History Jean-François Houbigant

madame houbigant, born nicole adéläide deschamps (merry-joseph blondel, c. 1807)

jean-françois houbigant become master perfumer under tutelage of future father-in-law, allowing him open shop , sell own products. chose trendy area , street new mansions under construction, such hotel d’Évreux (which later became elysée palace), hotel beauvau, , hotel edmond de rothschild. age 23 @ time, rented boutique on street , took trademark phrase: “houbigant perfume merchant, glove manufacturer, , creator of powders, ointments, , highest-quality blush; makes , sells assorted wedding , christening baskets”.

his ledger 1777 1782 shows nobility came shop, such duchess of charost (of course), knight jean de manville, viscountess of st. hermine, marquis of la rochelambert, viscount of choiseul, marquise of erneville, father of osmond, , countess of matignon. having established business, in june 1781 married nicole adéläide deschamps. couple waited until 1790 have child, armand gustave, unfortunately did not follow family trade.

the history of france took sharp turn during french revolution (1789–1799), jean-françois’ business came out unscathed. subsequent years brought avalanche of change: first republic in 1792, reign of terror in 1793, national convention in 1794, directory in 1795, french consulate in 1799, concordat of 1801, , establishment of first french empire napoleon in 1804. interest in perfumes , powders did not weaken during time, , clientele changed, jean-françois adapted business.

on 22 october 1807, jean-françois houbigant died @ age of 55, without knowing name go down in history. left thriving business wife , son. in order continue work of late husband , because of statutes in profession, nicole adelaide had no choice marry chief clerk of store.