the era, in the early 1940s, he moved his atelier to a hôtel particulier at 39 Avenue Pierre-Ier-de-Serbie, cementing his legendary status as a couturier. Unlike the often serious and disciplined atmosphere of other couture houses, Fath’s atelier was known for its lively spirit, a reflection of his own magnetic personality. By the late 1940s, he had firmly established himself among the leading couturiers of the era, alongside Pierre Balmain and Christian Dior—who was even considered his greatest rival.
Jacques Fath’s fashion was synonymous with bold femininity, sensuality, and movement. His designs emphasized the hourglass silhouette, nipped waists, and dramatic details—embodying the essence of Parisian chic. His clientele included some of the most glamorous women of the time, such as Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, and Greta Garbo.
He was also a mentor to young talents who would later shape the future of fashion: Hubert de Givenchy, Guy Laroche, and Valentino Garavani all trained under him before launching their own fashion houses.
1945 - From Haute Couture to Haute Parfumerie
In 1945, Jacques Fath expanded his creative universe beyond fashion, recognizing that scent was a natural extension of personal style and self-expression. His first fragrance, Chasuble (1945), set the foundation for what was to come—sophisticated compositions that embodied Fath’s vision of modern femininity.
Following this, he partnered with renowned perfumer Vincent Roubert to create two legendary fragrances that would leave a lasting mark on haute parfumerie.
Their first collaboration, Green Water (1946), revolutionized the world of men’s fragrances. This aromatic citrus composition, built around bitter Orange, Neroli, and Oakmoss, was groundbreaking in its time, offering a fresh yet refined alternative to the heavier, more traditional masculine scents of the era. Even decades later, Green Water remains an iconic reference in perfumery.
However, it was Vincent Roubert’s second creation, Iris Gris (1947), that would become Jacques Fath’s most celebrated masterpiece. Widely regarded as one of the greatest perfumes ever created, Iris Gris was an opulent yet ethereal blend of rich Orris Butter and Peach, perfectly balancing powdery elegance with a luminous dreamlike quality.
Fath continued to expand his olfactory repertoire with fragrances that captured the allure and sophistication of his fashion house. Canasta (1950) was a striking chypre fragrance, named after the popular card game of the era, embodying a rich and confident femininity. Other notable creations included Fath de Fath (1953), an intense and mysterious floral-oriental composition that exuded seduction and glamour.
1954 - The Loss of a Visionary
Despite his remarkable success, Jacques Fath’s life was tragically cut short. In 1954, at the height of his influence, he passed away at just 42 years old. With his absence, many of his beloved fragrances gradually faded from production, and the house of Jacques Fath faced an uncertain future.
Yet, true artistry never truly disappears—it waits to be rediscovered. Decades later, the brand was revived with a deep respect for Fath’s legacy, ensuring that his daring creativity and unmistakable elegance would continue to inspire new generations. Today, the house of Jacques Fath remains committed to preserving his spirit, reinterpreting his heritage through haute parfumerie.
The Jacques Fath logo, adorned with a crown, scissors, fleur-de-lis, and two unicorns, carries the enduring symbols of the brand’s heritage. Steeped in tradition, it reflects the legacy and artistry that continue to define the house of Jacques Fath.