Estée Lauder has taken a significant step forward in the luxury fragrance market with the launch of “Les Éternels de Balmain”, an exquisite collection of eight gender-neutral fragrances under the newly formed Balmain Beauty brand. This marks the debut of the joint venture between Estée Lauder and the iconic French fashion house Balmain, which was established in 2022. The collection is now available for purchase through Balmain's dedicated e-commerce platform and select boutiques.
The collection is a blend of heritage and innovation. Balmain’s creative director, Olivier Rousteing, has drawn inspiration from the brand's storied past, reviving four classic fragrances from the archives—Vent Vert, Ivoire, Ébène, and Carbone. These legacy scents have been reimagined with a contemporary flair, blending tradition with modernity. In addition to these, four entirely new creations—Sel d’Ambre, Rouge, Bronze, and Bleu Infini—complete the collection, offering a diverse range of olfactory experiences that reflect the brand’s rich history and forward-thinking vision.
Fragrance Composition:
A Symphony of Exquisite Ingredients
Each fragrance in Les Éternels de Balmain is crafted with meticulously chosen ingredients, creating a unique olfactory signature that embodies the essence of luxury and sophistication.
Vent Vert: A revitalized classic, Vent Vert is known for its green, crisp notes, characterized by the refreshing essence of galbanum, supported by citrusy undertones of lemon and bergamot. The heart of the fragrance features a bouquet of floral notes, including hyacinth and rose, with a base of earthy vetiver and oakmoss, bringing depth and complexity.
Ivoire presents a softer, powdery profile, beginning with bright, sparkling notes of mandarin and violet leaf. The heart is a delicate blend of rose, ylang-ylang, and jasmine, creating an elegant floral bouquet, while the base notes of sandalwood, vetiver, and patchouli provide a warm, grounding finish.
Ébène - This fragrance is a rich and smoky experience, with dominant notes of ebony wood and smoky incense. The scent opens with spicy accents of pepper and nutmeg, leading into a heart of myrrh and labdanum, which are enveloped in the deep warmth of cedarwood and leather in the base.
Carbone - An intense, masculine-leaning scent, Carbone is built around the robust, dark notes of black pepper and elemi resin. The fragrance’s heart reveals a striking mix of lavender and tonka bean, softened by the sweet yet resinous base of benzoin and amber.
The new creations bring fresh perspectives to Balmain’s fragrance offerings:
Sel d’Ambre A tribute to the ocean’s allure, Sel d’Ambre opens with marine notes of sea salt and bergamot. The fragrance evolves into a heart of ambergris and labdanum, which mingle with warm, sun-kissed woods and musk, evoking the essence of a seaside escape.
Rouge - This vibrant fragrance is a celebration of bold, red fruits and spices. It opens with notes of raspberry and red currant, balanced by the spiciness of pink pepper. The heart is a floral mix of rose and saffron, which rests on a base of patchouli and creamy vanilla, adding depth and sensuality.
Bronze is a warm, inviting fragrance, reminiscent of sun-drenched afternoons. It features top notes of bergamot and mandarin, transitioning into a heart of creamy sandalwood and fig. The base is a comforting blend of tonka bean and golden amber, giving the fragrance a lasting warmth.
Bleu Infini - A nod to the deep blue sea, Bleu Infini is fresh yet mysterious, with top notes of fresh mint and lemon. The heart of the fragrance reveals the aquatic depth of sea notes and blue iris, while the base of cedarwood and vetiver adds an earthy, grounded finish.
Strategic Significance and Future Outlook
The launch of Les Éternels de Balmain is a pivotal moment for both Balmain and Estée Lauder, particularly at a time when fragrance sales have been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging earnings landscape for Estée Lauder Companies (ELC). The success of luxury fragrance lines like Tom Ford Beauty, Le Labo, Frederic Malle, and Jo Malone London has demonstrated the growing consumer appetite for high-end, niche perfumes. Balmain Beauty is poised to tap into this market, bringing the fashion house’s distinctive blend of heritage and innovation to fragrance connoisseurs worldwide.
Matteo Sgarbossa, CEO of Balmain, highlighted the strategic importance of this partnership in a recent press release, describing it as an "obvious embodiment" of Balmain's commitment to future-proofing its brand and maximizing cross-category opportunities. "With this partnership, the house begins a new chapter, making very clear to all our commitment to maximizing cross-category possibilities… [we are] determined to fully realize this house’s potential to become a true leader in the luxury world," Sgarbossa stated.
As Balmain Beauty embarks on this new chapter, the launch of Les Éternels de Balmain not only cements the brand’s legacy in the fragrance world but also sets the stage for future innovations that will undoubtedly solidify its position as a leader in luxury beauty.
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