In October, The Fragrance Foundation’s board of directors honored John Ledes, publisher and editor of Cosmetic World and Beauty Fashion, at this year’s Circle of Champions dinner, held at The St. Regis Hotel in New York City. The dinner honors an individual who has made a notable impact on the fragrance industry. Rochelle Bloom, President of The Fragrance Foundation, acknowledged Ledes for his humor, style and imagination, as well as credited him with coining the name, FiFi, which designates the annual fragrance honors awarded each year by The Fragrance Foundation.
After successful careers in law, investment banking, and publishing, Ledes is now the Chairman of the Board of Beauty Fashion, Astor-Honor Books, and The Ledes Group. He is a supporter of philanthropic organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes, and was awarded the Chevalier of France’s Legion d’Honneur. Tony Griffiths, former president of Takasago, Don Loftus, Chairman of The Fragrance Foundation, and Leonard Lauder, who introduced him as “a great linguist and a true champion,” all paid tribute to the honoree. Ledes acknowledged Lauder’s introduction saying, “One of the greatest gifts to the industry was that Estée and Joe had a son named Leonard.” He noted the importance of fragrance as inspiration and unifier as he accepted his award, saying, “If there is one single product category that has permeated the EU and brought us all together, it is fragrance.”
After successful careers in law, investment banking, and publishing, Ledes is now the Chairman of the Board of Beauty Fashion, Astor-Honor Books, and The Ledes Group. He is a supporter of philanthropic organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes, and was awarded the Chevalier of France’s Legion d’Honneur. Tony Griffiths, former president of Takasago, Don Loftus, Chairman of The Fragrance Foundation, and Leonard Lauder, who introduced him as “a great linguist and a true champion,” all paid tribute to the honoree. Ledes acknowledged Lauder’s introduction saying, “One of the greatest gifts to the industry was that Estée and Joe had a son named Leonard.” He noted the importance of fragrance as inspiration and unifier as he accepted his award, saying, “If there is one single product category that has permeated the EU and brought us all together, it is fragrance.”
