Parfums Bichara was founded in 1896 by Bichara Malhame, who presented himself as "The Syrian Perfumer". His perfumes were advertised as "parfums enivrants" (intoxicating perfumes). The brand also produced cosmetics for eyes and hair. Around 1900, the company became hugely successful - Bichara Malhame's muse, Sarah Bernhardt was publicly endorsing his perfumes. Bichara supplied the Royal Egyptian court. Early labels on cosmetics and perfumes, portrayed Bichara seizing the mythological Fortune by the hair with the inscription "Comment Bichara saisit la fortune" ( How Bichara grabs good fortune).