It was in Paris that, on September 24 and 25, 2020, some of the world's greatest perfumers gathered. Under his guidance, they have contributed to restoring the rightful place of perfumery (now referred to as luxury perfumery).
On a stage elegantly adorned with the iconic 20th-anniversary frieze that outlines the chronology of the creation of all the Editions’ perfumes, Frédéric Malle is surrounded by the perfumers from the early days and ever since: Pierre Bourdon, Dominique Ropion, Jean-Claude Ellena, and Maurice Roucel, as well as the newest addition to "Frédéric's family": Anne Flipo. Perfumers Fanny Bal, Bruno Jovanovic, and Julien Rasquinet also joined the star perfumers to participate individually in video recordings, which will be available for viewing very soon.
Hosted by Isabelle Giordano, the event unfolds in the style of a talk show where each participant freely and enthusiastically discusses the subject that unites and excites them: perfume.
Because when you gather perfumers and their publisher, you can be sure that the conversation will not stray from perfume. It will unfold in anecdotes about the creation of specific scents (a word that Pierre Bourdon "detests," just as he dislikes the term "nose," preferring the expression "perfume composer"), in comments on the creative methods of one or another, in confidences about the composition of a forgotten perfume, or in scholarly remarks on the peculiarities of a molecule.
"In decoration, all mixes of objects are possible as long as their visual impact is similar. All kinds of harmonies can be created without needing homogeneity in style or color."
For publisher Frédéric Malle, it is clear that it is both a joy and a pride to gather so many talents around him, who are also comrades-in-arms and friends. There is a great deal of simplicity and generosity in their relationships—qualities that are quite rare in an industry known to be extremely competitive. It is evident that the star perfumers in this profession do not see themselves as stars.
When asked by Isabelle Giordano about his background, Frédéric Malle modestly tells us that he was fortunate to be born into a world of perfume and culture, two universes that have surrounded him since he was five years old. He describes himself as "a jack-of-all-trades in perfume" (meaning an expert in all facets of the industry). As for the origin of the name of the brand he created 20 years ago, he reveals that the name is a tribute to the company "les nouvelles éditions de films," which his father had created for his uncle, Louis Malle. Regarding his role as a perfume publisher, he defines it as that of a collaborator and a midwife to perfumers, a role very similar to that of his friend, publisher Manuel Carcassonne.
Dominique Ropion
Maurice Roucel
Jean-Claude Ellena
Pierre Bourdon
Bruno Jovanovic
Anne Flipo
Fanny Bal
Julien Rasquinet
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