Rochas was born in 1925 in Paris, when Mr Marcel Rochas opened his couture house on Place Beavau at the tender age of only 23. Mr Rochas embodied the brand, bringing a breath of youth to haute couture. He built the wardrobe of the emancipated Parisian woman in the post-war years, whilst also creating perfumes that reflected a love affair with elegance and freedom.
Always a pioneer, Marcel Rochas democratised fashion by offered haute couture at affordable prices. It was an overnight success. Women flocked to buy clothes from the man whose slogan was “‘elegance, simplicity and youth”. Before long, fragrances also became an important part of the Rochas portfolio.
Rochas perfumes reveal feminine features in all their multiple facets. Every olfactory creation submits to the woman that wears it, forming an intimate fusion with her personality. Steeped in history, the Rochas Heritage fragrances are still loved today – a testament to their quality and the way they make women feel.
Three fragrances stand out in the Rochas journey: Femme, Madame Rochas and Byzance. These fragrances are rich in history, and still today, they tell a story of elegance and luxury. Dis-Chem has recently acquired these three classic scents, which are now available for purchase in several of their stores.
Rochas Femme Eau de Toilette
In 1943, Marcel Rochas organised an exhibition, “Les Parfums à travers la Mode 1765-1945” (Perfumes in fashion), for the launch of Rochas Femme. Femme was inspired by the woman Marcel was madly in love with, Hélène Rochas, and is said to embody the essence of their passion and her femininity. The spicy fruity chypre with soft, velvety plum awakens intense sensuality. Mysterious feelings aroused by base notes of sandalwood, patchouli and vetiver, are stirred up by rose absolute, ylang and jasmine.
Madame Rochas Eau de Toilette
Many years later, in 1960, Rochas released Madame Rochas, a symbol of a generation of emancipated women who have the freedom to determine their own destinies. This is the scent that propelled Rochas to the number one status in the luxury perfume world in 1967. It is a great classic, aldehyde floral which pays tribute to elegance. The fragrance has fresh and delicate top notes, including neroli and aldehyde notes. At the heart you’ll find majestic white flowers (including jasmine) and at the base, bold amber and musk leave their lingering trail.
Rochas Byzance Eau de Parfum
1987 saw the launch of the now iconic Byzance fragrance, which promises luxury and pleasure. Byzance plays into the whimsical side of women, offering an enchanting scent that’s both mysterious and sensual. This addictive oriental floral fragrance opens with notes of pear, bergamot and sweet neroli. The lustrous beginning gives way to a lush bouquet, where rose, freesia and heliotrope blossom. To add to the intensity of these mesmerising accords, the base notes of the composition unleash voluptuous vanilla absolute surrounded by blond woods and mellow musks.
It comes as no surprise that even today, 80 years after Rochas first introduced fragrances to their collection, women are drawn to these classic, sophisticated scents.
Shop these classic scents at the following Dis-Chem stores:
Athol Oaklands | Canal Walk | Centurion Mall | Clearwater Mall | Diamond Pavilion | Eastgate | Fourways Mall | Hemmingways | I’langa Mall | Irene Link | Kathu Village Mall | Linksfield Neighbourhood | Menlyn Mall | Nicolway | Rosebank | Sandton City | Somerset Mall | Strubensvalley | Woodlands Boulevard
This post was sponsored by Rochas Fragrances.
