Heritage
A house, in its own words
Jean‑Charles Sommerard and Szajna Zinenberg founded Maie Piou in late 2023, driven by a desire to break conventional fragrance rules. The name stems from a personal anecdote: a tiny bird fell from its nest and landed in Sommerard’s life, a story the founders shared in interviews. Their first offering, the Ambrogyne collection, arrived in December 2023 and presented five unisex fragrances that mixed oriental motifs with contemporary twists. In 2024 the house expanded its lineup with Leathery Flesh, Wood You, Bloody Neroli, Cherry Harley, Banana Oud and Honey Queen, demonstrating a rapid creative output. That same year, Sommerard partnered with professional oboist‑turned‑perfumer Clémentine Humeau for the Ambrogyne 2 collection, highlighting the brand’s willingness to collaborate across artistic disciplines. Maie Piou secured a place in the Osmotheca perfume museum, a milestone that signals recognition from the broader fragrance community. By 2025 the brand introduced Oud Baguette, Ambery Glove, Apricot Uppercut and Blind Whisky, reinforcing its reputation for daring note pairings and consistent releases. Throughout its short history, Maie Piou has maintained a focus on unisex compositions, environmental awareness and a narrative‑driven approach, carving a distinct niche within the competitive perfume landscape. Maie Piou frames fragrance as a mindset rather than a product. The founders describe the house as an artistic, environmentally conscious platform that encourages wearers to connect with themselves and others through scent. Their philosophy emphasizes freedom of expression, urging creators to follow true desires without being confined by market trends. Each perfume aims to balance boldness with restraint, a principle articulated by Sommerard, who walks the line between daring note combinations and subtle composition. The brand also values collaboration, inviting musicians, visual artists and other creatives to contribute to its olfactory narratives. Sustainability informs ingredient choices and packaging, reflecting a broader commitment to responsible creation. By treating perfume as a personal story, Maie Piou seeks to give each wearer a sense of agency and emotional resonance.