Lancôme Paris is a French cosmetics company launched by Armand Petitjean, a former Coty employee, in 1935. The company’s name was inspired by the ruins of a castle, Le Château de Lancosme, and the brand’s rose symbol was inspired by the roses that surround it.

Lancôme originated as a perfume company, launching five fragrances in time for the 1935 World’s Fair in Brussels, Belgium. The company later expanded its offering to include cosmetics and skin care products for men and women. Today, the company maintains a high profile through its ad campaigns featuring top models and celebrities as captured by leading fashion photographers. A notable association with actress Isabella Rossellini lasted 14 years, and the company began featuring Rossellini’s daughter, Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann, starting in 2009. Emma Watson of « Harry Potter » fame recently advertised Lancôme’s Tresor Midnight Rose fragrance.