Perfumer
Henri Robert
Henri Robert, a renowned French perfumer and chemist, was born in 1899 in Grasse, the world capital of perfume. His father, Joseph Robert, was also a chief perfumer at Chiris, and it was from him that Henri learned the art of perfumery. In 1919, Henri Robert had begun working at Chiris alongside other famous perfumers such as Vincent Roubert, Ernest Beaux and Henri Alméras.
Henri Robert later joined Parfums d'Orsay, where he created one of his most significant fragrances, Le Dandy, in 1923. Le Dandy was a commercial floral aldehydic fragrance marketed for men, but it became popular among young women in the 1920s.
After the death of François Coty in 1934, Henri Robert became Chief Perfumer at Coty and created Muguet de Bois in homage to Coty's love of lily of the valley. With the outbreak of the Second World War, Robert moved to New York and continued working as a perfumer at Coty until 1943.
In 1943, Henri Robert Inc. merged with the Albert Verley Company Inc. Mr. Robert worked there for an unknown number of years before leaving for Chanel.
Henri Robert took on the role of Chief Perfumer at Les Parfums Chanel in 1952, following the retirement of Ernest Beaux, the creator of Chanel No. 5. During his time at Chanel, he created several modern classics, including Pour Monsieur, Chanel's first men's fragrance, No. 19 and Cristalle EDT.
Henri Robert's legacy in the world of perfumery continues to inspire young perfumers. He was the uncle of Guy Robert, a famous perfumer, and great-uncle of François Robert, another notable perfumer.
Henri Robert died in 1987, leaving behind a legacy of fragrances that have stood the test of time and continue to inspire new generations of perfumers.
