Estée Lauder’s Global Fragrance Innovation Headquarters to be Based in Paris

Estée Lauder reinforces its commitment to perfume. The American cosmetics company has announced the opening of its Fragrance Atelier at La Maison des Parfums, located on Rue Volney in Paris. The project, which has the support of French President Emmanuel Macron, will function as a global innovation center dedicated to olfactory creation, advanced technologies and collaboration between perfumers.

The new space, which will occupy a five-story, 21,500-square-feet building, introduces a comprehensive creation model based on artificial intelligence. The system combines an olfactory model with neuroscience through real-time monitoring of patents, research and regulations, with the aim of reducing fragrance development times by up to 50% in the coming years, the company said in a statement.

“The Fragrance Atelier is an exciting new model of creation: a space that combines creativity and science to shape the future of fragrances,“ said René Lammers, the group’s director of research and innovation.

The project also includes a space called Music Room, where perfumers from partner houses will be able to collaborate and explore new olfactory territories. Among the firms that will work in the Atelier are Jo Malone London, Tom Ford, Le Labo, Kilian Paris and Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle. Group brands such as Estée Lauder, Clinique, Aerin Beauty, Aramis and Balmain Beauty will also participate and integrate the laboratory’s technology into their development processes.

Estée Lauder posted sales of up to $2.5 billion in fragrances, below skincare and makeup

The opening of the Atelier comes on the heels of a difficult year for the company. In the last fiscal year, which ended in June, Estée Lauder reduced sales by 8.2% to $14.326 billion and posted a loss of $1.133 billion.

Skin care continues to be its top category, with sales of $6.962 billion, down 12% from 2024. It is followed by makeup, with 4,305 million dollars (-9%), and fragrances, which remained stable with a turnover of $2.491 billion.