Behind the scenes at the perfumery
In the world of entertainment and business alike, the spotlight often shines brightly on those in the forefront – celebrities, CEOs, and public figures who capture our attention with their charisma and achievements. However, more and more, I’m fascinated and want to celebrate the things that go un-noticed, the behind the scenes, the work that is actually needed to deliver those things that shine brightly. This week in Paris, I visited the Givaudin perfumery and learnt just what it takes to create some of the world’s finest fragrances.
In a world filled with sensory experiences, few things are as memorable and evocative as a fine fragrance. Whether it’s the subtle allure of a perfume, the invigorating scent of a cologne, or the aromatic charm of scented candles, fine fragrances have the power to transport us to another time and place. But as I was lucky enough to be walking into the prestigious Givaudin school this week, I wondered about the intricate process and expertise that goes into making their fragrance masterpieces.
This is what I learnt..
1. The Perfumers
Behind every great fragrance, there is a master perfumer. These talented individuals are akin to artists, using their trained noses to identify and combine a myriad of natural and synthetic ingredients. With thousands of ingredients at their disposal, perfumers blend top, middle and base notes to create a balanced and harmonious scent profile. A delicate balance of art and science.
Each year the Givaudin school has 2500 applicants for two (yes, two!) places. The students, who preferably have a masters in chemistry and are fluent in French, then do over 10,000 hours of training over four years to be able to identify over 2000 different scents. Mindblowing! The extent of this training, which if you think about it, is nearly a decade of study, is a brilliant example of the unsung heroes who are working tirelessly behind the scenes to make those ever-so famous bottles of perfume.
2. Ingredients
Perfumers select ingredients not just for their scent but also for their stability and compatibility. The sourcing and selection of these ingredients are critical to the final product’s quality. This past week I learnt I about flowers that I didn’t know existed and how there’s new technology (Scent track) that can extract the essence of the flower without it having to be picked. Mindblowing thing number 2! As consumer awareness of sustainability grows, the fragrance industry is increasingly focused on ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. Perfumers are exploring eco-friendly alternatives and working towards reducing the environmental impact of their creations.
3. The science bit
Creating the perfect fragrance involves precision measurement techniques. Perfumers layer and combine various ingredients, each contributing to the fragrance’s overall character. It’s a meticulous process of trial and error, with countless iterations, although there’s a fancy new robot called Carto at Givaudin, who has helped to speed this process up immeasurably. Even with Carto though, fragrances can take months if not years to perfect before they are launched.
4. Bringing it to market
Once a fragrance is formulated, it undergoes rigorous testing. Perfumers and evaluators assess how it smells on the skin, how it evolves over hours and how it interacts with other scents. Feedback guides refinements until the fragrance is perfected.
The packaging of a fine fragrance is then an art form in itself. The bottle design, labelling and presentation play a crucial role in conveying the fragrance’s essence. It’s the first impression that draws us in. And then the marketing starts…
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the magic that happens behind the curtain. Whether that’s been event management, public speaking, film production, and now in the theatre with my daughter, there’s an entire ecosystem of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to make a final product shine. Behind the scenes professionals are the unsung heroes who transform ideas into reality. They are the creative minds, project managers, technicians and problem solvers who ensure that everything runs smoothly. Their meticulous planning, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence often determine the success of a project.
Creating a fine fragrance is no different. This week I learnt it is a labour of love that takes years to perfect. It requires a deep understanding of the art and science of scent, a keen sense of creativity and unwavering dedication to quality. So, the next time you encounter a captivating fragrance, take a moment to appreciate the craftmanship that went into creating it. Behind each bottle lies a story of passion, innovation and a quest to capture the essence of beauty in a single scent.
