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
aliya khan
May 3, 2015 at 11:32 am@aliyamk i would love to win one but just like all their goodies hopefully this is also to die for
Jen R
May 3, 2015 at 11:30 amI own & wear two Hermès fragrances, which I LOVE! I would have to say my favourite is Jour d’Hermès Absolu! I purchased it back in April 2014. The scent is a sensual floral & works very well with my body chemistry! I’d LOVE to add this to my collection 🙂 @whatthedamn
melek hanem
May 3, 2015 at 11:26 amNever worn Hermes but would love too.
Susan Olah
May 3, 2015 at 11:20 amI have never experienced this fragrance but would love to. @Susan_Olah
Vivian Carter
May 3, 2015 at 11:15 amI love ALL things Hermes especially Caleche (which I wore exclusively in my 20’s)!
Soni
May 3, 2015 at 11:13 amNo, I haven’t, but would love to try!
Kam
May 3, 2015 at 11:13 amNever say never………. I’d be so humbled to own this gorgeous work of art. #LeJardin #HermesParis #MonsieurLi #JeanClaudeEllena #ExquisiteScent
Sausan
May 3, 2015 at 11:12 amNever worn Hermes fragrance
Tiffany Akins
May 3, 2015 at 11:09 amNot yet! I tried a scent at a store in France but don’t know the name. Loved it dearly but it was too costly for me.
Wendy Jones
May 3, 2015 at 11:01 amI must admit i’ve never tried one but i would love too.
Debbie Stavert
May 3, 2015 at 10:59 amI am always looking for a new scent x
Pamela E.
May 3, 2015 at 10:59 amDo you know, Dave, I haven’t worn a Hermes fragrance, the reason why escapes me! When I read about the Jasmine, bamboo and lemon I know I’d like this because fragrant citrus notes are among my favourite scents for summer.
Love Pamela x
@Damnitmarjorie
Terry
May 3, 2015 at 10:56 amas per the requirement to win…..here is my blog comment.
Alison Clark
May 3, 2015 at 10:56 amAnother new one thank you for the chance to win a bottle.
sherree
May 3, 2015 at 10:55 amSampled Ambre Narguile and it was beautiful
halla_bu
May 3, 2015 at 10:54 amI’ve never worn Hermes and I would gladly try @halla_bu
@PrairiePearl
May 3, 2015 at 10:52 amNo, I have never worn an Hermes fragrance.
Jeremy
May 3, 2015 at 10:52 amMy favourite Hermès fragrance is Voyage D’Hermès… It is beautiful.
Jo-Anne Ondrus
May 3, 2015 at 10:51 amWould love to try it as have not experienced Hermes recently. It is sure to be tres bien.
Eta
May 3, 2015 at 10:45 amWould love to try @MannionKK
Rose
May 3, 2015 at 10:44 amIt reminds me of Paris….I would love some!!
Rita
May 3, 2015 at 10:44 amAmbre Narguilé! I had a sample and and I loved it! xx
Tess
May 3, 2015 at 10:44 amLove Un Jardin sur le Nil but this would be a welcome addition to my perfume collection!
@typicallytess
Eta Mannion
May 3, 2015 at 10:43 amNever worn Hermes but would love too! @redkilkenny
Kelly Commerford
May 3, 2015 at 10:42 amNo, I’ve never worn an Hermès fragrance.