The annual TFF Awards Luncheon kicked off the awards season on an unusually summer-like day in mid-April. There was so much to celebrate as 350 people gathered to hear 18 category finalists revealed.

The afternoon saw many special moments with winners taking home their Awards in five of the announced categories, and awarding the 2026 Game Changer to an individual who has truly changed the game and trajectory of our industry through innovation. 

One of my favorite moments was sharing the stage with Master Perfumer Carlos Benaïm and presenting the Game Changer to Michael Edwards who has had such a profound impact on our industry. We were thrilled to share this special moment in the company of the industry Michael has touched so deeply and has dedicated his lifelong work to preserving the perfumers’ legacies – which is at the heart of what TFF stands for.

There were moments of joy as well as time for reflection. It was the first Awards Luncheon without our beloved Board member Kendal Ascher and his bigger than life personality was truly missed on this day and will forever going forward.

A first in my tenure as TFF President, I had the pleasure of revealing the Lifetime Achievement Perfumer who was for the first time in the room to hear her name announced. The grand hall inside of Cipriani filled with applause as Master Perfumer Honorine Blanc of dsm-firmenich rose to a standing ovation. It was the perfect high note to end the afternoon on.

This edition of Accords features a one-on-one with Michael Edwards by April Long who recounts some of the great moments in the history of American fragrances and Jamie Wilson capturing the energy of the afternoon with a special spotlight on the 6 Award winners.

Enjoy this special TFF Awards lift off in our Luncheon edition.