Estée Lauder continues to grow its fine fragrance portfolio through strategic acquisitions. Last week the beauty giant announced that it had acquired the very prestigious By Kilian, the Paris-based fragrance brand founded in 2007 by Kilian Hennessy, heir to the Hennessy cognac company and grand-son of the founder of LVMH.
Described as “eco-luxe”, By Kilian has built a passionate global following through an exclusive wardrobe of scents that reflect Mr. Hennessy’s deep-rooted legacy of luxury and creativity, says the company.
By Kilian Pure Oud refillable spray with box retails for $395 for 1.7 oz. on the company website. Pure Oud in a 22 oz. Crystal Carafe is listed at $5,500.
By Kilian’s product offerings include fragrances, candles and other accessories, as well as exclusive collections available in certain regions. By Kilian is sold in more than 40 countries worldwide – primarily in North America, Europe and the Middle East – through immersive freestanding stores, select prestige department stores and perfumeries.
Elements of the brand’s pack-aging – including perfume bottles and candle holders– are meant to be kept as keepsakes, which is reflective of Kilian’s philosophy that true luxury should not be disposable.
By Kilian joins the other high-end fragrance brands in the ELC portfolio, Jo Malone, Tom Ford, Le Labo and Frédéric Malle.
“By Kilian is a perfect complement to our portfolio of prestige fragrances,” said Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. “Kilian has built a beautiful and sumptuous brand that elevates the art of perfume creation with elegance and uncompromising luxury.”
“Kilian’s heritage of sophistication and luxury is a terrific match for The Estée Lauder Companies,” said William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. “One of our leading strengths is the ability to identify brands with unique positioning and nurture them to realize their full growth potential. We are so pleased to partner with Kilian to continue this legacy, and we welcome him and his team to our family.”
“I could not imagine a better home for my brand,” said By Kilian founder and CEO Kilian Hennessy. “The Estée Lauder Companies not only understands the philosophy behind By Kilian – which is to bring perfumery back to the level of luxury that it enjoyed in the early 20th century – but also has the resources and support to help By Kilian continue to strategically grow by category, region and distribution. The Company has an incredible track record of nurturing entrepreneurial brands, and I’m thrilled to be partnering with them.”
By Kilian will be part of the portfolio under ELC Executive Group President John Demsey.
