Style Edit: Henry Jacques Masterpieces: Les Toupies fragrances – a collection of six perfumes in three couples of complementary scents, all bottled in exquisite custom-made crystal flacons

Oct 20 , 2023

Fanfan and Galileo are one of the three pairs of fragrances in the Henry Jacques Les Toupies collection. Photos: Handout

Every scent created by master perfumer Henry Jacques tells a story, not just through its poetic balance of notes but in its final presentation too. Every crystal flacon is conceived, designed and crafted in parallel with the perfume it will contain. This artistry in matching crystal and scent has become intrinsic to Henry Jacques’ allure and adds an emotional dimension to the perfume experience.

Henry Jacques Masterpieces: Les Toupies – which translates as “the spinning tops” – is a first in the world of perfumery, with each fragrance conceived as part of a complementary pair that exist in symbiosis and harmony. They are housed in exquisite flacons designed to express their character, thereby evoking emotion.

The complete Henry Jacques Les Toupies collection

The design of Les Toupies also takes us back to our childhood. Each whimsical spinning top reminds us of a time in our lives when everything was simple and new and never seemed to fade, a feeling captured by the everlasting sparkle of exquisite crystal.

The detailed design of each top was developed over three years by Henry Jacques’ artistic director Christophe Tollemer. His challenge was to design a series of flacons that would all be different, complex and multifaceted, yet symmetrical.

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Bringing each top to life was a daunting task for the artisans. Strong in form yet delicate in detail, the precious crystal containers are made entirely by hand. Each one is faceted like a gemstone to capture and reflect the light and evoke the character of the fragrance within. Not bound to the past or limited by convention, the crystalline forms are confident and boldly architectural. Strong angles and clean lines are juxtaposed, allowing light to play off every angle.

Mrs Y and Mr H form another “couple” in the Les Toupies collection

The first “couple” in the Les Toupies series brings together two signature perfumes of the maison: Mr. H & Mrs. Y. Together they epitomise French elegance – its grace, style and effortless beauty. The “male” flacon is slightly larger than the “female” but when placed together, the similarities and synergies appear.

The second in the series features the truly modern No 16 and No 18 scents. Developed over two years, these inventive, evocative and avant-garde fragrances are deeply rooted in the values of classical haute parfumerie yet are unconstrained by traditional rules.

No 16 and No 81 of the Henry Jacques Les Toupies collection

Rounding off the series are Fanfan and Galileo. Housed in the most curvaceous flacons in the collection, each of these scents marries exuberance with intimate emotion, together provoking a dreamlike romantic interplay of personalities.

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Galileo’s tender yet manly scent features strong notes of patchouli complimented by youthful undertones of lavender and Italian mandarin, while tobacco, myrrh and amber awake a decadent and luxurious side. Fanfan in contrast is soft, a touching fragrance, with a rare intensity thanks to saffron and rose damascena. Despite its complex layers, it remains a very Parisian perfume, graceful and unpretentious.

The story behind Les Toupies weaves together many characters, many lives, many great romances – an experience that only Henry Jacques can offer.

Style Edit

Les Toupies, or spinning tops, are three ‘couples’ of crystal flacons custom-made for Henry Jacques perfumes by artistic director Christophe Tollemer
The three couples contain complementary scents: Mr. H & Mrs. Y, No 16 and No 81, and Fanfan and Galileo – the latter comprise patchouli, and saffron and rose damascena