Inter Parfums, Inc. has announced that it has entered into a 12-year worldwide license agreement commencing on January 1, 2012, to create, produce and distribute perfumes and ancillary products under the Balmain brand. The agreement replaces a previous license that was terminated by mutual consent.

The Balmain couture house was founded in 1945 by Pierre Balmain. In recent years, the Balmain couture house has undergone a transformation. By redefining the image of its ready-to-wear line, the brand has become a reference for style, while retaining its distinctive design codes from the haute couture universe. On the strength of its creativity and know-how, the brand has become a trendsetter.

Effective January 1, 2012, Interparfums SA, the majority owned French subsidiary, will take over the production and distribution of existing Balmain fragrances for men and women. The launch of a new fragrance line, which is scheduled for the end of 2012, will inaugurate another phase in the development of the Balmain couture house.

Alain Hivelin, chairman and CEO of Balmain, says, “Inter Parfums has an established track record of expertise developed under the leadership of its founders Philippe Benacin and Jean Madar whose high standards of professionalism, I have been able to appreciate for nearly 20 years. Balmain could not dream of a better partner.”

Philippe Benacin, chairman and CEO of Interparfums SA, adds, “Balmain represents a unique brand in today’s world of fashion. The creative choices and original and high prestige style developed through its different collections provide a strong basis for differentiation in preparing for our future launches under the brand.”