Laurice Rahmé
Laurice Rahmé | |
|---|---|
| Born | Paris, France |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Years active | 1973–present |
| Known for | Founder of Bond No. 9 New York Fragrances |
Laurice Rahmé is an entrepreneur originally from France and the creator of Bond No. 9 New York Fragrances.
Early years
Born and educated in Paris, France, Rahmé started her professional journey as an antiques dealer, establishing a store located in Les Halles at the intersection of Rue Saint-Denis and Rue de la Cossonnerie.
Career
Rahmé began working with Lancôme in 1973 as International Training Director, where she played a key role in growing the company's skincare presence throughout the Middle East. By 1976, she had advanced to become Director of the Lancôme Institut de Beauté and relocated to the New York headquarters of L’Oréal USA.
Between 1989 and 1995, she spearheaded Lancôme’s expansion into the American market. Following this period, Rahmé acted as the US distributor for Creed fragrances starting in 1995, prior to founding Bond No. 9, a brand specializing in upscale perfumes inspired by New York City.
Bond No. 9
Laurice Rahmé established Bond No. 9 in 2003 as a fragrance company.
In 2011, she introduced the “I LOVE NY” collection by Bond No. 9, a limited edition line created through collaboration with the State of New York. The perfume bottles prominently display the famous "I Love NY" emblem designed by Milton Glaser.
Personal life
Rahmé currently lives in New York City.
Legal Issues
In 2012, Rahmé faced a federal lawsuit filed by two former employees accusing her of racism, alleging that she used a covert phrase to notify security when African American customers entered the premises. Rahmé confirmed employing the expression "We need the light bulbs changed" to indicate suspicious persons regardless of ethnicity, referencing prior robberies involving African American individuals. The plaintiffs dropped the lawsuit two years later due to the financial and time burdens involved but did not withdraw their allegations.
Awards and distinctions
Rahmé has been a board member of the Fragrance Foundation and was honored as "Business Woman of the Year" by its Business Advisory Council.
In January 2006, she was awarded the "Beauty/Fragrance Entrepreneur Rising Star Award" from Fashion Group International (FGI).
She received the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) "Innovator of the Year" award in November 2012.