ParfumPlus Arabia

JULIE PLUCHET, SENIOR Perfumer at CPL Aromas, brings her refined ‘quiet luxury’ approach to the Middle East. With a passion for nature, science, and creativity, she crafts exquisite scents that honour tradition while embracing innovation. Part-time in Dubai, she explores new inspirations to redefine fine fragrance with sustainability and elegance. PARFUMPLUS: YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS A ‘QUIET LUXURY’ PERFUMER. HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THAT AESTHETIC, AND HOW DOES IT INFLUENCE YOUR FRAGRANCE COMPOSITIONS? Julie Pluchet: We often define luxury with rarity and expensive monetary value. For me, luxury is synonymous with quality, minimalism, elegance and tranquillity—a space where my mind can breathe and where I can truly appreciate the beauty of simple things without artifice. This is why I describe myself as a ‘quiet luxury’ perfumer and why I strive to reflect this aesthetic in my creations. PP: AS A PASSIONATE FLAMENCO DANCER AND A PERFUMER WITH A BACKGROUND IN CHEMISTRY, HOW DO MOVEMENT AND SCIENCE INFLUENCE YOUR CREATIONS? JP: I have been a passionate flamenco dancer for 15 years, though I had to stop due to an injury. Still, flamenco will always remain in my heart! I see perfumes as alive and constantly in motion, much like dancing body moves. Dancing is also a way for me to connect with myself and stay true to who I am—just as I do in my creations. From my scientific background, I’ve learned that science is knowledge built on facts that have been repeatedly confirmed. Science is not rigid; it is constantly evolving, and there is always more to discover. I see a similarity with perfume creation— the raw materials palette is evolving, trends are changing, and the combinations of ingredients are infinite - I keep learning new things all the time. PP: WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TO FRAGRANCE, AND DO YOU HAVE A CHILDHOOD SCENT MEMORY THAT LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION? JP: I’m not entirely sure what first drew me to fragrance, as my childhood memories are somewhat vague. I grew up in the countryside and I was always very curious about different scents in nature. Also, I remember being fascinated by my grandmother’s Guerlain perfumes and cosmetic products. She used to wear Jardins de Bagatelle and L’Heure Bleue. These fragrant memories definitely left a strong and lasting impression on me. PP: WE’VE BEEN TOLD A FILM PLAYED A BIG ROLE IN INSPIRING YOUR CAREER IN PERFUMERY. COULD YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT IT? JP: When I was a teenager, I watched Fanfan with Sophie Marceau, where she played a perfumer trainee. That movie was a real turning point for me because I discovered that an entire world of P A R F U M P L U S 27