Buly 1803: A Parisian Apothecary
By Taylor Smith
Images courtesy of Buly 1803
In 2014, the artist Ramdane Touhami and his wife Victoire de Taillac revived the French apothecary and dispensary, Bully, that opened in 1787. This 19th century perfurmery was founded by Jean-Vincent Bully who had great success with his “Vinaigre de Toilette.” Bully provided the leading fragrances for France’s 19th century ladies and gentlemen and eventually patented the “Vinaigre de Bully," an aromatic lotion meant to soothe the skin and preserve youthfulness. Bully eventually served as the inspiration behind the character César Birotteau written by Balzac.
The modern-day shop is something of a cabinet of curiosities with bottles and packaging that recall the days of Napoleonic France. Nail polishes, shaving creams, water, powders, and incense are sourced from around the world.
They also feature a line of enigmatic fragrances, such as the earthy Heliotrope and Hinoki (a woodsy Japanese cypress).
The couple changed the original name of the brand (Bully) to suit the non-French speaking tongue.
Visit Maison Buly at 6 rue Bonaparte next time you are shopping in Paris. For the latest product information, follow Buly 1803 on Facebook.
