Fragrance Journal

This year has been an absolute whirlwind for the fragrance side of my blog, so much so that I haven’t had a chance to update my pages since my visit to Esxence in March. With so much to share, I thought now would be the perfect time to give you a rundown of my fragrance-filled life over the past few months.

Fragrance Foundation Awards

In May, I had the incredible honour of attending the Fragrance Foundation Awards, where I was a finalist in the Rising Star category of the Jasmine Awards. My nomination was for an article I wrote in The Scented Letter, a glossy magazine by The Perfume Society. This was my first time attending such a prestigious event, and I was thrilled to be surrounded by so many talented individuals in the fragrance industry. Although I didn’t win, I felt immensely grateful to have made it this far, especially as someone relatively new to the world of fragrance writing. Sharing a table with esteemed fragrance journalists was a highlight, and just being there felt like a victory in itself. Check out the reel from the night.

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Kayali Vanilla Candy Rock Sugar Launch

While in London, I also had the pleasure of attending the launch of Kayali’s new fragrance and meeting the wonderful founder and Dubai Bling star, Mona Kattan. Despite the long queues of fragrance enthusiasts eager to meet her, Mona took the time to connect with each person on a personal level. As the name suggests, the launch was a sweet affair, complete with mocktails, a pick-and-mix sweet shop, candyfloss, and fun games. The energy was fantastic, and it was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves.

Read my review here.

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A Scented Safari in Paris

In June, I was honoured to be invited by Aspects Beauty on a Scented Safari to Paris, a fantastic opportunity to deepen my knowledge of some incredible brands. Alongside journalists Alice du Parcq, Suzy Nightingale, Sali Hughes, and Anne Lodge (Really Ree), I embarked on a fragrant journey through the City of Lights. We began with a visit to Givaudan, where perfumer Sonia Constant shared insights about her brand Ella K and gave us a tour of her office, which boasted breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower. We then explored the labs where fragrance ingredients are stored and blended.

Next, we visited the renowned niche fragrance shop Jovoy, where founder Francois Henin guided us through an olfactory journey with their brand Jeroboam. It was fascinating to experience each fragrance and learn more about the brand. We also took the opportunity to visit the newly opened Nishane boutique in Paris—being a huge fan of their fragrances, I felt like a child in a sweet shop!

Scented Safari Day One Reel

Scented Safari Day Two Reel

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Villa Primrose – Atelier Des Ors

During a holiday in the South of France, I couldn’t resist a trip to Grasse, the perfume capital of the world. There, I visited Villa Primrose, the new headquarters of the niche perfume brand Atelier Des Ors. I had the privilege of participating in a blending session at their atelier and experiencing some of the notes in their new fragrances. I also enjoyed a delightful tea on the terrace with the brand’s founder, Jean-Philippe Clermont, where we discussed the brand and exciting upcoming products. Visiting the villa and truly experiencing the heart of the brand was a joyous experience.

Check out the experience here.

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Recent London Events

I’ve been fortunate enough to be invited to numerous brand events in London recently. First up was the launch of the new Electimuss London fragrance, Spice d’Arno, held in a private suite at the Four Seasons. We had the opportunity to experience all of the fragrances, but the highlight was learning more about the new scent (you can read my review here). Perfumer Celine Barel guided us through the inspiration behind Spice d’Arno and her creative journey in crafting the fragrance. I must say, her energy and passion were truly infectious. Check out my Reel from the event

Next, I attended a BDK Parfums masterclass with founder David Benedek and perfumer Julien Rasquinet. We delved deeper into the brand’s story and discussed the fragrances created by Julien, including Ambre Safrano and Tabac Rose. Check out the review!

Finally, I participated in another masterclass, this time with the Omani brand Ojar, led by their president Dory Younes and perfumer Jordi Fernandez. This unique brand draws inspiration from the rich ingredients of Oman, interpreting them in a modern way. Jordi spoke about the fragrances he has created, such as Encens Cuivre, Red Temptation, and Wood Whisper. Here’s a reel summary of the event.

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On the Scent Podcast

It’s surreal to think that after listening to the renowned On The Scent Podcast for a few years, I got to be a guest on the show.

In this episode, I was asked by the lovely Nicola Bonn and Suzy Nightingale to delve into my past and discuss the fragrances that have made an impression on my life, as well as new creations I have come across. This process was truly fascinating, igniting many scented memories and highlighting just how important fragrance has been to me throughout my life.

You can enjoy this chronological journey through my experiences with fragrances on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

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This year has been nothing short of extraordinary for my fragrance journey, filled with unforgettable experiences and inspiring encounters. From attending prestigious awards and exciting fragrance launches to exploring the rich olfactory world of Paris and Grasse, I’ve been fortunate to delve deeper into the art of perfumery. Each event has not only broadened my understanding of the fragrance industry but also fueled my passion for sharing these sensory stories with you. As I reflect on these past few months, I’m excited for what’s to come and look forward to continuing this fragrant adventure together.