Fragrance house

Patou

Founded in Paris in 1914 by Jean Patou, the eponymous fashion house challenged prevailing dress conventions after his return from World War I with corset-free dresses, shorter skirts, a sportswear line intended for town wear, and a monogram based on his initials. After Patou died in 1936, his sister Madeleine and her husband Raymond Barbas took over the house. Its later artistic leaders included Marc Bohan, Karl Lagerfeld, Michel Goma, Angelo Tarlazzi, and Christian Lacroix; after Lacroix’s departure, the fashion house ceased activity. Patou then remained dormant in fashion for about 30 years while focusing primarily on fragrances. In 2018, LVMH acquired a majority stake and renamed Jean Patou as Patou as part of a ready-to-wear revival, appointing Guillaume Henry artistic director; he presented his first collection in September 2019. Henry left in February 2026 after seven years, following his final autumn-winter 2026–2027 collection presented in January. In fragrance, Patou is especially associated with Joy, created by Jean Patou in 1930 to help relaunch the brand. Jean Patou fragrances are no longer in production, though some remain available through authorized outlets.