ParfumPlus Arabia

PARFUMPLUS: TRAVEL IS OFTEN A CATALYST FOR INSPIRATION. IS THERE A DESTINATION THAT HAS PROFOUNDLY INFLUENCED YOUR OLFACTORY IMAGINATION OR CREATIVE PROCESS? Vanessa Prudent: It’s difficult to choose just one— every place and travel memory lingers. The most recent, and by no means least, was my journey to Scotland, a place that transported me through scent and continues to inspire me. In the Highlands, heather carpets the misty moors, and marine fragrances mingle with wildflowers to create a heady atmosphere. Just as powerful is the malty scent of whisky drifting from distilleries, spreading across the country from west to east. Whenever a client brief stirs a memory, I draw on it to create sensory fragrances that tell a story—one I always hope will resonate as deeply with others as it does with me. Beyond the places I’ve been, I also love to imagine those I’ve yet to explore. They, too, are a source of inspiration. PARFUMPLUS: DO YOU TRY TO DISCOVER NEW RAW MATERIALS DURING YOUR TRAVELS? Vanessa Prudent: Visiting Grasse for the first time, I discovered the beauty of local raw materials: rose, jasmine, tuberose, everlasting, mimosa, lavender, and sage. IN THIS EXCLUSIVE interview with ParfumPlus Magazine, Vanessa Prudent, a perfumer from Argeville, shares how travel, tradition and taste influence her creations, each fragrance is a story waiting to be told. PARFUMPLUS: YOUR JOURNEY BEGAN IN THE SERENE COUNTRYSIDE OF FRENCH NORMANDY. HOW DID THOSE EARLY EXPERIENCES WITH NATURE IGNITE YOUR PASSION FOR SCENT CREATION? Vanessa Prudent: As a child, I often went for walks in the woods with my family. My grandparents had a garden filled with flowers and vegetables. The humid climate of Normandy intensified the scents of nature—I could smell the damp ground, dewy leaves, blooming flowers and ripe red fruits. I enjoyed horse-riding in the forest and still remember the fragrant mix of mud, horse sweat and leather saddle. The olfactory environment has always been important to me. So, when I discovered there was a job dedicated to creating scents, it felt obvious. PARFUMPLUS: YOU STUDIED PERFUMERY AT ISIPCA IN PARIS, THEN LATER WORKED IN BRAZIL. HOW HAVE THESE DIVERSE ENVIRONMENTS SHAPED YOUR CREATIVE PERSPECTIVE? Vanessa Prudent: I discovered a variety of smells: the Parisian subway, roasted chestnuts on the boulevards, exotic markets in São Paulo filled with fruits and spices, and the sparkling freshness of Brazilian lime. Adapting to new surroundings, city life, and new encounters brought fresh emotions. I landed my dream job, and suddenly, everything felt possible. I’ve come to realise that curiosity is a powerful driver of personal growth. My dedication not only helped me gain experience but also sharpened my ability to interpret briefs with precision. “I’ve come to realise that curiosity is a powerful driver of personal growth” P A R F U M P L U S 13