Fragrance house

Jacques Esterel

Jacques Esterel was the professional name of Charles-Henri Martin, a French stylist and songwriter born in Bourg-Argental in 1917 and deceased in Saint-Cloud in 1974. He entered haute couture in 1953 by opening a Paris boutique whose presentations combined fashion, poetry, and shows. The Creations Jacques Esterel label was founded that year and publicly established in 1958; his 1959 wedding dress for Brigitte Bardot helped establish his name in fashion. In 1960, he launched an alliance between haute couture and department stores with Galeries Lafayette. During the 1960s and 1970s, the house developed experimental and socially responsive designs, including transformable garments, menswear skirts, and unisex collections. After his death, the label continued under the direction of his wife and daughter. In 1977, Benoît Bartherotte acquired Jean-Baptiste Doumeng’s shares and became a central figure in the company, creating its collections. In 1987, Bernard Tapie sold Maison Grès to Jacques Esterel, expanding the fashion group. Since the late 1990s, the brand has been presented primarily through a leather-goods license.