The Estée Lauder Companies announced today that it has acquired Paris-based prestige fragrance brand By Kilian. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Show  Founded in 2007 By Kilian Hennessy, 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. By Kilian’s current product offerings include fragrances, candles and other accessories, as well as exclusive collections available in certain regions. Elements of the brand’s packaging - 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 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. This acquisition gives our Company a strategic opportunity to continue to build upon our leadership in ultra-luxury fragrances. We are very excited to work closely with Kilian and the entire By Kilian team to continue building on the brand’s terrific success.” The acquisition of By Killian adds another high-end niche fragrance brand to the Estée Lauder’s portfolio. The multinational had already displayed a strong interest in the ultra-luxury fragrance segment with the acquisition of Le Labo and Parfums Frédéric Malle in 2014. John Demsey, Executive Group President, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., will add By Kilian to his portfolio, while continuing to oversee Clinique, M·A·C Cosmetics, Tom Ford Beauty, Prescriptives, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone London, Smashbox, Aramis & Designer Fragrances, the Men’s Skincare Group, Rodin olio lusso, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, Glamglow.
By Kilian, launched by a Hennessy heir, includes pricy perfumes and scented jewelry. Kilian Hennessy at a Saks event. Photo: John Sciulli/Getty Images Estée Lauder has added another fragrance brand to a sophisticated portfolio that includes Jo Malone, Tom Ford, Le Labo and Frédéric Malle: By Kilian, a nine-year-old perfume company that operates a small but very international handful of boutiques in locations ranging from Paris and Moscow to Doha, Qatar and Lugano, Switzerland, each decorated in shades of black and white. With prices like $475 for 1.7 ounces of its "Pearl Oud" fragrance, $4,000 for a monstrously large (22-ounce) bottle of its iris-inflected "Prelude to Love, invitation" and that pulse-quickening "Price Upon Request" for a custom scent, By Kilian is definitely what you'd call a high-end perfume brand, sitting a step above Estée Lauder's other fragrance lines. At Frédéric Malle and Le Labo, a 1.7 oz fragrance goes for more like $160 or $185 to $200, respectively — though to be fair, some of By Kilian's scents do get down to $295. While that sort of pricing weeds out a good chunk of potential customers, it could do something to elevate Estée Lauder's overall positioning in the beauty business. "Kilian’s heritage of sophistication and luxury is a terrific match for The Estée Lauder Companies," said William P. Lauder, the executive chairman of Estée Lauder Companies, in a statement. That would be family heritage: the brand's founder is Kilian Hennessy, as in the LVMH-owned Cognac brand. Scroll to Continue Recommended Articles
Pieces in By Kilian's scented jewelry collection. Photo: Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images Among By Kilian's more interesting elements is its scented jewelry range, which includes earrings, necklaces and bracelets into which you can place a little perfume-soaked ceramic disk — clever, and very pretty. Estée Lauder did not disclose the terms of the acquisition. Hopefully we'll get some more information on it when the company announces its third quarter earnings in May. Subscribe to Our NewsletterWho owns Kilian?KILIAN PARIS – The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Who is behind Kilian perfume?Founded 15 years ago by Kilian Hennessy, KILIAN Paris counts today over 34 unisex fragrances across five olfactive families - all inspired by our founder's olfactive memories and his passion for nightlife, extravagance and elegance.
Is Kilian a French brand?Twisting traditional French luxury with his own audacious take, Kilian Hennessy has created his contemporary vision of French perfumery with a nod to artisans of the past. A true Master of Scent, working closely with renowned noses as he directs the creation of each fragrance.
Is Kilian designer or niche?By far the best known 'niche' brands are luxurious and exclusive brands such as Creed, Frederic Malle, Serge Lutens, Le Labo, by Kilian, Maison Francis Kurkdjian or Byredo. Although we call them 'niche', each of them has released more than 40 different fragrances and are now part of an international group.
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