Joys of perfumery.

‎”Paris is so very beautiful that it satisfies something in you that is always hungry in America.” — Ernest Hemingway

Some of the notable perfumers in the industry are “Grassois”: Olivier Cresp, Jacques Cavallier, Michel Almairac, Jean Claude Ellena, Jean Guichard, Nathalie Lorson, to name a few. A few more young Grassois are on their way into “La Cour des Grands” (the big leagues). While the strong part of the creative business is in Paris, these perfumers are so lucky to have ties with the two paradises of France: Paris and the French Riviera.

Perhaps I will save my love for Paris for another post, but Grasse (French Riviera) is the other extreme of Paris. In the south, you have the sun and beautiful weather, with the beaches/waters that beckon you. Mixed in the French culture, you have the strong Mediterranean and Italian influences. There is a sense of calm and serenity, a perfect balance to the business driven environment of Paris. As mentioned before, much of the perfumery “business” has migrated towards Paris, but there is still the legacy of perfumery that pulsates in the birthplace of this art. Grasse is truly a place where a young perfumer can grow and learn.

For the past 4 years of my life, I have been between Paris and Grasse learning perfumery. I am so humbled by the chance to have experienced both worlds. During my first part of my training in Grasse, I was so happy to run off to Paris. But in coming back to the south and with a little bit more wisdom, I realize that I too need these two worlds…

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