Parfums Lubin
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Perfume |
| Founded | 1798 |
| Founder | Pierre François Lubin |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
Area served | Worldwide (about 30 countries) |
Key people | Gilles Thevenin (creative director), Laurent Prot (backer) |
| Products | Perfumes |
| Owner | Private ownership |
Parfums Lubin ranks among the world’s most longstanding perfume manufacturers, with roots deeply connected to the elite circles of Napoleonic France. Its fragrances have long symbolized haute couture and a mark of refined social distinction.
Established in 1798 by Pierre François Lubin, the brand initially catered to the fashionable post-Revolutionary groups known as "Les Merveilleuses" and "Incroyables," providing scented ribbons, rice powder balls, and masks. Lubin’s scents quickly became favored within the Imperial Court, notably worn by prominent figures such as Joséphine and Pauline Bonaparte. Following the Bourbon Restoration, the house crafted exclusive perfumes for Queen Marie-Amelie. In 1821, Lubin introduced «Eau de Chypre» for Russian Emperor Alexander I, a pioneering fragrance in the chypre category. By 1830, its creations were esteemed by European royalty and had begun exportation to the American market.
During the 1960s, under Paul Prot Jr., descendant of Felix Prot who had acquired the company in 1844, Lubin sustained its status as a leading perfumery. The Prot family divested the brand in 1969. Ownership passed to French firm Roger&Gallet in the 1970s before German perfume producer Mülhens took over in 1984, moving manufacturing operations close to Cologne. After Mülhens was acquired by Wella in 1994, Lubin was sold off at the end of that decade.
In the early 21st century, Gilles Thevenin—formerly Guerlain’s creative director—revitalized Lubin with backing from Laurent Prot, son of Paul Jr. Production was repatriated to France in 2004. Presently, Lubin perfumes are crafted in limited editions within the Loire Valley and retailed through several hundred high-end outlets spanning roughly 30 countries. Remaining privately held, Lubin operates subsidiaries in New York (Lubin North America) and London (Lubin Limited). Its Paris boutique located in Saint Germain des Prés showcases more than 30 fragrance offerings. Additionally, historical items related to the brand are displayed at the Musée international de la Parfumerie in Grasse, France.