Heritage
Our history is rich with countless brand milestones and innovative launches.
How it all began.
In 1904, François Coty, at the age of 29, founded the fragrance company that would bear his name in Paris. He was determined to revolutionize a fragrance industry that had seen little change during the 19th century. Coty set about reinventing the perfumer’s fragrance palette.
He developed Perfume City in 1909, a residential villa that was transformed into a grand industrial complex. Over time, Perfume City grew, and by 1920 Coty owned and controlled all aspects of his fragrance production, including flower fields, packaging factories, print shops and delivery vehicles.
Coty understood that to succeed on a larger scale, he needed to reach a wider audience.
His strategy was simple: offer a product of rich appearance that was affordable at a variety of price points. Coty commissioned artists and manufacturers, such as René Lalique and the Glassworks of Baccarat to design affordable beauty products imbued with luxurious quality never previously available to the masses. The strategy worked and perfume quickly became an international mass-market luxury product almost instantly.
In 1912, he opened subsidiaries in New York and London, an important move for the company.
At the end of World War I, soldiers returned home with gifts of French perfume for their loved ones. This led to a demand for Coty products in the U.S. During the 1920s, Coty continued to diversify and secured a substantial hold on the Italian, Swiss, German, Spanish and South American markets.
By 1925, an estimated 36 million women in Europe and the Americas used his products.
François Coty continued to direct this empire until his death in 1934. “One thing eluded me,” he confessed in the same year. “I never managed to capture the smell of honeysuckle.”
After more than one hundred years in the business, Coty continues to draw on the creative, entrepreneurial and visionary legacy of its founder to this day.
Michele Scannavini is named Chief Executive Officer of Coty Inc., taking over from Bernd Beetz, who remains on the company’s board as non-executive director. Jean Mortier is named as president of the company’s Prestige business.
In 2012, Coty introduces ck one color cosmetics. After 18 years of success in fragrance, color is the natural next step for ck one. With innovative, intuitive products, ck one color is a unique approach to modern beauty.
In 2012, Coty brings a new Cavalli launch to the marketplace: Roberto Cavalli. It is an exuberant and sunny fragrance whose top notes, lit by pink peppers, exude a genuine strength of character.
Bart Becht is named Coty’s non-executive chairman, taking over from Peter Harf, who remains on the company’s board.
Consumer Goods Technology Group names Coty the most innovative company of the year.
Coty helps raise a record-breaking $2.5 million at the fifth annual DKMS Gala.
Coty forms a partnership with Heidi Klum to develop and market her new signature fragrance, Heidi Klum Shine. The company also signs Madonna in 2011.
“Twilight” star Kristen Stewart is named the face of the new Balenciaga fragrance.
Coty announces four major acquisitions: Dr. Scheller Cosmetics, philosophy, OPI and TJoy, expanding Coty’s presence in the skin care and color cosmetics categories, demonstrating Coty’s commitment to truly becoming a global beauty company.
Roberto Cavalli and Lady Gaga sign with the company.
Coty’s global color brand Astor forms a creative alliance with supermodel Heidi Klum.
In 2009, Renato Semerari joins to head up Coty Beauty, while Sergio Pedreiro is named CFO. Coty signs an agreement with Bottega Veneta to launch their debut fragrance. Beyoncé and Guess? join our family to develop and market fragrance lines.
In 2008, Harvard Business School publishes a case study spotlighting the company’s transformation under CEO Bernd Beetz.
Also in 2008, Coty goes into business with Balenciaga to develop and distribute fragrance lines to renew the Balenciaga brand in keeping with its fragrance heritage and also partners with lifestyle brand Playboy.
In 2007, Coty purchases Del Laboratories and with it Sally Hansen. Coty Beauty is also created combining portfolio powerhouses of Americas, Europe and Asia. Supermodel and fashion icon Kate Moss joins Coty to create a line of signature fragrances.
In 2006, Coty Prestige is created, uniting the Lancaster Group with the former UCI. Coty partners with DKMS, the world’s largest non-profit bone marrow donor center and KOSE Corporation to manufacture and distribute Rimmel in Japan.
In 2005, Coty acquires the Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, Chloé and Cerruti brands, propelling the company to the number one fragrance position in the world.
In 2004, Coty celebrates 100 years of beauty.
In 2003, Coty acquires designer brand Marc Jacobs.
In 2002, Coty signs Jennifer Lopez and launches her first fragrance Glow by JLo, which becomes one of the most successful fragrance success stories of all time.
In 2001, Coty hires Bernd Beetz as CEO. Michele Scannavini joins Coty Prestige in 2002.
In 1996, further growth fuels Coty’s expansion when Coty acquires UK make-up brand, Rimmel.
In 1994, Coty acquires Quintessence Inc., a leading manufacturer of mid-priced fragrances including Jovan and Aspen.
1993 saw another Coty first: oxygen molecules are captured and imbedded into the Lancaster Skin Therapy product. Vanilla Fields is launched, and quickly became a top-selling fragrance brand, starting a trend for vanilla fragrances.
In 1992, Coty Inc. is acquired by German chemicals manufacturer Joh. A. Benckiser GmbH.
In 1986, Coty launches Lady Stetson, a top 10 women’s fragrance in the U.S. The iconic Davidoff Cool Water brand launches in the same year, rapidly becoming an instant and indelible worldwide bestseller.
In 1981, Coty launches Stetson, a fragrance that would become the number one mass-market men’s fragrance in the United States.
In 1963, Coty Inc. and Coty International were acquired by Pfizer Inc. of New York. Fragrances, lipsticks and powders continue to be Coty's bestsellers. The company also becomes the third largest fragrance company in the United States.
In 1955, Coty Germany forms and Coty 24 launches, allowing women to continue their love affair with leading a glamorous lifestyle. Using a long-lasting lipstick formula pioneered by Coty, the popularity of the range significantly increases.
In the 1940’s, Coty becomes a worldwide leader in fragrance manufacturing. The Coty American Fashion Critics' Awards were established in New York to help the fledgling American fashion industry gain recognition and prominence.
François Coty dies in 1934, and the family stays in control of the company, remaining on the board of directors until the 1960's.
By 1925, an estimated 36 million women buy Coty face powders worldwide.
In 1922, Coty launches Paris, which quickly becomes a bestseller in Britain and America. Coty Inc. is established in New York City with its headquarters at 714 Fifth Avenue, now home to the famous department store Henri Bendel.
1917 sees the development of Coty’s perfume masterpiece, Chypre, a fragrance that would soon lend its name to an entire fragrance family.
In 1914, Coty launches its first cosmetic product, Air-Spun powder. In the same year, Coty launches its signature body powder, the first to be scented with the aroma of an existing perfume.
In 1912, François Coty begins the decade with the launch of L'Or, a floral fragrance designed to blend with the scent of blond tobacco. The following year, the Ballet Russes dazzles Paris - so does one of François Coty's first single perfumes, Iris.
By 1910, François Coty was already recognized as the number one perfumer in the world.
In 1908, François Coty commissions French jeweler Lalique, to also design fragrance bottles, a move that changed the fragrance industry forever. François Coty opens an exclusive shop at 23 Place Vendôme in Paris.
In 1904, François Spoturno adopts the name Coty and launches his first fragrance, La Rose Jacqueminot in a bottle designed by Baccarat. Developing two masterpiece fragrances shortly after: L’Origan and Ambre Antique.
