Jean Patou (1887-1936), a designer, creator and hedonist was born in Normandy, France. The family business helped him reveal his talents as since 1907 he started working with his uncle in the furs business. In 1912 he moves to Paris and opens a small fashion-dressmaking atelier Maison Parry. In 1914 he sells his entire collection to an American buyer. The World War I disturbs his career, as he served as a military captain at the Dardanelle front in 1915.
After the war, in 1919, he reopens his boutique, this time under his own name. The first fragrances were: Amour Amour devoted to brunettes, Que Sais-Je? for blonds and Adieu Sagesse for the red-haired.

The famous perfume JOY he created in 1925.

Jean Patou is an old perfume house. The earliest editions originate from 1925 and the newest ones from 2006. Jean Patou fragrances are made in association with perfumers Jean Kerleo, Henri Almeras and Jean-Michel Duriez.