Robert Bienaimé
A French perfumer trained in chemistry who created fragrances at Houbigant and later founded his own house.
France
About Robert Bienaimé
Robert Bienaimé was a French perfumer trained in chemistry. At Houbigant he created the original *Quelques Fleurs* and *Mon Boudoir*, before establishing a house under his own name.
Career
Born in Paris in 1876, Bienaimé studied physics and chemistry. In 1909 he met Houbigant perfumer Paul Parquet, who introduced him to the craft of fragrance. After the death of Paul Parquet he also took part in the company's management, bringing together laboratory work and the direction of a perfume house, and in 1935 he founded Parfums Bienaimé. In its first year, the house introduced fragrances including *Éveil*, *Fleurs d’Été*, *La Vie en Fleurs* and *Vermeil*. After his death, the brand lay dormant for decades before it was revived in 2021 under new ownership.
Creative Style & Philosophy
Bienaimé regarded composing a perfume as an artistic expression as well as a scientific task. *Quelques Fleurs*, a composition bringing together several floral impressions, remains one of the best-known works in Houbigant's history.
Signature Works
- *Quelques Fleurs* — Houbigant's multifloral fragrance.
- *Mon Boudoir* — the 1919 original, said to have been worn by Queen Marie of Romania.
Portrait: Osmothèque / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Original image unmodified.
