French Fragrances Inc

FFI (French Fragrances Inc) formed in Florida in 1992 as a distributer of prestige fragrances and cosmetics. The company experienced fast growth and in November 1995 merged with Florida based, Suave Shoe Corporation Inc. FFI acquired Suaves' Miami Lakes facility and FFI became a publicly traded company.

In 1996 FFI acquired the license to manufacture and distribute the Geoffrey Beene fragrance brands from Sanofi Beaute. 1996 also sees FFI gain exclusive US only distribution for Benetton fragrances and the Galenic Elancyl skincare brand.

In 1997 FFI acquire the manufacturing and distribution rights to the Halston fragrance brands, as well as US distribuition rights to several more brands including Balenciaga and Ted Lapidus. In 1999 FFI acquire the rights to the Paul Sebastian brands which include the Cigar Aficianado fragrance.

In 2000, FFI acquire Elizabeth Arden (including Elizabeth Taylor and ex-Evyan scent, White Shoulders) from Unilever, and they change the company name to Elizabeth Arden inc, the next year.