Preserving the Traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean
Founded in 1996 by Thaddée de Slizewicz, Tadé was born from a fascination with the history, craftsmanship and bathing traditions of the Levantine Mediterranean.
While best known for its Aleppo soaps, Tadé's purpose extends beyond soap alone. The company works to preserve and promote traditional products, materials and practices from a region that has shaped the history of cleansing, bathing and personal care for centuries.
From Aleppo soap and hammam accessories to natural body care and household products, the collection reflects a deep respect for both heritage and craftsmanship.
Why Tadé Matters
Many traditional products disappear when the skills, infrastructure and local economies that support them are lost.
For almost thirty years, Tadé has worked directly with artisans, workshops and producers across the Eastern Mediterranean, helping to sustain traditional manufacturing while creating viable routes to international markets.
This long-term commitment has been particularly important for Aleppo soap, a product whose future has faced significant challenges during recent decades.
Rather than reproducing Aleppo-style soap elsewhere, Tadé continues to support production within its historic region of origin, investing in both people and local expertise.
Aleppo Soap and Its Origins
Aleppo soap is widely regarded as one of the world's oldest soap-making traditions and is often considered the precursor to many later Mediterranean soap-making methods, including those that eventually influenced Savon de Marseille.
Produced from olive oil and laurel berry oil, traditional Aleppo soap is made during the winter months immediately following the olive harvest.
The oils are slowly saponified in large cauldrons over several days before the soap paste is poured onto the floor to cool and harden. Once set, the soap is cut into blocks and stamped before being left to mature for many months.
This lengthy drying period gradually transforms the exterior from green to the characteristic golden-beige colour associated with traditional Aleppo soap, while the interior remains green and rich in olive and laurel oils.
A Commitment to Authenticity
Today, Tadé employs teams in both Syria and France and continues to work closely with producers in the region.
Its philosophy rests on three principles: authenticity, pleasure and elegance. These values are reflected not through luxury for its own sake, but through respect for traditional materials, thoughtful design and a commitment to products that remain connected to their place of origin.
For Tadé, preserving heritage means ensuring that traditional knowledge remains a living craft rather than a historical curiosity.
At a Glance
- Founded: 1996
- Founder: Thaddée de Slizewicz
- Headquarters: France
- Speciality: Aleppo Soap and Eastern Mediterranean Traditions
- Known For: Traditional Aleppo Soap, Hammam Accessories, Natural Body Care
- Production Region: Syria and the Levantine Mediterranean
- Core Philosophy: Authenticity, Pleasure and Elegance
Further Reading
- What Is Aleppo Soap?
- How Aleppo Soap Is Made
- Aleppo Soap vs Savon de Marseille
- Understanding Laurel Oil Percentages
- The History of Aleppo Soap
- A Guide to the Traditional Hammam
- Olive Oil, Laurel Oil and Traditional Soap Making