ParfumPlus Arabia

In Sri Lanka, I walked through lush cinnamon and tea plantations, learning about each stage—from harvest to oil extraction—before the materials become suitable for the perfume industry. In India, I visited an oud production unit and witnessed the entire process, gaining a deep appreciation for the patience and expertise required to obtain this precious raw material. PARFUMPLUS: THE MIDDLE EAST HAS A RICH HERITAGE OF FRAGRANCES. WHAT ELEMENTS FROM THE REGION HAVE FOUND THEIR WAY INTO YOUR WORK, WHETHER IN TERMS OF INGREDIENTS OR STORYTELLING? Vanessa Prudent: The Middle East’s olfactory heritage is incredibly rich and deeply rooted in history. I’ve learned to understand local preferences by going out into the field and working closely with our dedicated team at Argeville’s office in Sharjah, near Dubai. I enjoy creating opulent fragrances—blending spices, flowers, woods, and intense trails of leather or oud. I always pay close attention to intensity and longevity. Over time, I’ve learned to precisely balance saffron, dry woods and frankincense to align with the region’s distinctive aesthetic. PARFUMPLUS: HAVE YOU DISCOVERED SCENT RITUALS OR CUSTOMS THAT INSPIRED YOU IN A SURPRISING WAY? Vanessa Prudent: Olfactory rituals vary widely across regions, reflecting local preferences. Every place on earth has its own way of drinking tea, which has inspired me to explore countless variations. An herbal facet might evoke tea leaves, a milky vanilla nuance recalls a matcha latte, while a smoky note transports us to black tea. I recently expanded this exploration with a taro bubble tea note, carrying hints of cereal and sweetness, distinct from the others. In Brazil, the hot climate encourages frequent showers and perfume reapplication, favouring lighter scents. In the Middle East, strong fragrances are essential, deeply tied to culture, religion, and social norms. In Europe, perfume is like a fashion accessory—an expression of personal style—so olfactive profiles are diverse. In Asia, where fragrances are more subtle, scented hair products play a key role in daily routines and are expected to last all day. PARFUMPLUS: GASTRONOMY AND PERFUMERY SHARE A DEEP SENSORY BOND. HAS A CULINARY EXPERIENCE DURING YOUR TRAVELS EVER INSPIRED A GOURMAND OR EMOTIONAL NOTE IN YOUR WORK? Vanessa Prudent: As a curious foodie, local tastes strongly influence my creations. I discovered various ways to enjoy coconut in Brazil and different uses for saffron in Middle Eastern “Travelling is the nicest way to experience life, broaden one’s horizon, and discover new perspectives...” P A R F U M P L U S 14