Jérôme Epinette in an exclusive interview for L'Officiel
Jérôme Epinette, perfumer for one of the most important fragrance houses in the world, Robertet, talks about his journey through aromas – something that often results in new best-selling creations.
Guided by the senses, the acclaimed French perfumer Jérôme Epinette is passionate about gastronomy , oenology and, of course, the discovery of new accords and aromas, mixing natural ingredients with synthetic notes of excellence. We spoke with the expert, who has perfume creations for brands such as Anna Sui , Van Cleef & Arpels and L'Occitane en Provence on his list of creations, about his creative process, inspirations and passion for travel.
How do you conduct your creative process for the elaboration of a perfume?
I usually use all my memories of traveling around the world when creating a fragrance. Discovering different types of arts, listening to local music and tasting new flavors. Absolutely anything can be transformed into a source of inspiration in perfumery.
We know that diamonds and metals (like gold) are not aromatic, but they have inspired fragrances throughout the history of perfumery. How do you imagine chords for these elements?
I imagine, in a situation like this, the use of a luxurious, chic and precious ingredient – all at the same time, as is the case with rose. This was in my most recent creation for Tiffany & Co [for the Rose Gold perfume]. This flower is the most feminine ingredient there is. It was, for me, the best starting point for creation.
Could you talk a little bit about the olfactory pyramid of this latest fragrance created with a world-renowned jewelry house?
Rose Gold is a fresh, sophisticated, rich and feminine woody floral. There's a glow to it. A renewed energy every time you spray it. There is pink pepper, mandarin and black currant. They bring freshness. Then we move on to the heart of the fragrance, which reveals an exquisite blue rose accord. In the background, a sophisticated and modern woody finish completes the signature.
You're French and you've worked in Grasse, the world's perfumery mecca. But could you recommend other destinations that are intense for aroma lovers?
This is a tricky question, because each country has its own treasure. Morocco, for example, has neroli and orange blossom. Indonesia, jasmine and cinnamon. In Madagascar we can mention vanilla, ylang-ylang and black pepper. Brazil is home to tonka beans and oranges. I could go on quoting an aromatic script for hours.
A pillar of his inspiration in the world of aromas is nature. How do you see sustainability within this fragrance segment?
Perfumery is becoming increasingly sustainable. Robertet, where I work developing perfumes, is a world leader in natural ingredients, in terms of sourcing and sustainability. Everything is controlled and done in harmony with the local community, ensuring that we are not putting nature at risk by over-harvesting, for example.
What goes with a good perfume?
I feel that perfume is like a jewel. You need to find the right one, the one that will make you confident. You can wear anything as long as its scent makes you happy.
