Hermes’ Master Perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena is a national treasure in France. His expertise and artistry within the world of fine fragrance is unrivalled and his humble nature charms everyone who meets him. Spend a few moments with him and you’ll be taken by his passion for his craft. He’ll describe the scent of a rare rose at the first light of dawn and explain how the cool breeze and dew affects its wondrous scent. In 2003, Jean-Claude began a journey of the world’s gardens that resulted in the exquisite Un Jardin en Mediterranee. Buoyed by its success, Ellena began traveling the world with his note book and camera. Un Jardin sur le Nil and Un Jardin sur le Toit soon followed.
A long admirer of the harmony and rigor of Asia, the perfumer most recently traveled to China where it is said, “life begins the day you start a garden.” He discovered dozens of unique gardens all speaking the same language of fluidity and precision. It’s the same approach he uses when creating a new scent for the French luxury house. Inspired by what he saw, he approached designing this scent by creating his own garden. He imagined a retreat in which to converse with oneself and with others, and to honour one’s ancestors.
And since a Chinese garden remains unfinished until every element, be it pond or pavilion, has been named, this new garden-fragrance is called Le Jardin de Monsieur Li.
“I remembered the scent of the pools, of the jasmine, the wet stones, the plum trees, the kumquats and the giant bamboo. It was all there, even the carp in their pond, taking the time to live to a hundred. The Sichuan pepper bushes were as thorny as roses and the leaves gave off a lemony scent. All that remained was to compose this new garden, one which contained all the others.” – Hermes Master Perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena
Look closely at the bottle design and you notice a detailed creation by Chinese contemporary artist Li Xin. He created a series of paintings for Hermes, one of which was chosen to envelop, like gift-wrap, the bottle containing this scent.
I gave away a bottle of Le Jardin de Monsieur Li. Valerie Rawlings told me in a blog post comment below if she’d ever worn an Hermes fragrance.
376 Comments
coralie
April 30, 2015 at 4:20 pmNo I have not but je voudrais bien!
Valerie Rawlings
April 30, 2015 at 4:20 pmI discovered Hermes wonderfully fresh l’Orange Verte in the 1970’s and wear it almost every day. When I met my husband he loved the fragrance too and has now taken to wearing it as his signature scent. Of course I don’t mind him wearing it as it makes him smell wonderfully fresh and clean but it would be great to have a new scent from the master perfumier at Hermes to call my own. I can’t wait to get a whiff of this new one.
Ξενια Δασκαλακη
April 30, 2015 at 4:19 pmI so much would like to try it!!Thank you Dave!!@xen21das
Melissa de la Croix
April 30, 2015 at 4:19 pmIv never had a hermes fragrance before! But if it is as beautiful as it sounds then I’m in! especially if it’s got a hint of jasmine!
Wendy Nelson
April 30, 2015 at 4:18 pmSad to say that I’ve never worn an Hermes fragrance, although I was tempted to try wearing some when I stayed at the wonderful Royal Evian Spa hotel (they sold a range of gorgeous Hermes products which made it difficult to choose!).
Joanne Martin Menard
April 30, 2015 at 4:17 pmNo, I have never tried an Hermes fragrance but both Kumquat and Jasmine blossoms smell exquisite! I’m sure Le Jardin de Monsieur Li is a most wonderful scent.
Kirsty Tydeman
April 30, 2015 at 4:16 pmI am yet to wear a Hermes Fragrance and would love to try this one!
Pat B
April 30, 2015 at 4:15 pmI have never worn a Hermes fragrance 🙁 ………….fingers crossed that I have the opportunity to do so!
Thom Anderson
April 30, 2015 at 4:14 pmCalache. Very favorite
Gabrielle
April 30, 2015 at 4:13 pmI’ve worn Caleche in the past and would certainly love to try this new Hermes fragrance. @velvetwhip
Kayte CookWatts
April 30, 2015 at 4:12 pmNo, I haven’t! I love anything with citrus notes- and a flowery scent is perfect for spring!
Natalie J Vandenberghe
April 30, 2015 at 4:11 pmSadly, I have never worn an Hermes fragrance…
I’m 58-years-old, I better wear this fragrance before it’s too late!
Karen Ali
April 30, 2015 at 4:10 pmI have never worn a Hermes fragrance. Would very much love too though! Thanks Dave! @KarenAli11
Michelle L
April 30, 2015 at 4:08 pmHaven’t tried one yet – but would love to! @MBerniceLarkam
Emily
April 30, 2015 at 12:40 pmI like to wear Kelly Caleche in the winter, and I enjoy Jour d’Hermes for warmer weather. If I had to pick a favorite, I’d probably say Un Jardin sur le Toit for its crispness and for being so unabashedly, wonderfully Parisian! All Hermes fragrances are unique, and uniquely Hermes–it’s hard to choose just one!
Jean Claude Ellena is one of my favorite parfumeurs and this scent sounds inspired and beautiful.
@labeautebleue
Patsy
April 30, 2015 at 12:03 pmNo I haven’t,but I think I’ll try it out next time I’m near a perfume section that carries it,although it’s probably out of my price range :).Thanks for the contest!
Leslie Montoya
April 30, 2015 at 11:10 amI have never tried a Hermes fragrance…. I would sure love to tho!!!
– – – – @_MrsMontoya_
Guada Aveo @Narawen64
April 30, 2015 at 10:33 amToo broke to have an Hermes in my perfume rotation 😀 But this would be an awesome first Hermes fragrance addition! @narawen64
Victoria H
April 30, 2015 at 9:45 amI’ve actually never worn a Hermes fragrance but I would love to try it out!
@vhill93
Aleksandra
April 30, 2015 at 9:22 amNo, I haven’t. Not yet. @twinsneedtobeto
Pau Jose
April 30, 2015 at 8:46 amI have never worn a Hermes fragrance!! It is sad, no? I hope this time have a fragrance Hermes, kisses Twitter: @Pepirios
Melinda
April 30, 2015 at 7:17 amI have never worn a Hermes fragrance.
Zuriye
April 30, 2015 at 5:14 amI’ve never worn an Hermes fragrance.Hope I win…
perihan
April 30, 2015 at 5:13 amI’ve never worn an Hermes fragrance
Evgeniya R
April 30, 2015 at 1:29 amI’ve never worn an Hermes fragrance.
I love the scent of the jasmine. Would love to win.