Every Home Needs A Scent of Fragonard
FRAGONARD, A STORY OF PERFUME MAKING
It was shortly before the First World War that Eugène Fuchs, an entrepreneur at heart who had already been seduced by the magic of perfume, decided to set up his own perfumery based on the novel concept of selling perfumery products directly to the tourists who were beginning to discover the French Rivera’s charms. Parfumerie Fragonard was opened in 1926. Eugène Fuchs chose to name it after the famous Grasse-born painter, Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806), as a tribute to both the town of Grasse and to the refinement of 18th-century arts. Similarly, the choice of name expressed his desire to run his business in accordance with traditions.
This spirit has been loyally perpetuated by the three succeeding generations who have run and are still running the company. At their instigation new production plants and sales outlets have opened in Grasse, Eze and also Paris.
It was under the tenure of Jean-Francois Costa that the Parfumerie Fragonard went through a rapid expansion and modernization. As an avid art collector, during the 1970’s he amassed a large and unique collection of antique perfume related items that has both enriched the Fragonard and given the town of Grasse a new cultural dimension.
Today, Jean-François Costa's daughters, Agnès and Françoise preside over the perfumery's destiny, and are as concerned as the preceding generations with continuing to build the company while adapting it to current market needs and desires.
Photo by Fragonard
2023 Exhebition "PAÏSAN.O"
April 8th to October 8th, 2023
Provencal Costume & Jewelry Museum | 2 rue Jean Ossola, 06130 Grasse
In the aftermath of the French Revolution, regional particularities got stronger and Provencal costumes, with their unique social codes and functions, entered into a golden age. A tribute to harvests, nature and country folk (païsano in Provencal dialect) between the late 18th and early 20th century, the Provencal Costume & Jewelry Museum is showcasing typical rural wear alongside 19th century works by the Provencal School and in situ tableau vivant photographic works, featuring popular costumes from private collections. The exhibits echo each other, forming a meaningful whole in a region where traditional clothing remains part of 21st century living heritage.