In 2010, ten years after founding Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, the Parisian perfumer decided to start a new collection, with the purpose of translating the world of people and brands he admires into original scents. Perfume Portrait by Frédéric Malle has thus been designed to serve as a collaborative effort with experts from artistic fields such as fashion, photography and film. Imagine being able to smell the essence of how one artist is perceived by another! First up in the collection? A fragrance collaboration with fashion designer Dries Van Noten.
Frederic reached out to perfumer Bruno Jovanovic, of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., to collaborate on this new project. Frédéric, Dries and Bruno worked together to capture the essence of Dries through materials and themes he often uses in his designs such as Indian embroidery, XVIIIth century engravings and graphic/colorful prints – which are all used to create an unexpected harmony. Dries’ Flemish heritage was also incorporated into the fragrance through the softness of their cuisine, more specifically of their desserts.
“I realized, during the 18 months that it took us to translate the world of Dries Van Noten into a single scent, how difficult it actually is to make a truly customized perfume. This is why I am convinced that the result of such a combination of talents and energies had to be shared with the public. That is the purpose of this new collection,” says Malle.
Dries Van Noten par Frédéric Malle is a modern, oriental fragrance reminiscent of classic perfumes fused with the world of Dries Van Noten. The scent incorporates notes of sandalwood, vanilla, patchouli, musk, bergamot, and jasmine, giving it a timeless trait of the great perfumes. It truly smells like nothing I have ever tried before. Masculine and at the same time feminine. Powdery yet spicy and musky. It’s a total contradiction, which is why I am so drawn to it.
Dries Van Noten By Frederic Malle Dries Van Noten 100ml, $265
Dries Van Noten By Frederic Malle Dries Van Noten 50ml, $185
– Lauren Dimet Waters
Sample provided for review.
