Fragrance house

Elite

Elite began as Elite Model Management, founded in Paris in 1972 by John Casablancas. After expanding to New York in 1977, the agency developed a public identity around discovering, representing, and developing models as personalities and long-term careers. In 1983, Casablancas created the Elite Model Look contest, originally called The Look of the Year, which became a major scouting and talent-development vehicle for the brand. Casablancas sold his shares in 2000 and retired from the business; in 2004, the North American agency was sold to Creative World, owned by Eddie and Jules Trump, while Elite’s Swiss parent company was unaffected. Elite’s associated fragrance label emerged in 2006 through a collaboration with Jeanne Arthes/Groupe Arthes, beginning with Elite Model Attitude for women and men. On October 5, 2011, Coty and Elite World SA announced a partnership to develop and market a new fragrance line planned for launch in January 2012, linking the project with Elite’s modeling and fashion image and its contest.