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INFLUENCE BEHIND THE SCENES

Behind the scenes with Henry Jacques

In an industry that has become somewhat standardized, French brand Henry Jacques — a haute perfumery — stands tall, handcrafting exotic elixirs and scents to satiate even the most demanding noses. Elite Traveler ’sRoberta Naas visits the brand’s laboratory in the South of France

This year alone, the brand planted 10,000 Centifolia rose bushes

Almost four acres of land are dedicated to growing roses, a feat that takes three to fi ve years from planting to harvesting

In the region of La Motte in the South of France, just over a half-hour drive from Saint-Tropez and the French Riviera, lies a hidden gem: Henry Jacques. This incredible haute perfumery is one of the world’s best-kept secrets, as it is one of the few truly high-end, handcrafted fragrance houses that remain following a perfume exodus to more mainstream production. For just about 50 years, the family-owned company has been concocting custom fragrances exclusively for wealthy clients. With those bespoke fragrances in the Sur-Mesure (custom) service starting at approximately $111,000, the creations have only the sky as their price

limit. Everything — from ultra-rare ingredients to diamond- and gemstone-adorned, custom-made crystal bottles — is made available to ful fi ll the dreams of clients. You would think that with this pedigree, Henry Jacques would not create fragrances for the general public. But, about 15 years ago, its management — namely, the daughter of the founding couple, Henry and Yvette Cremona — opted to design exclusive luxury fragrances available to very discerning customers of the world. “I came back to the company in 2010 to help grow it,” says CEO Anne-Lise Cremona. “It has been a long path, but our motto is ‘no compromise’ and it is serious.” In fact, she says, every detail is considered and reconsidered in the making of the perfume, the opening of its 10 boutiques worldwide, the design, decor and more. “The perfume industry is huge, but most brands moved toward globalization. We understood our heritage and put our past and our passions fi rst, remaining true to being bespoke. We won’t rush anything. No matter how long it takes.” Today, the Henry Jacques’ Les Classiques line — which includes about 50 fragrances all made in limited quantities — ranges from $755 to $3,065 per bottle, depending on the fragrance and size. Of those approximately 50 scents currently produced, each Henry Jacques boutique carries several that are exclusive to that city, further culling down the availability. With headquarters in Paris, Henry Jacques previously produced its fragrances in its laboratory in the home of Henry and Yvette near Grasse, France, but recently purchased land in La Motte, where it has meticulously transformed one original building into a complete lab and workspace with sweeping views of the fi elds below. Those fi elds are planted with roses, and the brand is increasing the rose-growing production, planting specialty roses whose petals could be harvested by hand and made into a secret elixir for rose-inspired scents. Almost four acres of land are dedicated to growing roses, a feat that takes three to fi ve years from planting to harvesting. This year alone, the brand planted 10,000 Centifolia rose bushes; the petals of that crop will only be harvested toward the end of the decade.

Below Henry Jacques is an incredible haute perfumery