OUR HISTORY

THE ESSENCE OF UNIQUENESS

Since the beginning, Maison Rancé's history was marked by a dynasty of Master Perfumers, who have formulated exclusive fragrances and carried on the great savoir-faire of the Rancé family, remaining true to the values of craftsmanship and prestige. For over 220 years, the House has been creating timeless fragrances, true olfactory excellences that transcend space and time.

1795 Grasse

OUR ORIGINS

It all started in Grasse, a little town located in the French Riviera. Here, given the success of his perfumed gloves, Master Perfumer François Rancé founded his perfume laboratory. His unparalleled craftsmanship in the art of distillation and mixing of essences, combined with his passion for flowers and plants, resulted in innovative fragrances that soon captured the entire nation.

1806 THE COURT OF NAPOLEON

Amongst 19th-century French nobility, no one could resist the allure of Rancé fragrances, not even the imperial court guided by Napoleon Bonaparte. The most influential people of the time started choosing François Rancé's creations, and Napoleon himself was captured by the sophistication and elegance of these fragrances. Maison Rancé perfumes thus revolutionised the art of perfumery and became a true emblem of lavishness, charm and excellence.

ITALIAN CRAFTSMANSHIP

1902 MILAN

In 1902, his desire for change drove Alexandre Rancé to move the House from Grasse to Milan, a very creative and economically active city. This revolutionary milestone marked the beginning of a new era for the Rancé family and their business. Here, French taste and sophistication became one with Italian craftsmanship and creativity, elevating their fragrances to a whole new level of mastery.

ITALIAN CRAFTSMANSHIP

In 1902, his desire for change drove Alexandre Rancé to move the House from Grasse to Milan, a very creative and economically active city. This revolutionary milestone marked the beginning of a new era for the Rancé family and their business. Here, French taste and sophistication became one with Italian craftsmanship and creativity, elevating their fragrances to a whole new level of mastery.

SEVEN GENERATIONS OF MASTER PERFUMERS
SEVEN GENERATIONS OF MASTER PERFUMERS

FRANÇOIS CHARLES (1731 - 1808)

Born from a renowned family of maîtres-gantiers, François Rancé began his career in the world of perfume distillation in 1795. In his laboratory in Grasse, he created timeless fragrances, writing down his recipes on ancient manuscripts that are still treasured by the Rancé family. Craftsmanship, passion and innovation have made him one of the most appreciated French maîtres parfumeurs. Even Napoleon Bonaparte fell in love with his creations, so much so that François Charles formulated two of Maison Rancé's most iconic fragrances for the emperor and his spouse Joséphine: 'L'Impératrice' and 'L'Eau Impériale'.

SEVEN GENERATIONS OF MASTER PERFUMERS

JEAN RANCÉ (1771 - 1838)

François Charles' heir Jean Rancé contributed significantly to the growth of the family business. Like his father, he dedicated his most important creations to Napoleon's dynasty. The original recipes of Hélène and François Charles, two iconic fragrances dedicated to the children of Napoleon Bonaparte, are attributed to his virtuous art.

SEVEN GENERATIONS OF MASTER PERFUMERS

FRANÇOIS ALEXANDRE RANCÉ (1815 - 1890)

François Alexandre, who drove the growth of the House in the beauty industry, is remembered for introducing new product lines that have completely revolutionised the Company's entrepreneurial approach. Under his guidance, Maison Rancé began producing pomades and body products that immediately won over men and women across all Europe. His achievements were honoured with a prestigious recognition during the 1855 Paris Exposition.

SEVEN GENERATIONS OF MASTER PERFUMERS

ALEXANDRE RANCÉ (1872 - 1942)

In 1902, Alexandre Rancé left his hometown Grasse and moved the family Company to Italy. This decision represented a decisive milestone for the development of the Maison, inaugurating Rancé's Italian era. He dedicated his work to the development of soap production, laying the foundations for large-scale production.

SEVEN GENERATIONS OF MASTER PERFUMERS

MAURICE RANCÉ (1907 - 1982)

Thanks to his passion, talent and innovative vision, Rancé became one of the most successful Italian beauty companies and a tru symbol of prestige, elegance and craftsmanship. In the 1930s, Maison Rancé crafted an incredible variety of iconic beauty products, from face powder and lipsticks to brilliantine and perfumed calendars.

SEVEN GENERATIONS OF MASTER PERFUMERS

JEANNE-SANDRA RANCÉ (1936 - 2018)

A true pioneer, Jeanne-Sandra Rancé lead the Company in its contemporary history. Her talent for beauty creation and innovation allowed her to create one-of-a-kind fragrances, that are still part of Rancé's collection to this day. Audacious perfumes, gender-neutral colognes and body products made with ingredients of natural origin.

SEVEN GENERATIONS OF MASTER PERFUMERS

GIOVANNI RANCÉ

Today, in its seventh generation, the Company is directed by Giovanni Rancé, current face and mind behind Maison Rancé. As CEO and Creative Director, he played a crucial role in the internationalisation of the brand, opening the Company to over 50 markets in the world.

EXCELLENCE AND PRESTIGE: RANCÉ TODAY

Today, the artisanal tradition carried on by seven generations of the Rancé family is kept alive by antique recipe books, noble essences and constant scientific and creative research within the world of fragrances. Innovation has guided Maison Rancé through the centuries, and still inspires the House's journey towards excellence and prestige to this day.

ABOUT RANCÉ

A unique and authentic journey through a universe of memories and emotions.