The History of Lancome Cosmetics
The history of Lancome perfumes and cosmetics began in 1935, when a Frenchman named Armand Petitjean (1884 to 1970) launched his company. Petitjean was a former diplomat when he began collaborating with Francois Coty (1874 to 1904, born Joseph Marie Francois Spoturno), whose own line of Coty products established his reputation in perfume making. After Coty died in 1934, the working relationship between Petitjean and Coty's celebrated artistic director, Georges Delhomme, grew even closer and lasted for decades. Delhomme joined Lancome, and designed the elegant perfume bottles that garnered accolades for Lancome perfumes.
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Differing Perceptions
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Although Petitjean collaborated with Coty, they were said to differ in market perceptions concerning production and sales. Evidently these differences were among the reasons that lead Petitjean to leave Coty and form his own company.
Name & Logo
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Some sources say that Armand Petitjean decided on the "Lancome" name after visiting a castle, the Chateau de Lancome, in the French countryside. It is also said that his fondness for roses, which he cultivated at his country home, was the inspiration for the golden rose that he selected for the Lancome logo. Lancome was officially founded on February 21, 1935.
Inaugural Lancome Perfumes
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In 1935, Petitjean boldly launched five new perfumes at the World's Fair held in Brussels, Belgium. Lancome created the perfumes to represent the five continents of the world. They were called Tropiques, Conquete, Kypre, Tendres Nuit and Bocages. Acclaim greeted all five perfumes.
Worldwide Sales
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By 1955, about 98 countries around the world sold Lancome products. That year, Lancome introduced its Oceane product line, manufactured with enriched seawater. The same year, it seemed that Petitjean would have a successor in his grandson, Jean Claude. But by the following decade, the company was in different hands.
Nutrix Launched
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In 1956, Lancome launched Nutrix, a night regenerative cream. It was a hydrating product not just for the face, but for the hands, elbows and knees too. This product remained part of the Lancome family by popular demand, known as "Nutrix Royal Body." Besides its famous perfumes, Lancome sells a comprehensive range of make-up and skincare products (see Resources).
Recognition
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Also in 1956, Petitjean received the ultimate recognition of success when he was awarded the grand medal of honor of the City of Paris, for his contribution to the perfume and cosmetics industry, in France and internationally.
New Era
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In 1961, Petitjean spent a small fortune on building an elaborate manufacturing facility in Chevilly. By some accounts, it was money squandered because concurrently Lancome was not enjoying the same level of success as before. In 1964, Petitjean sold Lancome to the L'Oreal group and a new era had begun.
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