In 1881, Theophile LeClerc made his first Dermophile rice powder for skin at his pharmacy in the Madeleine neighbourhood in Paris. The powder has a fine, soft texture that enhances and corrects the complexion, presented in a legendary brushed aluminium case. Theophile LeClerc, a visionary chemist who fully mastered the art of colour, made his famous loose powder available in 16 shades. For Belle Epoque ladies, who were used to heavy powders, this lightweight, skin-friendly rice powder was a new trend that set them free and made them more beautiful. From the Belle Epoque to the Roaring Twenties, and every moment in between, the famous Banane powder grew to become a must-have for creating the velvety complexion of French elegantes. It was a time of historical significance: the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 for the World's Fair, Paris was celebrating the inauguration of the Alexandre III bridge, and women were asserting their freedom to the beat of the Charleston. These are the women who made T.LeClerc's powder into the iconic skin product it is today.