Artistry Flora Chic™ perfume was developed exclusively for Artistry™ by the prestigious Fine Fragrance House of Givaudan, located in offices around the world, including Paris, France and New York City. A global leader in fragrance creation, Givaudan’s perfumers have designed the world’s most sought after scents for more than 250 years.
To create this distinctive and exclusive feminine fragrance, Artistry Flora Chic was evaluated with more than 100 fragrances, and then refined by Givaudan perfumers through numerous variations, for a truly unique handcrafted scent.
Flora Chic Behind the Scenes
With more than 20 years of experience in the fragrance industry, Marypierre Julien, senior perfumer, is an integral member of Givaudan’s fragrance development team. She crafts exclusive, designer perfume scents like Artistry Flora Chic, to capture the attention of beauty enthusiasts around the globe. In this Q&A, Artistry tapped into her extensive knowledge and expertise to learn more about the process of developing a new scent, and the emotion that ultimately plays a great part in the process.
What fuels your passion for scent?
Marypierre Julien: “From a young age I was always intrigued by smell – from my mother’s cooking, to the scent of lavender on my grandmother’s sundried linens. I love the memories that a fragrance can evoke. I’ve also always been in love with flowers. When I completed school, I first thought I wanted to be a florist. I loved horticulture, and learning about new species. This eventually lead me to attend the perfumery school in Paris called ISIPCA.”
What are the key steps in creating a new scent?
Julien: “Each fragrance tells a story, and it’s a very collaborative process. We initiate a dialogue with the brand to find out what story they are trying to tell, discuss the concept they have in mind for the fragrance, and who their desired audience is. Once the concept is built out, we can start to imagine what fragrance notes will make the scent come to life. It’s similar to being a chef, you have to start testing combinations and creating options with different key ingredients.
The concept can change as we move throughout the process, but the element of surprise is always so satisfying – because when you get to the final scent it’s a tangible version of the story you wanted to tell.”
What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in the fragrance industry in the last 10-15 years?
Julien: “New ingredients are constantly being discovered. Givaudan’s Research & Development department is always working to bring scents to the next level, developing new notes and sourcing natural ingredients ethically in order to maintain good and exclusive qualities. The search of new natural plants and new chemistry developments allow new ingredients to be discovered. There is more available at your fingertips when you’re formulating than in the past. That’s why a partner like Artistry was such a perfect fit, as both brands are dedicated to having a diverse product portfolio offering.”
What was your first impression of the Artistry Flora Chic fragrance?
Julien: “I thought it was very elegant and sophisticated, eluding a sense of luxury. I was affected by the distinctive and immersive feeling of it. It evokes a sense of confidence pairing fresh notes like French Clementine with the sophisticated Bulgarian Rose and the sweeter scents of the exotic flower of Ylang Ylang Madagascar.”
Do you have any unique application tips for applying a fragrance like Artistry Flora Chic?
Julien: “Scent is very personal, but there are a few key spots that may work best for a longer-lasting experience. I recommend placing a drop behind the ears, on the neck, and one in the inside of each elbow. This way, when you move around the scent ‘follows’ you, and it won’t be overpowering. It’s a common misconception that you should spray on your wrists and rub together, but that can actually compromise the final scent on your skin.”
Do you see any global trends when it comes to fragrance notes?
Julien: “Yes, actually Europe is big for floral scents that often use bolder notes – while Japanese consumers typically enjoy a softer scent, such as light florals that are fresh and airy. North Americans like blending florals with other ingredients. These preferences stem from each different culture and familiarity with ingredients in each country.”
