WATCH: Behind The Beauty With Diptyque

January 1 | 4 minute watch

Words by Kerri Gordon

Originally published on | August 29

Introducing ‘Behind The Beauty’; your key to the homes, boutiques, studios, cities, gardens, offices and labs that bring to life the world’s most iconic beauty brands. Guided by the founders, formulators and leaders of the industry, we’re taking you with us around the world for a private tour that explores the origins, inspirations and day-to-day operations of your beauty favourites.

First stop, 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain: the original corner store (and previously, part night club/bar) where Diptyque was created by its three founders, friends and lovers , Desmond Knox-Leet, Yves Coueslant and Christiane Gautrot.

Guided by Laurence Semichon, Senior Vice-President of Diptyque, discover how the brand came to be in 1961, see the final remnants of the iconic Orphéon bar – and the jar of potpourri that started their fragrance journey – and step into the never-before-seen office of co-founder Yves Coueslant; home to the art, literature, collectibles and creations that make Diptyque the richly inspired and evocative brand it is today.

If smell-evision were real, this instalment of Behind The Beauty would smell like Diptyque’s iconic Orphéon and 34 Boulevard Saint Germain scents. Shop (and sniff!) them here.