Founded by Olivier Baussan in 1976, is triumphantly celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
Since its creation, L’Occitane has nurtured simple values: authenticity, respect, sensorality and continuous improvement. These values have resonated strongly with the New Zealand consumer, who have embraced the ethics and traceability of the brand.
Baussan’s original desire to maintain French perfumery traditions coupled with his respect for nature helped him envision the future of L’Occitane. With a love of plants, Baussan originally became involved in creating his own essential oils. After experimenting he started using these to make shower gels, shampoos and soaps which led him to reviving the traditional art of Marseille soap-making. He began selling the soaps in markets in the South of France where they quickly became popular. A year later, L’Occitane reserved its first harvest of lavender - the iconic symbol of Provence. Since the beginning the brand has chosen ingredients with the greatest care, opting for plant-derived options, often from organic farming, to guarantee both optimal quality and traceability.
Fast forward to 2016, they boast over 3000 stores worldwide, and the brand is now a major power player in the beauty industry. Having received awards from the Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible, Beauty 100 Chatelaine and marie claire magazine, this is one brand that’s future is set to be as rich as its past.
All L’Occitane products are now available for high res download here...
