Hellenist — Greek Mythology Translated into Perfume by Jean-David Jacoby
Founded in Paris in July 2024 by Jean-David Jacoby — formerly of LVMH, L'Oréal and Symrise — Hellenist is the first niche perfume house dedicated exclusively to Greek mythology and Mediterranean landscapes. 100% made in France, ingredients sourced from the Mediterranean basin, in collaboration with perfumers Alexandra Carlin, Suzy Le Helley and Pierre-Constantin Guéros (Symrise). Les Bras de Morphée — finalist at FiFi Awards France 2025.
Hellenist: when ancient Greece becomes a contemporary olfactory journey
Jean-David Jacoby: from Symrise to Greek mythology
Jean-David Jacoby built his career at the world's greatest luxury groups: LVMH, L'Oréal, then Symrise where he worked as an evaluator for 4 years — there he met perfumers Alexandra Carlin, Suzy Le Helley and Pierre-Constantin Guéros with whom he would found Hellenist. His passion for Greece is long-standing: having fallen in love with Santorini as a child, he has been returning for over 15 years. In July 2024, he launched Hellenist with a clear ambition: to create the first niche perfume house dedicated exclusively to Greek cultural heritage — myths, heroes, Mediterranean landscapes. The brand was presented exclusively at Printemps Beauté in Paris from its very launch. Within months, Les Bras de Morphée was a finalist at the FiFi Awards France 2025.
The Mythology Collection: 5 perfumes, 5 Greek narratives
Every Hellenist perfume is a chapter of the Mythology Collection, inspired by a Greek place or hero. Les Bras de Morphée — powdery iris, violet, heliotrope, vanilla and tonka bean — is an enveloping, comforting oriental, the god of sleep translated into a "cocooning" trail. À l'ombre d'Artémis — blackcurrant, bergamot, fig, rose, oakmoss and sandalwood — is a vibrant woody floral, free as the goddess huntress. Le Chant d'Achille — neroli, orange blossom, immortelle, black pepper, vetiver and white musks — is a noble, powerful muskyfloral. Les Dieux aux Bains — lemon, juniper berries, eucalyptus, rosemary, patchouli, vetiver — is an aromatic aquatic inspired by the cascades of Aphrodite and Adonis in Cyprus. La Nuit des 300 — the tribute to Spartan warriors — is the most musky and intense. The Discovery Kit (3 × 15ml) lets you explore the collection.
Frequently asked questions about HELLENIST perfumes
What does the name Hellenist mean?
In antiquity, a Hellenist referred to a person who had adopted the Greek language, philosophy and customs without being of Greek descent. For Jean-David Jacoby, that is exactly what he is: a Frenchman who fell in love with Greece as a child and has been returning to the Greek islands for over 15 years. Hellenist is therefore a declaration of love for Hellenic civilisation, through the lens of perfume.
Who founded Hellenist and what is their experience?
Jean-David Jacoby launched Hellenist in July 2024 after a career at the world's greatest luxury and perfumery groups: LVMH, L'Oréal, then Symrise where he was an evaluator for 4 years. At Symrise he met perfumers Alexandra Carlin and Suzy Le Helley who sign Les Bras de Morphée, À l'ombre d'Artémis and Les Dieux aux Bains, and Pierre-Constantin Guéros who also signs Les Dieux aux Bains.
What is the Hellenist best-seller?
Les Bras de Morphée is the most acclaimed and sought-after signature — finalist at FiFi Awards France 2025. This powdery oriental (iris, violet, heliotrope, tonka bean, vanilla) is described as an extraordinarily comforting "cocooning" perfume. À l'ombre d'Artémis (woody floral) and Les Dieux aux Bains (fresh aromatic aquatic) are the other favourites. The Discovery Kit (3 × 15ml) is the best way to test them.
Is Hellenist truly eco-responsible?
Yes — Hellenist champions a "slow luxury" approach with three concrete commitments: 100% made in France production, ingredient sourcing exclusively from the Mediterranean basin (Greece, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy), and recyclable and upcycled components. The flacons are designed with artist Carlos Amen whose Mediterranean lines make each bottle an art object. A brand that combines luxury, authenticity and environmental responsibility.