Hellenist is the Parisian niche perfumery house founded in July 2024 by Jean-David Jacoby (ex-LVMH, L'Oréal, Symrise), first brand exclusively dedicated to the olfactive transcription of Greek mythology. Each creation evokes a god, a hero, a myth — Le chant d'Achille, À l'ombre d'Artémis. Discover Hellenist at Soleil d'Or, Lille-based perfumery.
Hellenist was founded in July 2024 in Paris by Jean-David Jacoby (ex-LVMH, L'Oréal, Symrise), around an unprecedented narrative concept: the first brand exclusively dedicated to the olfactive transcription of Greek mythology. Each creation evokes a god, a hero, a myth — Le chant d'Achille captures the burning of the warrior in the Trojan War, À l'ombre d'Artémis the chaste light of the moon goddess. A young niche house but anchored in solid editorial expertise, that imposes a unique narrative posture in the contemporary niche landscape.
Hellenist speaks to lovers of contemporary narrative niche perfumery, who appreciate compositions rooted in classical antique culture. The house is unisex. Creations sit in the oriental, woody, hesperidic and ambery families. If you enjoy Hellenist, you will also want to explore Memo Paris (other narrative niche), Stéphane Humbert Lucas Serpent and Maison Crivelli — three other narrative author signatures at Soleil d'Or.
How to choose your Hellenist fragrance?
Hesitating between Le chant d'Achille and À l'ombre d'Artémis is natural — niche perfumery is an intimate matter. Our discovery box lets you test at home before committing to a full bottle. For an in-person experience, our boutique at 22 rue de la Clef in Lille (France) welcomes you for a guided trial with our team.
the Hellenist at Soleil d'Or, Lille-based perfumery since 1953
At Soleil d'Or, an independent Lille-based perfumery founded in 1953, Apolline and Victorine Maes (fourth generation of the family) and their team welcome you to discover the entire the Hellenist catalogue, with expert guidance and guided trials.
Free shipping & in-store pickup
We offer free shipping over €60 in mainland France, and we ship across Europe and worldwide. Live in Lille or the metropolitan area? Free in-store pickup at 22 rue de la Clef is the fastest and most economical option. Full conditions on our shipping policy page.
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.