• What was your first contact with perfume?

My first encounter with perfume dates back to my childhood, smelling the one my mother wore for special occasions. I imagine it's a common first encounter for many people.

• What inspired you to become a perfumer?

I've always been interested in perfume, but I never considered making it a career. It's a field I stumbled into somewhat by chance. After studying fine arts, I started working in a perfume boutique. My interest grew over the years, until I decided to teach myself how to create perfumes. A few years later, I founded my own brand. That was 12 years ago!

• Why did you choose to work exclusively with natural ingredients?

It was initially a personal decision. Although I love perfume, many synthetic fragrances give me headaches. When I started out, natural fragrances were almost nonexistent on the market. Many in the industry told me that creating a sophisticated natural fragrance was impossible. Not one to back down from a challenge, I wanted to prove them wrong. Today, the issue of sustainability is also a major reason why I am pursuing this path.

• What are the challenges of creating 100% natural perfumes?

I only know this method, so I don't really have a point of comparison. But I can say that natural materials are very expensive. Most floral absolutes exceed

€15 per kilo. Perfumers who work with synthetics do not face the same financial constraints.

• And the advantages?

In addition to the sustainable aspect, natural materials offer an olfactory richness and complexity that is impossible to reproduce synthetically.

• How do you see the future of artisanal and independent perfumery?

It's an exciting time for perfumery. The industry has changed enormously since I started. Back then, artisanal perfumery was very rare. Today, it's much more prevalent. There are many independent brands, and I sincerely hope this trend continues to grow.

• Where do you find your inspiration?

It can come from anywhere: a song, a painting, a trip... It's very spontaneous.

• Do you start with an ingredient or an idea?

It can be either, or a mixture of both.

• Tell us about your latest creation, Tryst. Its evolution on the skin is remarkable. How did it come about?

Tryst is a reinterpretation of one of my very first fragrances, Dilettante, which is no longer available. Revisiting one of my old formulas allowed me to see how I could improve it. In the end, I didn't change much. Tryst celebrates all the facets of the orange tree: orange, petitgrain, neroli, and orange blossom. It's a joyful, fresh, and floral fragrance.

• If you had to choose only one of your perfumes, which would it be?

You know, a mother can't say which of her children she prefers...

But if I had to choose the one I'm most proud of, it would be Hyde. He won the Art and Olfaction Award for Artisan Perfumery in 2019.

• Any hints about your next creation?

I'm always working on new fragrances. I can't say too much yet, but I can reveal that it will be big and floral.

And now, just for fun!

A smell that makes you feel at home? A home-cooked meal.

The worst scented gift ever received? A set of Axe deodorant and shower gel.

You're stuck on a desert island. Only one flavor to take with you? Hyde. I love this scent, it's perfect for warm, sunny days.

An ingredient (in cooking or perfume) that you always manage to slip into your creations? Rose and jasmine – they go with everything.

The most unexpected and beautiful scent you've ever smelled—and where? Hmm ...

A trend you'd like to see quietly disappear? The perfumes are too sweet, with scents of pastries.

If in 100 years we were to remember only one thing about you? That I was a pioneer of natural perfumery. My first reaction would be to say, “He was a really nice guy.” Maybe: a nice guy who was a pioneer of natural perfumery. I guess that's two things.