Heritage
A house, in its own words
The Rigaud perfumery legacy begins with Jean-Baptiste Rigaud, a French chemist from Auvergne who established his perfumery in the mid-19th century. After completing chemistry studies in his native Riom, Rigaud built his expertise in perfume creation and eventually relocated to establish his house. The company operated initially as Giraud Freres starting in 1853, later becoming Jean Giraud Fils before acquiring the Rigaud name. By 1868, the house had expanded its reach into the American market, adopting the Rigaud name for international distribution. This strategic move marked the brand's transition from a domestic French operation to an internationally recognized perfumery house. The current Jehanne Rigaud Parfums brand represents a continuation of this heritage, reestablished in Grasse as a smaller artisan house focused on the classical traditions that defined the original family perfumery. The brand name honors the Rigaud lineage while pursuing a distinctly modern creative direction through fragrances like Imperial Poudré, launched in 2015, and Lamure in 2017. The brand operates under the principle of artisan artistry, positioning itself within Grasse's centuries-old tradition of perfume-making excellence. Jehanne Rigaud Parfums emphasizes the importance of raw material quality, believing that exceptional fragrances begin with exceptional ingredients. The approach favors deliberate, unhurried creation over mass production, allowing each scent to develop through careful compounding rather than standardized manufacturing. Rather than chasing market trends, the house maintains a commitment to classical French perfumery techniques that have defined the craft for generations. The philosophy acknowledges the emotional resonance of scent, crafting fragrances intended to evoke specific moods and memories rather than simply providing a pleasant aroma. This perspective treats perfumery as an art form deserving the same considered approach as other creative disciplines.