Parfums Drecoll originated as an extension of the Parisian couture house Drecoll, itself a refined evolution of an earlier fashion enterprise founded in Vienna. The original Viennese business was established in the late 19th century by Baron Christof Drecoll, a figure of aristocratic flair, in partnership with H. Kolmarch, a Belgian entrepreneur. This house, known for its elegant and sophisticated tailoring, quickly gained a reputation among the European elite. Recognizing the potential to expand the brand's reach, Pierre and Maggy Besançon de Wagner, a French couple with a keen sense for fashion and business, acquired the Viennese operation and moved it to Paris, transforming it into a distinctly Parisian couture house.
In 1902, the French Drecoll house opened its doors at 130 avenue des Champs-Élysées, placing it directly within the heart of Paris’s fashionable landscape. The couture house flourished during the Belle Époque and the interwar years, becoming a favorite of high-society clients who admired the refined, opulent style of Drecoll's gowns. As many Parisian fashion houses did in the early 20th century, Drecoll eventually expanded into perfumery, launching its first fragrances in 1925. This move echoed a broader trend in which fashion houses sought to build cohesive luxury identities that extended beyond clothing and into the realm of scent.
The perfumery division, Parfums Drecoll, quickly became known for its luxurious presentations as much as for the fragrances themselves. The house worked with prestigious French glassmakers, including Baccarat, to produce elegant and often artistic flacons. One of the most exquisite was the bottle for "Tais-toi Mon Cœur", designed by Georges Dumoulin, which featured opaque lavender glass flecked with gold dust, a detail that exemplified the sophistication associated with the brand. These collaborations reflected the high standards of both the fashion and perfume divisions of Drecoll, making their scents collectible objets d’art in addition to sensory experiences.
