This September, TFF continues to grow with new member brands and companies. From the Lower East Side in NYC to Los Angeles, the fragrance community is vital and vibrant, with more voices, scents, and perspectives joining the conversation every day. Here, a few new TFF members share their approach to fragrance and what they are most excited about as we welcome them into the TFF family.

What does joining TFF mean to you?

Joining The Fragrance Foundation feels like a natural next step as we celebrate 30 years of Aedes de Venustas. From the beginning, our dream was to create a place where perfume could be experienced as art, where people could connect through beauty and imagination. Looking back, those early years helped shape what would later be called “niche perfumery” — though at the time, we were simply following our passion.

Becoming part of TFF feels both humbling and energizing. It means adding our voice to a larger community that shares our belief that fragrance is not just something you wear, but something you live.

What excites you most about TFF and its initiatives?

What excites us most about The Fragrance Foundation is the way it brings people together. For the last three decades, Aedes has been a place where friendships, conversations, and even cultural moments have unfolded around perfume — and TFF carries that same spirit of connection to a wider stage.

We love that it celebrates fragrance not just as something beautiful to wear, but as part of culture. Through its awards, events, and educational initiatives, TFF helps open doors, spark curiosity, and keep fragrance relevant and alive for new generations. We’re excited to add our voice to that conversation and to share in the exchange of ideas and inspiration.

What is your approach to and philosophy regarding fragrance?

For us, fragrance has always been art — and art should move you. From the beginning, we believed that perfume isn’t just something to smell, but something to feel. A great fragrance can transport you, comfort you, spark imagination, and stay with you long after you’ve left the room.

We never set out to follow trends or fit into a category. We simply followed our instincts and created scents that felt mysterious, timeless, and full of character. That spirit still guides us today: to craft perfumes that speak to emotion and memory, and that will resonate as deeply years from now as they do the very first time you wear them.

What does joining the TFF mean to you? 

Joining TFF feels like joining a family of people who share the same deep passion for fragrance as both an art form and a way to connect with others. For me, fragrance has always been more than scent — it’s about emotional connection, and self-expression. Being part of TFF means contributing to a collective voice that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and the art of scent. It’s an opportunity to connect with kindred spirits who believe perfume has the power to move the heart and soul.

What excites you most about TFF and its initiatives?

What excites me most is how The Fragrance Foundation shines a light on the entirety of the fragrance world — the brands, the perfumers, the visionaries, and the artisans behind the scenes. They celebrate the creativity, passion, and accomplishments of people who have devoted their lives to this beautiful craft. I love that their initiatives don’t just highlight the finished fragrance, but the artistry, stories, and human dedication behind it. It’s inspiring to be part of a community that champions excellence, nurtures connection, and uplifts the people who make our industry so special.

How do you approach fragrance and connect with consumers? Tell us about your sensory journey and how you translated it into your brand’s scent waves.

I approach fragrance as an act of self-love and empowerment — a daily ritual that connects deeply with the emotions and inspirations we carry within. My goal is to create scents that not only make you smell amazing, but also feel good inside, uplifted, and more connected to yourself throughout the day. My sensory journey took an unexpected turn when I realized that, as I smelled scents, they moved through my olfactory receptors like a wave. It was similar to the concept of top, middle, and base notes — but in my experience, it was more fluid: the swell was the start, the crest was the middle, and the break was the base. That “aha” moment happened in 2016, and it’s when we began describing our fragrances as scent waves. It’s something I haven’t really seen others do, but it came so naturally that it just felt right. It became our way of talking about perfume that captures the feeling of movement — how a fragrance evolves and embraces you from the very first inhale to the lingering finish.

What does joining TFF mean for Europerfumes?

Until recently, we’ve flown under the radar, placing our emphasis on building our wholesale network. More recently, we’ve understood the value in leveraging our voice as brand builders and fragrance enthusiasts within the community and what better example to follow than The Fragrance Foundation. Joining The Fragrance Foundation is a monumental step for Europerfumes which highlights the growth and importance of niche brands in today’s landscape. We could not be more excited or honored to be in the company of such incredible brands, retailers and creatives that make up The Fragrance Foundation.

What is Europerfumes mission in regard to fragrance and fragrance brands?

Europerfumes mission is to give visibility and a localized voice to the best independently owned fragrance houses, by treating them as if they were our own. We’re dedicated to nurturing the artistry and independence of each brand, while providing the structure, expertise, and reach needed for brands to thrive in the US market. For us, community has always been the heart of any brands success, and more recently, for the category at large. We’ve always shared a personal bond with the content creators and enthusiasts that drive todays #PerfumeTikTok craze. It’s our hope to continue to create opportunity and bridge the gap between consumers and the brand.  

What do you think will bring the most exciting opportunities for Europerfumes brands in 2025?

Looking ahead, we’re excited to enter a new chapter as the fragrance category continues to grow. Our biggest opportunity lies in enhancing how our brands come to life in stores. We want to put the well-deserved spotlight on the houses we represent through elevated merchandising, immersive pop-ups, and dedicated shops. This evolution allows us to create fully immersive environments where consumers can engage more deeply with each brand’s story. You will see this coming to stores and streets near you very soon.

What does joining TFF mean for Fischersund?

For a small, family-run niche perfumery and art collective out of Reykjavík, Iceland, it’s a great honor to join TFF community. The US is such an important market for us and to be welcomed with open arms by this dynamic and diverse group of fragrance folks is so heart-warming. 

How would you describe Fischersund’s art collective approach to fragrance?

We bottle not only the scent world of Iceland, but also our childhood memories. Fischersund was born out of the desire for four siblings to work together: Inga (our art director), Jónsi (self-taught nose of the brand and also known for being the lead singer of the post-rock band Sigur Rós), Lilja (brand ambassador and artist) and Sigurrós (our head artisan). We live at the intersection of scent, sound and visual arts. We make immersive experiences that include unique handmade perfumes, scented concerts, visual arts and art exhibitions to facilitate our storytelling. Each of our scents tell stories through our memories and accompanying poems, as well as musical compositions and visual arts. We also have a shop in downtown Reykjavík that is Jónsi’s old recording studio in one of the oldest buildings in the harbor. It is the heart of our brand and an extension of our DNA where we invite everyone in TFF to visit us and experience our signature scent journey, explore the art exhibition space downstairs and enjoy a glass of our handmade schnapps.

What excites you most about the opportunities for independent fragrance brands in 2025?

There is so much experimentation happening in fragrance right now. There is a vibrant, up-and-coming group of independent brands doing really cool things — like pushing the boundaries of creativity. We love that through this incredible community, there is room for everyone to explore and succeed. We are most excited about continuing to build connections with clients through our unique approach of scent, sound and art. Watch this space!

What does joining TFF mean for Moroccanoil?

Joining The Fragrance Foundation marks a meaningful milestone for Moroccanoil as we further establish our presence within the global fragrance community. As a brand founded on a signature scent that has become iconic worldwide, the Moroccanoil team set out to bottle the essence of that scent into a refined Eau de Parfum.

Moroccanoil sees this partnership as a natural extension of our values — rooted in quality, craftsmanship, and the emotional power of scent. It represents an opportunity for participation and recognition among the industry’s most esteemed creators and innovators, while also allowing us to contribute to the ongoing dialogue that shapes the future of fragrance.

Being part of TFF opens the door to collaborations with industry leaders and visionaries, providing us with a platform to both share our unique perspective and learn from others who have helped define the artistry and business of fragrance.

What excites you most about TFF and its initiatives?

What excites us most about The Fragrance Foundation and its initiatives is its unwavering celebration of the creativity, artistry, and innovation that define the fragrance world. TFF not only honors the heritage of perfumery but also champions its future through education, sustainability, and community engagement.

We are especially inspired by TFF’s ability to bring together a diverse and passionate network of industry professionals — creatives, entrepreneurs, and legacy brands alike — who share a deep commitment to advancing fragrance as both an art form and a lifestyle pillar.

The Foundation’s emphasis on storytelling and sensory connection resonates deeply with Moroccanoil’s brand philosophy. We are energized by the opportunity to participate in initiatives that highlight the transformative power of fragrance and foster meaningful dialogue across the industry.

How does Moroccanoil integrate and position fragrance within its larger brand portfolio?

Fragrance has always been at the heart of the Moroccanoil brand. From the moment we introduced our original Moroccanoil Treatment — instantly recognizable for its signature scent — we understood the power of fragrance to evoke emotion, create identity, and build connection.

Every Moroccanoil product is created with a sensorial journey in mind — one that transports and uplifts — reflecting our Mediterranean-inspired roots and commitment to luxurious, high-performing formulas.

Our recent expansion into fine fragrance is a natural evolution, guided by strong consumer demand and a desire to bring the brand experience full circle. Whether through haircare, bodycare, or now eau de parfum, Moroccanoil offers a cohesive lifestyle experience where scent plays a unifying and powerful role.

Lincoln Center set the majestic stage once again for our 52nd Annual Awards that ushered in a triumphant night for all 1,000 attendees as well as for thousands more following us on social media. The enthusiastic audience was engaged the moment the lights dimmed and the dynamic presenters whose passion for fragrance was authentic took the stage, reflecting our inclusive fragrance community. 

The reviews from our members and media are in. We are very proud that TFF Awards created an exceptional, visually artistic experience on stage through our collaboration with award-winning cinematographer Louie Schwartzberg who took fragrance ingredients to another level with his creative AI touch. 

From the glamorous arrivals underneath the portico to the buzz inside of the David H. Koch Theater, each moment of the 2025 Fragrance Foundation Awards was memorable and magnificent. The mood was infectious as the energy resonated throughout the lobby only heightened by the elation inside the Theater. 

It was truly a festive night for fragrance and is the biggest night for the industry in the USA. The cinematic presentations preceding the honors for Ralph Lauren as Hall of Fame Honoree and Daniela Andrier as Lifetime Achievement Perfumer were each equally awe-inspiring, emotional  and breathtaking. 

We had a lot to celebrate this year from the number of 2024 launches to the number of nominations that resulted in the Finalists in our varied award categories. We all appreciate the creativity and passion of the people in our community, with each year growing stronger, broader and more inclusive.

A big Congratulations to our 2025 Honorees, Winners and Finalists for making this one of the best years in TFF Awards history!  We extend a heartfelt Thank You to our incredible Presenters who made the night more spectacular than ever, and to our TFF Members and Supporters who joined us to create an extraordinary and majestic evening.

Please enjoy this last issue before we sign off for the Summer highlighting our honorees and check out the photos from the event plus listen in on some Red Carpet conversations here.

Regina Fleming Photography

Getty Images – Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Kevin Mazur for The Fragrance Foundation

In one of the most memorable moments in TFF Awards history was this year’s Hall of Fame Honoree, Mr. Ralph Lauren. Accepting the Award on behalf of his father was David Lauren, Chief Branding and Innovation Officer who reminisced about the beginnings of the brand, starting with their Bronx kitchen to the office in the Empire State Building and beyond. With this honor, he joins a long list of extraordinary leaders from the worlds of fragrance, fashion and retail.

As one of the most iconic American designers in the world, Mr. Ralph Lauren has captured the essence of the American dream with a fragrance portfolio from Polo to Ralph’s Club to Romance that evokes his creative vision of classic American style and exuberant spirit. Since launching Ralph Lauren Fragrances, Ralph Lauren’s trailblazing vision revolutionized the fragrance industry by seamlessly translating the brand’s iconic American perspective and timeless style into fragrance.

Celebrated for crafting timeless designs that capture the essence of American style and transcend trends, his work embodies a modern interpretation of luxury living, and each fragrance reflects a unique personality within the Ralph Lauren tradition, a testament to his passion for designing dreams into reality.

Since introducing his signature men’s ties in 1967, Mr. Lauren has created one of the  most powerful American luxury lifestyle brands in the world, including men’s and women’s fashion and accessories, elegant home furnishings, and evocative fragrances.

Embodying the American spirit from creativity to business success, Ralph Lauren has captured the imagination of the consumer. His distinguished career spanning decades and his profound impact on American fragrances has etched his name and brand into modern American history and culture. 

As this year’s 2025 Hall of Fame Award Honoree, Mr. Ralph Lauren shared his insights into the world of Ralph Lauren fragrances in an exclusive short film shown only at the event. 

When you launched Ralph Lauren fragrances in 1978, it was the first time that a designer had launched scents for men and women at the same time. Why did you make that decision, and what impact did it have? 

My world encompassed both men and women and so when I decided to create fragrances, it seemed natural that I would launch Polo for men and Lauren for women. Each scent was developed to celebrate the individuality of each. The packaging was as distinctive as the fragrances.

Over the years, there have been more than 100 Ralph Lauren fragrance launches. Which scents have been your favorites? 

Asking me to pick my favorite scent would be like asking me to choose my favorite child. Each one is special to me and each fragrance is about a moment in time, a mood whether sport, adventure or romance. Since 1978, I’ve created a world of fragrances to celebrate and complement the way women and men choose to live from year to year, season to season, day to night.

From packaging to advertisements, the visual imprint for Ralph Lauren fragrances has always been distinctive and unique to the brand. What is the key to presenting a cohesive and impactful Ralph Lauren world?

It’s always about one thing—Emotion.

From your perspective, what is the relationship between fashion and fragrance? How are they similar and dissimilar?

Fashion and fragrance both celebrate the spirit of the person that wears them. They are about self-expression and individuality. And they offer a kind of confidence to the woman or man that wears them. For some it’s one personal scent that exudes the spirit of the person. For others it’s a wardrobe of fragrances that match a mood or experience. What I do is about living and fragrance is a personal part of all the ways we choose to live.

What characterizes a Daniela Andrier fragrance? Elegance, intelligence, modernity, and that “it factor” that cannot be quantified, yet can always be smelled. As TFF’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Perfumer Award honoree, Andrier is someone whose impact on the scent landscape cannot be denied: Over the course of her 40-year career, she has created countless iconic fragrances, including Maison Margiela Untitled (the recipient of TFF’s Perfume Extraordinaire of the Year Award in 2011), Tiffany Eau de Parfum for Tiffany & Co, MYSLF for Yves Saint Laurent, and a host of beautifully expressive scents for Prada, including the wildly influential Infusion d’Iris.

Born in Heidelberg, Germany, Andrier studied philosophy before turning to perfumery, and echoes of that thoughtful, deeply human discipline can still be detected in her approach to fragrance. She honed her craft at the prestigious Roure Perfumery School in Grasse, and spent the early days of her career living in New York City, where she created such remarkable scents as Calvin Klein Contradiction (1997), Emporio Armani She (1998), and Gucci Rush for Men (2000). She has four children with her husband Gilles Andrier, Givaudan CEO, and together they are a true fragrance couple. Indeed, they now share well-deserved TFF accolades. Additionally, Daniela has previously accrued 8 Fragrance Foundation Awards for her creations.

Guests at the June 5th ceremonies at Lincoln Center may sense Andrier’s “it factor” in the air: She has created Lincoln in June, a special ambient floral scent for the evening that welcomes guests as they walk into the sumptuous lobby. Here, she takes a moment to reflect on her career, dreams, successes, and inspirations.

How would you describe your style as a perfumer?

I think it is a style avoiding clichés of any kind, and the encounter between the “strangeness of déjà vu” and the “astonishing,” newly combined.

What was the first fragrance you bought, or the fragrance you first remember making a big impression on you?

It was Chanel no 19, worn by my aunt who was a very beautiful woman. I was a child and I remember saying to her, “your smell is noble like the one of autumn leaves.”

Do you have a favorite raw material to work with?

Yes, a favorite that keeps changing almost every day.

What accomplishments are you proudest of in your career?

Working in the same company as my husband was challenging. Despite the uncommon setup of working for Givaudan but remotely in my own lab for the last 18 years, I am proud it worked out well and that I could be a successful perfumer.

What has made the enduring relationship that you have had with Prada so unique?

I became the perfumer I am, thanks to Mrs. Prada and Fabio Zambernardi. It opened my fantasy, and it gave me endless inspirations.

What are some of the inspirations that you frequently draw from for your work?

The unexpected combination of colors, the mixture of the rare and the banal, the power of allusion, the importance of playing with the power of evocation, the necessity to avoid cliché, the unnecessary urge of being modern, the intelligence of getting inspiration and depth by being humble and learning where we come from, and by understanding tradition and the importance of culture.

What does it mean to you to be awarded the Fragrance Foundation Lifetime Achievement Perfumer Award?

I am very honored to receive such a recognition. What really makes me happy with the award are the comments I receive from my peers, clients, family and friends.

What originally made you want to become a perfumer?

As a child I used to mix the fragrances of my mother.

For many years, I thought perfumes were entirely created by fashion designers. I did not know that one could actually become a perfumer. Once I heard someone talking about this profession, it was like an instant revelation. From then on, I knew nothing could stop me from becoming a perfumer.

How did your previous studies in philosophy affect your approach to perfumery?

I chose to study philosophy, because strangely enough, I knew something else was waiting for me and that it would take time to find it. Until I would, I picked up philosophy, because this is what I had really loved in school.

I think I still have this love for reflection, it is part of who I am and therefore of my perfumery.

What scents do you dream of that you have not yet captured?

The Master Perfumer I admire the most is Nature. For example, I would love to put the endless beauty of the smell of lily of the valley in a bottle. And it is true for every smell in nature.

We are getting a little bit closer but we are never as genius as nature. Thankfully, new technologies are providing us with more and more raw materials that help us get better.

The excitement around fragrance continued into May with new launches, Mother’s Day and, of course, the prelude to the 2025 TFF Awards, Consumer Choice Voting that spanned most of the eventful month. To make sure the consumer got the chance to cast their vote for Fragrances of the Year, TFF did another successful TV tour de force in 12 cities across America from Tampa to Phoenix. 

Spring trends of citrus and florals blossomed with new fragrances just in time for the Mother’s Day celebration. With Spring in full swing, TFF is now heading towards our highly anticipated iconic gala with this year’s Awards ceremony.  

Next week will see 19 Winners receive the ultimate accolade on one of the world’s greatest stages in Lincoln Center here in NYC. It will be a night of magic with industry icons and legends coming together and a guest list of luminaries from fashion, entertainment, and of course, fragrance. 

On June 5, we will honor one of America’s most revered brands and most esteemed business visionaries who redefined the American Fragrance landscape and lifestyle, Mr. Ralph Lauren who will join the Hall of Fame echelon. Continuing our celebration of industry icons, TFF will bestow the Lifetime Achievement Perfumer honor to one of the most prolific perfumers today, Daniela Andrier, for her extensive portfolio of fragrance. To share the excitement with our fragrance community, we will have Live IG reports from beauty editor and expert Deena Campbell on our Red Carpet experience. Follow us on Instagram to get updates on winners and all the glamour and fun from the night. #TFFAwards!

Finally, as we head into the second to last edition of Accords before we sign off for the summer, TFF wanted to spotlight members who saw major milestones and captured the essence of a legend with a new fragrance introduction. Congratulations to Robertet as they celebrated their 175th anniversary with a new Creative Center at their NYC office. With a customized scent experience, Robertet took us on an artistic journey of their heritage to the future. And in a very exciting launch, Harlem Perfume Co. Teri Johnson launched Eartha to celebrate the iconic Eartha Kitt in collaboration with Eartha’s daughter Kitt Shapiro and Takasago Perfumer Catherine Selig. This ode to her mother’s love was a fantastic reminder of mothers everywhere as we took the time to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Enjoy this month’s Accords, and join our countdown to the Awards! And make sure to check out the upcoming issue of Accords that will share all the excitement from the fragrance industry’s biggest night.

What could be better than an evening celebrating French savoir-faire with immersive scent experiences and a bouquet of irises for every guest? A few weeks ago, Robertet marked its 175^th anniversary as a world leader in exquisite natural raw material production with not just any party, but with a festive (and fragrant) unveiling of a new creative center.

Spanning the penthouse of Robertet’s 60^th Street headquarters in Manhattan, the center will be a designated space for collaboration and inspiration. Appropriately, the opening fête had both in abundance. Upon stepping off the elevator, guests were greeted by a wall of vining roses, and the beautiful ambient scent of Rose 175, a custom fragrance created by perfumer Elena Valdivieso-Ruiz that interlaced the aroma of centifolia rose with zesty bergamot and juicy passionfruit. In the lounge, a light-filled room lined with windows overlooking the city, bouquets of vivid yellow mimosas dotted tabletops and the scent of Mimosa 175, another Valdivieso-Ruiz creation, filled the air with the atmosphere of Provencal springtime. Add a live performance by charming French singer Dolly Lowe, who treated guests to a tour de force rendition of “La Vie en Rose,” and it truly was the closest one could get to France while sipping champagne in a New York skyscraper.

Hosted by Arnaud Adrian, Robertet’s North America President and Jerome Bruhat, Robertet’s Global CEO, the event also featured a specially commissioned photographic exhibition by Stéphane Martinelli, documenting beautifully observed details reflecting Robertet’s craft in cultivating and transforming raw materials for use in fine fragrance. Martinelli’s artwork complemented the contemporary interior design of the newly reimagined Robertet space. The series perfectly captured the essence of fragrance from nature to its artistry, and ultimately scent. Notes from Robertet’s long history of innovation revealed delightful surprises—in 1880, the company patented the first process for making instant coffee—and a strong commitment to storytelling as well as care and respect for nature were evident in every detail.

The evening’s biggest wow moment? A trio of immersive scent booths, in which guests could experience three more ICONS 175 fragrances, this time created by perfumer Jérôme Epinette. An arrangement of dramatically lit purple irises was behind the first door, unveiling the luminous scent of Iris 175, in which Epinette juxtaposed precious iris—which Robertet has been distilling for more than 100 years—with frankincense, patchouli, and rose petals. The next booth paid homage to Robertet’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, spotlighting tonka sourced from South America and produced through Robertet’s CleanRScent™ program with Tonka 175, a blend of roasted tonka with pistachio and vanilla. And lastly, a nod to Robertet’s role as an industry—and caffeine—pioneer: Coffee 175, a rich, awakening fragrance featuring notes of coffee, cocoa, and Hinoki wood. Guests were lucky enough to leave with vials of all three: covetable fragrance souvenirs of a joyous and enlightening evening recognizing one of the industry’s greatest purveyors of sensory delights.

Congratulations Robertet on marking your milestone with such savoir-faire.

When you hear the name Eartha Kitt, you surely think of the 1950s-era musical icon’s liquid-gold voice and magnetic presence, her unforgettable rendition of “Santa Baby,” or her inimitable turn as Catwoman in the 1960s Batman TV series. Now, with the release of Harlem Perfume Co.’s beautiful and nuanced new fragrance, Eartha Eau de Parfum, you will also associate her with truly moving olfactive storytelling.

The fragrance, which was unveiled at a special event at the Takasago headquarters in Manhattan, is the result of a creative collaboration between Harlem Perfume Co. founder Teri Johnson, perfumer Catherine Selig, and Kitt Shapiro, Eartha Kitt’s daughter and author of the memoir Eartha & Kitt: A Daughter’s Love Story in Black and White. The scent is a heartfelt tribute to a trailblazing woman whose voice touched so many, but also a celebration of the bonds of family (Eartha’s granddaughter, singer-songwriter Nora Mae, is the face of the fragrance) and the power of art. Perfume is unrivaled in its ability to connect people to each other as well as to the past, so what better vehicle to conjure Eartha’s spirit? “My mother was both fierce and tender, mysterious and grounded,” Shapiro says. “With this perfume, I want people to feel her essence: the strength, the sensuality and the authenticity that made her unforgettable.”

The fragrance is complex and radiant, warm and intriguing. “While developing the scent, I met with Kitt Shapiro and discovered Eartha Kitt as a mom through her daughter’s eyes,” says Selig. “Her vivid memories of her mother were the missing puzzle pieces that enabled me to capture Eartha’s duality. The image of Eartha holding a basket of lemons in her garden in California was key to creating the luminous first breath of the scent, in which lemon meets smoked rose. Glamorous French jasmine in the heart that introduces the grounding effect of guaic wood and earthy moss in the dry down.”

Eartha was two years in the making, and a journey of love and dedication for all involved. Here, Johnson shares how the idea to create it was first born, and how Harlem Perfume Co. went about bringing the scent—and the woman it pays homage to—to life.

How did this collaboration come about?

During the pandemic, Kitt Shapiro and I connected on social media. By the time we met in person at a trade show in 2022, it felt like we already knew each other. Kitt expressed how excited she was about Harlem Candle Co. and Harlem Perfume Co. and the work we were doing. She asked, “Have you ever thought about creating a candle inspired by my mom?” and I immediately said I’d love to. Since Harlem Perfume Co. was a fairly new business, I was leaning toward a fine fragrance expression of her mother’s legacy. Soon after, I read her book, Eartha & Kitt: A Daughter’s Love Story in Black & White, to get a deeper understanding of who Eartha Kitt was – not just as a performer, but as a woman and a mother.

We met for lunch in New York to start shaping our ideas, and I shared that I had the perfect perfumer in mind: Catherine Selig of Takasago, whom I had worked with previously for Harlem Candle Co. The three of us met shortly after in Connecticut, and from that moment, our beautiful journey of creation began.

What was your previous familiarity with Eartha Kitt as a performer and star? 

I’ve always found Eartha Kitt to be intriguing. Her voice alone has the power to stop you in your tracks. It’s sultry, commanding, and full of nuance. Songs like Santa Baby and C’est Si Bon are two of my favorites because they epitomize a certain elegance and sensuality that I want more women to embody. 

And beyond the music, there was something in the way Eartha spoke – her diction, her presence – that reminded me of the women in my own family. Women who had lived full lives, who spoke with poise and purpose, who carried a kind of worldly grace. 

Eartha embodied that same spirit, but on a global stage. She was bold yet refined, glamorous yet grounded. That rare duality is what made her so unforgettable, and it’s what we hoped to capture in this fragrance.

What were the most striking things you learned about Eartha while developing this scent?

Working closely with Kitt Shapiro gave me a much deeper understanding of who Eartha really was. She wasn’t just an artist, revered in Harlem and around the world; she was layered, resilient, and full of conviction. I learned about her years in Europe, the backlash she faced in the U.S. after speaking out against the Vietnam War, and how she continued to reinvent herself with grace and purpose. 

One of the most powerful discoveries, though, was just how much of a global citizen she truly was. As a traveler who has visited over 70 countries, I felt a deep personal connection to her commitment to language and cross-cultural understanding. Eartha spoke four languages fluently and could sing the national anthem in eleven. That kind of curiosity, discipline, and reverence for the world is rare. And it made honoring her through fragrance feel not only meaningful, but necessary.

What was the dynamic like between yourself, Kitt and Catherine, and what was the development process like? 

The dynamic between me, Kitt, and Catherine was incredible from the start. We first came together on a beautiful summer day in Connecticut, and immediately discovered how much we had in common. All three of us bring a global lens to our work – Catherine from her French heritage, Kitt from being the daughter of an international icon, and me through my global study and travels. We’re all creative, entrepreneurial women who lead with passion and an understanding that our work holds real significance in the lives of others. 

The development process was both layered and iterative. In the beginning, we tried to understand what Eartha truly loved and began pursuing a path of recreating some of her favorite perfumes. After a few iterations, we decided to develop something truly custom that would embody Eartha Kitt’s legacy, rather than just replicate her preferences. We pulled pieces from Eartha’s life, her aura, and her impact.

Kitt shared vivid memories, like the lemon tree in her mother’s California garden, so Catherine incorporated a bright California lemon note as an early starting point. We searched for notes that carried texture and depth to reflect her duality. Smoked rose became the standout top note: a bold, unexpected signature that spoke to her audacity. To ground the fragrance, we chose rosewood and earthy moss, inspired by Kitt’s memories of her mother’s deep connection to nature.

The entire process was collaborative and deeply meaningful. We listened, we learned, and ultimately found a rhythm that allowed each of our perspectives to shape something truly original.

What does this fragrance mean for the Harlem Perfume Co. brand?

This is such a special moment for the brand. It marks our first collaboration with the descendant of an icon, and it also broadens our storytelling beyond the Harlem Renaissance. Eartha Kitt represents a different era: the 1950s through the 70s. She played a major role in shaping Harlem’s cultural legacy and its artistic evolution. With this launch, we’re solidifying Harlem Perfume Co. as a multi-era expressive fragrance house. Art, culture, and legacy remain our foundation, now reinvigorated through new voices with enduring influence.

Who is the woman you imagine being most drawn to this fragrance?

She’s sensual, grounded, and bold in a way that doesn’t need permission. The woman most drawn to Eartha chooses fragrance with intention and wears it as an extension of the legacy she hopes to leave behind. I imagine someone who appreciates beauty and complexity and isn’t afraid to stand out. Eartha once said, “I fall in love with myself, and I want someone to share it with me.”

That’s the spirit I see in the woman who wears this scent.

It was a sold-out crowd at Cipriani 42 for our annual April Luncheon where we announced the finalists for the 2025 Awards in 19 categories and presented five winners with their trophies. A major announcement of the day was also the Lifetime Achievement Perfumer, Daniela Andrier, Master Perfumer at Givaudan. If the heartfelt elation from our five winners was any indication, the Awards ceremony is going to be one of the most electrifying nights for our fragrance community. From here on out, the countdown to the June Awards is on, with the excitement sure to crescendo in the coming weeks. 

Each year, we want to make the Awards Luncheon more special and memorable than the year before. And this year, it is safe to say that we certainly achieved that  as we presented our first-ever TFF Leadership Award to the incomparable Dr. Joyce F. Brown, President of The Fashion Institute of Technology. Dr. Brown has not only been the longest serving President but the most passionate educator advancing fragrance studies at a public college. Her vision and impact has left such an indelible mark on our industry that it was only fitting for TFF to bring our community together to honor her legacy. What a moment to share the stage with such a remarkable person and leader.

This week, Consumer Choice Voting begins May 1st. And the countdown officially begins!

Over 300 in the fragrance community convened at Cipriani 42 for a very lively 2025 Awards Luncheon on April 8th.  The event has become a much-anticipated hallmark of springtime, as well as an exciting moment that officially ushers in awards season. It proved to be an afternoon filled with heartfelt speeches, inspiring salutes to industry trailblazers, smiling finalists, and—as ever—a delicious meal.

Executive Committee Chairman Jerry Vittoria opened by thanking everyone for making Fragrance Day such a triumph, recounting how impactful it was to see TFF’s first-ever pop-up gallery and shop—the idea for which was born five years ago during a coffee meeting with TFF President Linda G. Levy—finally come to fruition. “It was fantastic to walk into a physical space and see consumers interacting with perfumers, brand founders and brand ambassadors,” he said, before a video was shown that spotlighted the fragrance-sniffing joy of enthusiastic participants during the day’s festivities.

Next up, Levy kicked off the proceedings (“put your seatbelt on,” she joked), announcing FIT President Dr. Joyce F. Brown as the inaugural honoree of TFF’s Leadership Award. Brown, whom Levy described as “one of the most transformative leaders in education today,” has brought profound and visionary change to FIT’s programs, facilities, and initiatives over the course of her 27-year tenure as president. Her impact in advancing academic programs in fragrance, and bringing generations of talented graduates into the industry cannot be overstated. Levy traced the long history of collaboration between TFF and FIT—including the landmark creation of the FIT #FragranceForwardTFF Scholarship a few years ago—before Brown stepped up to the stage accompanied by a standing ovation.

Dr. Brown accepted the Leadership Award honor with a graceful speech, reflecting on the changes she has seen in fragrance education and on the global stage, and acknowledging the forward-thinking work of Fragrance Foundation President Emeritus Annette Green, who first worked with FIT to develop a curriculum that could introduce a career path in perfume to students nearly 30 years ago. “I am so very proud of the progress that we have made and the reputation we have earned. The collaboration with the industry has ensured that a pipeline for talent and resources is cultivated and each year just gets better and better,” said Brown, who will be stepping down at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year this spring. “I look forward to seeing what the future holds. We’ll watch together as our graduates set the standard for thoughtful and inclusive leadership in this ever-expanding industry.”

In a show-stopping moment punctuating Brown’s much-deserved accolade, Levy shared that TFF has donated $27,000, reflective of the FIT President’s 27 years of leadership, to the Dr. Joyce F. Brown Legacy Fund. This ongoing fund—to which attendees of the luncheon were also urged to contribute to—will support the creation of a state-of-the-art science laboratory at FIT and ensure that her vision of a robust, pioneering, and inclusive educational program perseveres. From there on out, it was wave after wave of applause, as the winners of the first five 2025 Fragrance Foundation Awards were announced celebrating Fragrance Editorial of the Year, Innovative Fragrance Product of the Year, Packaging of the Year Ultra Luxury/ Luxury, Packaging of the Year Prestige/Popular and Indie Fragrance of the Year. The finalists for all of the 19 categories to be awarded on June 5^th were also announced, as well as one of the year’s big headlining plaudits: the announcement that Daniela Andrier, master perfumer at Givaudan, will be 2025’s Lifetime Achievement Perfumer honoree. With no less an icon than Mr. Ralph Lauren being awarded the 2025 Hall of Fame Award at this year’s TFF Awards at Lincoln Center, it will be a history-making evening. This luncheon, serving as both a preview and an appetizer, set the tone perfectly.

One of the many highlights of the annual TFF Awards Luncheon is the announcement of the finalists, and then winners, in five exciting categories. For many in the audience, it’s a time of great suspense as the first TFF golden trophies of the year begin to be handed out. This year, awards were given for Fragrance Editorial of the Year, to Justin Fenner, for his Robb Report article The Man With the Golden Nose; Innovative Fragrance Product of the Year, to DS & Durga for the DS & Durga Murder Mystery Set; Packaging of the Year Ultra Luxury/ Luxury, to Diptyque for its Fleur de Peau Holiday Edition Collaboration with Lucy Sparrow; Packaging of the Year Prestige/Popular, to Marc Jacobs for Daisy Wild; and finally—always a big moment—Indie Fragrance of the Year, to Veronique Gabai Delices des Bois. We caught up with the 2025 Awards winners after the ceremony to learn more about their inspiration, and how it feels to be recognized with a TFF Award.

Justin Fenner – Fragrance Editorial of the Year Winner

What was it like to be a Finalist for your Robb Report article “The Man With the Golden Nose,” and to hear that you had won? 

This is such a cliché, but it really is an honor just to be nominated! To win was unexpected, and a hugely emotional moment for me. I’m tearing up now thinking about my name being called. I’ve never won an award for my work before, and I’ve been at this for 15 years!

Why did it feel timely and significant to do an in-depth profile of Francis Kurkdjian? 

The story was pegged to the launch of Sauvage Eau Forte, Francis Kurkdjian’s first men’s fragrance for Dior. Sauvage is the world’s best-selling fragrance, so I was curious to ask him about the pressures of reinventing a scent that means so much to so many people. I was wearing Sauvage when I met my partner, Brian. (When I told Francis that Brian and I have been together for nearly eight years, he said, “Good. Don’t change.”)

But beyond that, I thought it was important for people to know how uniquely prolific and impactful Francis has been not just in the fragrance industry, but for luxury writ large. As his star has risen, he has helped countless maisons articulate their olfactory identities, which has only helped more and more people enjoy great perfumes. The headline, “The Man With the Golden Nose,” isn’t just about his financial success. It’s also a reference to the glow his talents have cast upon the world.

What was it like to be a Finalist for your Murder Mystery layering set and to hear that you had won? 

We were both shocked. Then I got up and blabbed about what I could in the rush of the moment.  Being recognized for innovation by our industry is such an honor. It’s a core value we always strive for.

What was the inspiration behind making a layering set based upon a murder mystery, along with an animated video?

I often grapple with how to translate complex narratives into aromatics. A murder mystery can have multiple endings. So I thought a layering set was the answer. I am passionate about giving people the tools to be creative with their perfume, while also not being too complex. MM is bonehead simple. No matter how many sprays of each you decide for your own “solution” to the mystery, the result will work. And you can record it down and make as many as you like. I have a friend who is an animator and this was perfect to explain the whole premise of the layering set. I make all the music for our videos, and this one was a special treat.

Jessie Dawes, Diptyque – Packaging of the Year, Ultra Luxury/Luxury

What was it like to be a Finalist for Diptyque Fleur de Peau packaging and to hear that you had won?

I was thrilled to hear we were a Finalist. The Fragrance Foundation is such a respected organization, so to be nominated is an honor, and to win is even better. Secretly, it’s been an internal goal at Diptyque to be presented with a TFF award – hopefully more to come!

 What was the inspiration for this collaboration with Lucy Sparrow, and what made the packaging so special?

The holiday collection at Diptyque takes on new life each year, embodying a theme that is emblematic to our brand heritage yet also hopes to inspire that childlike wonder we experience during the season. For the 2024 holiday collection, we collaborated with felt artist Lucy Sparrow, allowing consumers to enter a world of whimsical, textural, and colorful designs featuring felt details, unlike anything the Maison has done before. For our Fleur de Peau packaging, the whimsical married the chic to create stunning two-dimensional gold embellishments for our beloved personal fragrance gesture, bringing a luxurious yet festive touch into one’s care routine.

Simone Bolotin, Coty – Packaging of the Year, Prestige/Popular

Questions answered by Caroline Imbert, VP, US Luxury Marketing, Coty.

What was it like to be a Finalist and then hear that you had won?

We at Coty are incredibly proud of this recognition for Marc Jacobs Fragrances. With Daisy Wild Marc Jacobs, we set out to reimagine an icon—building on the heritage of the original while bringing something new, joyful, and modern to life. Winning Packaging of the Year affirms the bold creative choices we made, and it’s a wonderful tribute to the team’s vision, precision, and passion.

Daisy is such an iconic fragrance and bottle. What makes this one feel especially unique?

What sets Daisy Wild Marc Jacobs apart is the introduction of a new flower to the iconic cap. Inspired by a wildflower bouquet, this wild daisy harmoniously blends the signature pink and green Daisy blooms. Inside the bottle, flower stems peek through, adding another playful nod to nature’s allure. The result is a design that feels both whimsical and elevated. The juice itself is reimagined in a light green hue, completing the new color story of Daisy Wild Marc Jacobs. It is a bold evolution that stays true to the Daisy legacy.

Veronique Gabai, Indie Fragrance of the Year

How did you feel when you learned you were a winner? What does it mean to you?

I was honestly surprised, I was not expecting it. I was not in town, and was riding in a car when I received texts from friends, with a photo and video of the screen. I had to check the photo several times to read and read again the word WINNER …. and I was so touched by Linda’s kind words. It brought sunshine to a pretty difficult day; it brought joy, pride and deep gratitude. I have been part of the industry for quite some time and very involved with the Fragrance Foundation too. Receiving an accolade from my peers means a great deal, and gives me the energy to push forward on the path of building my own brand. I created my brand to deliver beauty, the kind that enchants the senses and lifts the soul. I am elated that it was recognized.

What was it like to work with perfumer Amandine Clerc-Marie on this scent and what atmosphere did you set out to capture?

We worked about two years on this fragrance to find the perfect balance between the fig and the sandalwood, with the jasmine weaving through. I always wanted to work on sandalwood, but was waiting for us to find a sustainable source of this remarkable natural ingredient. I also always wanted to capture the creamy green scent of fig, albeit in an elegant way. Délices des Bois is like a carefree, sensual dance…. Amandine was the magician that helped me play with the wood, the fruit and the flower in a way that is youthful, alluring and captivating. Just delicious!

A creative vision five years in the making became a reality on March 21st, as the first ever TFF Fragrance Gallery & Pop-Up Shop debuted on Fragrance Day. And what a day it was to make a long awaited TFF dream come true that started with Jerry Vittoria TFF Board Chair and I talking over coffee and croissants. Originally set to premiere in 2020, the pandemic sidelined our planned pop up. But on Fragrance Day 2025, the TFF Pop-Up took its bow on Madison Avenue bigger and better than ever imagined as part of Fragrance Week on Madison, a creative collaboration with the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District to celebrate fragrance along the Avenue.

Over three days, the TFF Pop-up welcomed over 1,000 fragrance lovers to our gallery, bringing our growing fragrance community together to smell and sample the season’s scents and meet the perfumers and brand founders behind them. It was so exhilarating to see consumers walk in each day, with some days waiting on line to get in, and be wowed by the experience!

TFF’s Pop-Up was the heart and soul of the five-day fragrance promotion (March 18-23) along Madison from 57th to 86th Streets, with fragrance boutiques celebrating inside of their stores and spilling out onto the sidewalk with special events and activations. It was an incredible way to herald in Spring and celebrate Fragrance Day 2025. Please enjoy the great stories captured by beauty editor Jamie Wilson as she covered our Pop-Up, round-the-clock.

To view and download photography for the event:

Credit: Getty Images by Kevin Mazur for The Fragrance Foundation (March 20th & March 21st)

Credit: Regina Fleming Photography (PIN 2341)

It was a jam-packed weekend of many exciting firsts for TFF and the fragrance community

What scent are you wearing? It was the million dollar question that echoed up and down Madison Avenue as the festivities for the first-ever Fragrance Week on Madison Avenue kicked off encompassing the celebration of Fragrance Day™ 2025 on March 21. A partnership between The Fragrance Foundation and the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District (B.I.D.), Fragrance Week on Madison Avenue which took place from March 18 to March 23 was about community in every sense, and everyone was invited to stop in and experience the wonderful world of fragrance. 

“What makes this Fragrance Day unlike any other, is the debut of our first-ever Fragrance Foundation Gallery and Pop-Up Shop on Madison Avenue,” says Linda G. Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation. “We are beyond thrilled to collaborate with the Madison Avenue B.I.D and be at the heart of their Fragrance Week on Madison Avenue celebration with a unique fragrance experience for New Yorkers and tourists alike.”

While New Yorkers are no strangers to the aromas of the city, it’s hard to deny that Madison Avenue between East 57th to East 86th Streets was the best smelling place in all of the five boroughs as fragrance and fashion boutiques like Diptyque, Aesop, Creed, Vera Wang, Orveda Mansion and D.S. & Durga among others commemorated fragrance with events and activities adding their unique flair to the celebrations. 

However, it was 924 Madison Avenue, the heart of Fragrance Week, that took the prize for the best-smelling locale. After all it was the outpost for the very first Fragrance Foundation Gallery and Pop-Up Shop where brands displayed included the likes of Aroma by Costa Brazil, Princess by Vera Wang, Sundae by Anna Sui, among other new launches such as FlowerBomb Extreme by Viktor & Rolf, Good Girl & Bad Boy by Carolina Herrera, La Vie Est Belle L’Elixir by Lancôme, Libre L’Eau Nue by YSL,  Sweetest Song by Bath and Body Works, Your Turn by Billie Eilish, Mind Games Mentor & Prodigy, and more. 

Opened to the public from March 21 to 23 (with a press preview event held on March 20), The Fragrance Foundation Gallery and Pop-up Shop officially opened its doors with a star-studded ribbon cutting led by TFF President Linda G. Levy and Board chairman of The Fragrance Foundation Jerry Vittoria with special guests, fashion designers and brand founders, Anna Sui, Vera Wang and Francisco Costa, Madison Avenue B.I.D President, Matthew Bauer and Chris Collins, Chair of TFF’s Entrepreneur Committee to mark the momentous partnership with The Fragrance Foundation and the Madison Avenue B.I.D. 

The 1,500 square-foot ground floor space was transformed into a one-of-a-kind curated, multi-brand experiential hub against a gallery-like setting for attendees who lined up outside each day awaiting entrance. As various scents like Ave Maria by House of Bō, Savant | Manhattan Cherry by World of  Chris Collins, and Pear Jam by NETTE wafted through the air, what could be dubbed as a scent of its own was organically formed, engulfing the attendees as they explored the pop-up. 

Since its inception in 2018, Fragrance Day has grown and evolved in its mission to drive awareness, excitement, and education around the fragrance category for consumers and unite the fragrance community. That was obvious throughout the weekend’s events as perfumers and founders of niche and emerging fragrance brands like House of Bō, Brown Girl Jane, World of Chris Collins, Eauso Vert, The New Savant, Nomad Noé and Arquiste, rotated to meet with fragrance lovers for an unparalleled, intimate experience. 

Not only were visitors invited to experience fragrance IRL and get to know the names behind the bottles, they were treated to dedicated panel discussions, classical musical performances and fireside chats covering topics like building a brand on sustainability, the connection between fragrance and music as well as the importance of diversity and storytelling. These featured some of the fragrance world’s heavy hitters including Vera Wang, Anna Sui, Francisco Costa, Pascal Gaurin, Rodrigo Flores-Roux and Carlos Huber founder of Arquiste fragrances as well as Faye Wood and Tanya Gonzalez co-founders of Eauso Vert. As everyday fragrance consumers walked in, they not only got to experience fragrance favorites such as Anna Sui’s Sundae and Billie Eilish’s Your Turn, they also were able to meet and mingle with the legendary perfumers behind the scents, such as Jerome Epinette and Frank Voelkl.

“Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side is unparalleled in the depth and breadth of its fragrance offerings,” says Matthew Bauer, President of the Madison Avenue B.I.D. “The olfactory artistry of the fragrance brands residing on Madison Avenue throughout the year will rise in the crescendo of in-store experiences during Fragrance Week. We are honored to join with The Fragrance Foundation to celebrate the joy of scent.”

In attendance throughout the weekend were the entrepreneurs behind many beloved fragrance brands. Here’s what they had to say about Fragrance Day, being a part of the first-ever pop-up shop and what they hope attendees take away from this intimate experience.

What are your thoughts on the turnout for the first TFF Pop-Up Shop and the continued growth of Fragrance Day?

“The turnout for the first ever TFF pop-up shop was incredible! So many people came to visit the shop to meet some of the founders and to participate in the Fragrance Day activities. Everyday there was a line down the street. What a success! Just when you think Fragrance Day couldn’t get any bigger or better, every year out does the last. I can’t wait to see what TFF has up their sleeves for 2026.” –Chris Collins, World of Chris Collins 

What does fragrance mean to you, and why is it so important to share it?

“Fragrance to me channels the most magical sense. It’s the only sense that has a direct connection to the emotional centers of the brain, and I think it has such power to affect the way we feel from our confidence to our mindfulness. If we can bring that power into something that is also sophisticated, chic and inspiring and bring aromatherapy to the modern day, I think that is so powerful and has the ability to transform lives and make your day better.” –Carol Han-Pyle, NETTE

Why do you think it’s important to get everyone together to experience the fragrance world that we all love?

“It’s such a great opportunity that Linda was finally able to do this and get this experience into the store. Then of course, celebrating the most important day which is Fragrance Day. I love getting to meet with perfumers like Pascal Gaurin. That will always be my highlight. I’m a fragrance fanatic before anything. I’ve been collecting since I was 13 years old, so to me they are my idols.” –Bernardo Moller, House of Bō

How does it feel to be here with your brand at the first ever Fragrance Day Pop-Up?

“It’s incredible. It’s so exciting. There are so many fragrance lovers who we’ve gotten to meet in person, some of them we’ve connected on social media before, but just seeing how people really connect with scent is magical.” –Corentin Hamon, Nomad Noé

“It’s the start of spring, and it’s also Nowruz, the Persian new year. The weather is great and the energy is great. Everyone is so inquisitive and we’ve enjoyed taking people on a journey through scent and seeing what they like and learning about the ways in which they’ve even surprised themselves.”–Arash Yomtobian, Nomad Noé

Why is Fragrance Day so important? 

“We’re really happy to be here among all of these incredible  brands. Fragrance Day and the awareness is huge for us because we’re a newer younger brand. In real life  sampling is really important too. It gives you a different connection than what you can get online. Fragrance is a lot about storytelling, so it’s great to showcase and sample in real life as well as meet and chat with different people.” –Faye Wood, Eauso Vert

Why do you think it’s important to showcase your scents to the general public who might have differing levels of awareness around fragrance? 

“It’s a unique opportunity for us, especially, and for me on a more personal note, knowing that this is centered around my Latin heritage. When I was younger  I was unaware of any fragrances that were inspired by something other than a more Euro-centric view. So for us to create a fragrance collection that’s really inspired by my Latin heritage, it’s an opportunity for us to center the Latin experience but also the  ingredients that have origins in Latin America and put them at the forefront of luxury fragrance.” –Tanya Gonzalez, Eauso Vert

Why is it important for people to experience your scents in this format?

“So much about fragrance is so visceral, so singular. I think experiencing something physically, talking to someone about it, and really thinking about what notes you’re smelling is important. Our nose is so powerful. It’s like a muscle that can be strengthened over time. So being in conversation with someone and having them say ‘Oh, I smell the salty tears’ or ‘I get that peony accord’  helps us to create language around what we’re smelling which ultimately helps us as people in the world.” –Erica Anderson, The New Savant 

What are your thoughts on how much Fragrance Day has grown? 

“It’s a beautiful industry. Fragrance as opposed to other areas of the luxury industry is really focused on experience. For Fragrance Day to grow and become a bigger part of our zeitgeist is a really valuable thing. There is so much going on in the world. If we can take a moment to literally stop and smell the roses, it’s valuable. There’s a big plus in  Fragrance Day growing and becoming a more noteworthy window into this industry and into the world.” –Carlos Huber, Arquiste 

TFF Gallery and Pop-Up Shop Host a Series of Intimate and Engaging Fireside Chats

Not many can say they were a part of a conversation with fashion leaders turned fragrance aficionados Vera Wang, Anna Sui and Francisco Costa. Yet, that was the experience for late morning attendees to the first ever TFF Gallery and Pop-Up Shop on 924 Madison Avenue to kick off Fragrance Day 2025. 

Between the star-studded ribbon cutting just before the event became open to the public at noon that day, a small crowd was privy to an intimate panel as Linda G. Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation, welcomed visitors to enjoy an engaging 25-minute discussion featuring Vera Wang, Anna Sui, and Francisco Costa, all of whom had fragrances on display for the three-day pop-up.  

First dates, the signature scent of a parent, teenage crushes and the personal meaning of fragrance. These were all thoughts and stories shared with the group of attendees during the panel. 

The energy was high as listeners laughed or nodded along with the panelists as they shared personal stories and expressed their love for the fragrance industry. However, the vibe among the panelists was relaxed as the four speakers engaged more in a conversation akin to chatting with good friends as opposed to an overly rehearsed Q&A. While Fragrance Day was the anchor of the conversation, topics like the meaning of fragrance, scent memories, brand inception and evolution, and the inspiration behind their respective scents were all conveyed to attentive listeners. 

“Fragrance is something that I wear every day,” says Anna Sui when asked what fragrance means to her. “I think that it’s like an invisible accessory. It completes your look, your style, your outfit and really embodies the mood that you’re trying to express for yourself.” 

Vera Wang added, “One of the things I like most is that it’s so intimate and personal. It’s something very emotional and it’s something you can evolve, create and enjoy throughout your life. It’s a very, very personal accessory.” 

The fun and candid conversations continued on the second day of the pop-up too with Costa coming back for a 20-minute chat about the origin story of his brand, his home country, Brazil and his love of nature. During the talk, he effortlessly transported attendees from the busy streets of New York City during his 14-year tenure on the fashion side at Calvin Klein to the humid, remote rainforests of the Amazon on the west coast of Brazil. The latter part of the story marked the moment his hero ingredient was uncovered and his brand, Costa Brazil, came together as it’s now known. 

The discussion with Levy not only centered around his brand origin but branched off into conversations around the unique scent formulated around the ingredient Breu, a multi-faceted Brazilian resin. 

“It really does something to the space,” says Costa. “It calms the space. It’s like palo santo, but it’s very much a part of a ritual more than anything.”

He went on to discuss the ritual around his scent, Aroma (he doesn’t call it a fragrance) and the importance of sustainability that’s woven throughout his brand identity with an inside look at his unique wood packaging.  

“Aroma is an extension of yourself,” he says. “It’s very personal.”

If brand founders are the restaurant and a fragrance is the meal then perfumers are the chefs expertly crafting a product for the masses to devour. Days two and three of The Fragrance Foundation Gallery and Pop-Up Shop each showcased a panel anchored by perfumers, the people behind the scents. Attendees on Saturday, March 22 were treated to a discussion about the connection between fragrance and music led by IFF’s Pascal Gaurin while Sunday’s attendees were immersed in the importance of heritage and storytelling with Givaudan’s Rodrigo Flores-Roux. 

Unlocking the Connections Between Fragrance and Music 

The worlds of music and fragrance collided on day two of TFF’s Gallery and Pop-Up Shop as guests were delighted with a classical music performance by flutist Amir Farsi and harpist Parker Ramsay. Farsi, who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing at F.I.T. is also the recipient of The Fragrance Foundation’s Diversity Scholarship. 

“The thought behind this program was to model it after the structure of a fragrance,” says Farsi. 

His program, listed below, evoked a sensorial overlap as he linked certain pieces to notes and accords used to formulate a scent. Farsi likened Reena Esmail’s Zinfandel to notes of cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg while Valerie Coleman’s Danza de la Mariposa reminded him of tropical, waxy florals and the French Salon Set was reminiscent of gauzy florals and diffusive nature of scent. Astor Piazzolla’s Cafe 1930 was thought of as the dry down of a fragrance.

• JS Bach – Sonata in E Flat Major for flute and harp

• Nico Muhly – Excerpt from The Street for solo harp

• Valerie Coleman – Danza de la Mariposa for solo flute

• French salon set: Maurice Ravel – Habanera, Joseph Jongen – Danse Lente, and Gabriel Faure – Morceau de Concours

• Reena Esmail – Zinfandel for solo flute

• Astor Piazzolla – Cafe 1930 for flute and harp

After the musical performance, attendees enjoyed a conversation between Pascal Gaurin, vice president and senior perfumer at IFF and Farsi. While many recognize the scents that Gaurin has brought to life for brands including Eauso Vert, Armani, Givenchy, Henry Rose, Ralph Lauren,  and Tom Ford among others in his 30 years as a perfumer, it’s not widely known that although his career is in perfume, his passion is music. 

“I listen to fragrance more than I smell fragrance,” says Gaurin. “Music is a huge part of my life. I’m not a musician but for me music was my story-teller. As an only child with working parents, music was a way for me to get the stories that I wasn’t getting as a child.”

During the conversation he made references to many connections between the two spaces including common terminology like notes and accords, likening the chorus of a song to the heart notes of a fragrance and even pointed out that the pop-up shop functioned as a Spotify of sorts “This is the Spotify of fragrance,” he says. “Here, you can come to a place that pushes people to discover a universe that some of them are shy about and that allows them to listen to the people behind the brand and discover a fragrance they might not have had access to.” 

Gaurin also emphasized the importance of capturing a person’s attention and tapping into their ability to recollect. “Saying a fragrance smells good is not enough for me,” he says. “It’s all about if you remember it, and with music it’s the same thing.” 

Centering Mexican Heritage and Diverse Storytelling in Fragrance 

Niche fragrance, storytelling, diversity, and the role of the perfumer was the focus of the panel discussion held on Sunday, March 23 between famed Givaudan perfumer, Rodrigo Flores-Roux, the founders of Eauso Vert, Tanya Gonzalez and Faye Wood and founder of Arquiste, Carlos Huber. With diversity and inclusion as an integral pillar of TFF, those sentiments were woven throughout the afternoon’s engaging discussion. 

“Something that I put out there immediately is I am Mexican,” says Flores-Roux. “I am very proudly Mexican, and I am basically the only Mexican perfumer working in the international arena of fragrance creation.” 

Flores-Roux’s background, heritage and unique lens allow him to connect with places and ingredients on a different level to communicate hyper-specific scent stories. 

“Perfume is language. Perfume is communication,” says Flores-Roux who has 36 years of experience under his belt. It’s a statement that shines through in the fragrances he creates like the aromatic woody scent DOS MIL AÑOS for Eauso Vert which tells the story of the El Árbol del Tule—an ahuehuete tree–which is Nahuatl (the language of the Aztecs) for cypress. 

“We worked with Rodrigo for our second collection, the Herencia collection, which is based on and inspired by Tanya’s Latin heritage,” says Wood. “We aimed to really bring to the forefront Mexican and Latin storytelling through fine fragrance.” 

Also a botanist, working with and understanding and translating the essence of plants comes naturally to Flores-Roux. 

“A lot of the feedback [for DOS MIL AÑOS]  is that there’s a feeling of inhaling and exhaling the way a tree does,” says Gonzalez. “So when people smell it they feel very grounded in the moment. That’s the moment this scent is meant to mimic.”

For Huber’s brand Arquiste, he aims to tell a story of a time and a place through each scent. Born in Mexico City and formerly an architect, Huber calls this experience “olfactive restoration.” 

“When you tell a Latin American story, you talk about ingredients, influences and references from all over, from Asia and Europe to the Americas,” says Huber. “That’s what I wanted to express with Arquiste. I wanted something that had Mexico as its heart but at the same time told stories from all over.” 

Each time he works with Flores-Roux they often discuss what stories should be told with each scent. “What if we could smell what this story is telling us from 200 years ago,” he says. “What if we could take that and put that experience on our skin?” 

This thought process can be experienced in Arquiste’s Adriatic aromatic scent, A Grove by the Sea. For wearers, this fragrance instantly transports them to a small island bursting with the aromas of fig, cypress and olive groves.

As the conversation continued, listeners were able to experience both fragrances as they were spritzed on blotters and passed around, adding to the interactivity of the intimate and immersive session that closed out the final day of TFF’s Fragrance Day Pop-Up Shop.

February opens with the month-long salute to Black History Month, a celebration we at TFF embrace each and every day. At the fabulous IFF offices in NYC, we inducted a new class of Notables to the growing roster of leaders in the fragrance industry. From celebrating a new cohort of Notables to Fashion Week, we went straight to the celebration of love with Valentine’s Day which this year coincided with the culmination of Lunar New Year celebrations.

We are now in TFFAwards season. Nominations hit a record high, with so many fabulous launches and creativity in 2024. We look forward to announcing the Finalists April 8th at the annual luncheon, along with 5 winners and other exciting Awards news. From the excitement of the luncheon, it is on to the BIG June Awards. For those who cannot join us in person, please do so on TFF social media and our Youtube channel.

President, The Fragrance Foundation

@linda_g_levy
@fragrancefoundation

On February 5^th, TFF welcomed 14 exceptional fragrance industry talents to the 2025 Class of Notables. The event, which was held at IFF’s New York City headquarters, celebrated these emerging leaders with a gathering of family, friends & teams to celebrate! We asked the incoming Notables to share what they hope to bring to the TFF Think Tank, as well as initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF. We look forward to seeing their energy and passion shape the future of fragrance. As you read more about our 2025 Class of Notables, listen to the TFF Notables 2025 Spotify Playlist filled with the theme songs of the night that captured the essence of this year’s Notables Class!

Photography for the event can be found here. Credit: Regina Fleming Photography. Download PIN is 3700.

What most excites you about being a 2025 TFF Notable?

Fragrance has had a profound impact on my life. It’s exciting to be acknowledged for my work in an industry that brings so much joy and connection, and it’s amazing to celebrate this milestone alongside other inspiring professionals.

What do you hope to bring to TFF’s initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF among other programs and events?

I’m passionate about mentoring the next generation of talent, sharing insights from my own journey, and helping to shape a more dynamic and forward-thinking industry. Through collaboration, education, and community engagement, I look forward to contributing to TFF’s mission and inspiring the future of fragrance.

At the Awards, your favorite theme song played. What is it about that song that captures the essence of you?

“Rainbow” the Kacey Musgraves song resonates deeply with me because of its uplifting message. No matter the challenge—big or small, in my professional or personal life—there’s always a silver lining. It’s a reminder of resilience, optimism, and the power of perspective.

What most excites you about being a 2025 TFF Notable?

It is equal parts humbling and motivating to be recognized amidst and to meet others within the industry who have excelled within their roles and who share a common passion for beauty and fragrance.

What do you hope to bring to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF among other programs and events?

I am looking forward to participating in upcoming events and programs from TFF. I hope to be a resource to and an example for those who are looking to enter and or pivot their careers within or into the beauty and fragrance industry.

At the Awards, your favorite theme song played. What is it about that song that captures the essence of you?

Bob Sinclair’s “Love Generation” is such a joyful and uplifting song. For me, it represents a call for us to embrace the power of positivity in an increasingly complex and chaotic world.

What most excites you about being a 2025 TFF Notable?

I am excited for  the opportunity to connect with a community of individuals who share my passion for fragrance. My journey in this incredible industry began with an after-school job, selling fragrance over the phone at a retail store. Reflecting on my path to this point, being a Notable truly brings everything full circle for me.

As a Notable, what do you hope to bring to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF among other programs and events?

I hope to contribute my experience and perspective to amplify our collective voice. I strongly believe in the #FragranceForward mission—many people are unaware of the opportunities in the fragrance industry. Having discovered its power after being on a different path, I’m eager to share my story and inspire others.

At the Awards, your favorite theme song played. What is it about that song that captures the essence of you?

“A Sky Full of Stars” captures how I approach life and work—focused on hope, possibility, and finding light through challenges. It’s a reminder that the journey is as important as the destination.

What most excites you about being a 2025 TFF Notable?

I am incredibly grateful to be recognized among this exceptional group of emerging leaders and fragrance industry talents. I strongly believe in the power of community to drive change and make an impact. Together, we can bring our unique perspectives to the future of our industry through the Fragrance Foundation Think Tank.

What do you hope to bring to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF among other programs and events?

I hope to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to TFF’s initiatives, especially through the #FragranceForwardTFF program, to educate the younger generation about the fragrance industry. I look forward to mentoring emerging talents and driving positive change with my fellow Notables by fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive industry.

At the Awards, your favorite theme song played. What is it about that song that captures the essence of you?

Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” holds a special place in my heart as it was inherited from my dad and is my wedding song. It reflects my enthusiasm, determination, and positive outlook on life. 

What most excites you about being a 2025 TFF Notable?

It’s always inspiring to be among peers who are passionate about fragrance, to discover the variety of new ideas and perspectives they are bringing to life at different levels of the industry. The spectrum of fragrance creation is vast and intricate, and I find there is always something new to learn that could spark your next idea.

What do you hope to bring to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF among other programs and events?

My hope is that we can bring a freshness to the institution of fragrance, explore new lenses through which the magic of fragrance can be expressed and enjoyed in a moment where people are experiencing more and more genuine excitement and connection to scent.

At the Awards, your favorite theme song played. What is it about that song that captures the essence of you?

 I chose “Sound and Vision” by David Bowie. I love the song’s energy, the simplicity of the instrumentation paired with evocative lyrics that appeal to the senses as well as the imagination. It starts and ends with a question, which echoes the mystery I feel about fragrance: “Don’t you wonder sometimes, about sound and vision?”

What most excites you about being a 2025 TFF Notable?

Being a part of the Notables group deepens my community within the fragrance industry. It’s nice to meet new people outside of my office and immediate network, though usually you will know many of the same people!

As a Notable, what do you hope to bring to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF among other programs and events?

I think the most impactful way to bring awareness to TFF’s initiatives and events is to help spread the word that so many jobs exist within the fragrance arena. Being inclusive can mean going beyond your own network to help more people gain access to this space—make yourself available for a LinkedIn chat, a coffee, an email. I spoke to college students last year at a TFF event, and you could tell the information gave them some direction and clarity, as well as made them even more excited about their future careers. 

At the Awards, your favorite theme song played. What is it about that song that captures the essence of you?

I just love a good beat, and I love to dance. Aaliyah has been one of my favorite artists since middle school, and I thought the refrain from “Try Again” about perseverance made sense in a work context.

What most excites you about being in the 2025 TFF Notables Class?

It’s an incredible honor to be nominated as a Notable and stand alongside such a talented and remarkable group of people! I’m excited to have the chance to learn from and collaborate with my fellow notables and have a positive impact on our fun and creative industry.

As a Notable, what do you hope to bring to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF among other programs and events?

The creative process is steeped in influences from different cultures, ingredients from a global palette, and tastes from around the world. Having a team with unique backgrounds enhances your capabilities and is an incredible asset, it’s important for companies to recognize this. I have the privilege to embrace #FragranceForwardTFF every day with my awesome creative team at Robertet!

At the Awards, your favorite theme song played. What is it about that song that captures the essence of you?

Red Hot Chili Peppers “Can’t Stop” takes me back to growing up on the Jersey shore and summers at the beach. When it starts playing, synesthesia kicks in and I can actually smell the salty air.

What most excites you about being in the 2025 TFF Notables Class?

I’m thrilled about the opportunity to connect with other passionate fragrance professionals, learn from industry leaders, and contribute to the evolution of this fascinating field.

As a Notable, what do you hope to bring to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF among other programs and events?

I’m eager to support TFF’s mission of promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the fragrance world. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the power and artistry of scent, regardless of their background.

At the Awards, your favorite theme song played. What is it about that song that captures the essence of you?

“Avril 14th” by Aphex Twin captures my essence with its understated beauty and contemplative mood. Its simplicity and elegance are something I hope to achieve daily.

What most excites you about being a 2025 TFF Notable?

Meeting my fellow Notables has been the most wonderful part of this entire process. They’re all in slightly different areas of the fragrance industry and I’m excited at the prospect of celebrating their current and future career accomplishments. It’s also been lovely to share this milestone with my friends and family!

As a Notable, what do you hope to bring to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF among other programs and events?

The fragrance industry has taught me so much and consistently lifted me up in my career and inspired me. I hope to both pay it forward and continue to learn and grow creatively through participation in TFF’s upcoming initiatives.

At the Awards, your favorite theme song played. What is it about that song that captures the essence of you? 

The song I chose was Harry Styles’ “Golden”. I love the upbeat nature of the song and that the lyrics are so inspiring and encouraging. When times are challenging, I try my best to stay hopeful and positive.

What most excites you about being a 2025 TFF Notable?

I am most excited to work with the organization on its efforts to encourage university students to explore a career in Fragrances. 

As a Notable, what do you hope to bring to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF among other programs and events?

I hope to be an ambassador and strong voice in the celebration of our industry’s diversity.

At the Awards, your favorite theme song played. What is it about that song that captures the essence of you?

“Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder, a song that always brings a smile to my face, was my choice for the ceremony. Its upbeat rhythm and celebration of life’s positive influences felt perfect for the occasion.

What most excites you about being in the 2025 TFF Notables Class?

I am excited to be more connected to all the great minds in the fragrance industry and find new and interesting ways to engage with our customers and colleagues. It is a tremendous honor to be selected to be a part of the 2025 TFF Notables Class and I hope to represent MANE and The Fragrance Foundation with passion and integrity.

As a Notable, what do you hope to bring to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF among other programs and events?

I am very interested to build upon the Scents of Success platform that I feel is a key initiative in educating young talent. We are the makers of memories and now, as a Notable, I hope to share my experience in this beautiful industry with others who may not be exposed to the many opportunities within it.

At the Awards, your favorite theme song played. What is it about that song that captures the essence of you?

My song was David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance”. At my core, I always strive to come from a place of light and joy. We all work incredibly hard and how we connect with each other impacts how we create together. Sometimes, we need to take a step back, enjoy what we do and dance.

What most excites you about being a 2025 TFF Notable?

It is an opportunity to connect with and learn from some of the most innovative minds in the fragrance world. Being alongside other marketers, perfumers, sales executives is such an honor and a motivation to continue pushing boundaries in the fragrance industry.

What do you hope to bring to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF among other programs and events?

I hope to bring fresh perspectives and innovative marketing strategies to TFF’s initiatives, especially #FragranceForwardTFF. I’m passionate about making fragrance more accessible, inclusive and exciting for every generation of consumers. I’m also eager to support TFF’s mission by fostering meaningful connections within the industry and inspiring the next wave of fragrance enthusiasts.

At the Awards, your favorite theme song played. What is it about that song that captures the essence of you? 

“Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish is all about deep connections, which I try to make whether it’s in my friendships, my work, or the brands I help build. I hold all the people in my life very close. Working on Billie’s fragrance brand makes it extra fitting!

What most excites you about being a 2025 TFF Notable?

I feel like I’ve already made new friends with people I otherwise wouldn’t have crossed paths with in my daily work, and I can’t wait for our diverse perspectives to come together thanks to the Fragrance Foundation and their initiatives to help lead our industry into the future.

What do you hope to bring to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF among other programs and events?

I hope to bring energy and enthusiasm! I love what the Fragrance Foundation is doing with these initiatives and I’m happy to have a chance to actively participate!!

At the Awards, your favorite theme song played. What is it about that song that captures the essence of you?

My current pump up song is “Speed Drive” written by Charli XCX. Not only is it a banger, there is one lyric that truly represents me:  “jump into the driver’s seat and put it into speed drive.”

What most excites you about being in the 2025 TFF Notables Class?

The opportunity to meet and work with other Notables on fragrance industry initiatives.

As a Notable, what do you hope to bring to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF among other programs and events?

I hope to bring my passion for DEI and education to programs that provide opportunities to young professionals entering the industry.

At the Awards, your favorite theme song played. What is it about that song that captures the essence of you?

I love to dance, and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson always inspires me to get up and move!

In honor of Black History Month, TFF has been celebrating its Black-owned member brands on social media in a campaign that has received an outpouring of engagement and support. Malaika Jones of Brown Girl Jane, Denis and Jackie Asamoah of Forvr Mood, Teri Johnson of Harlem Perfume Company, Mair Emenogu of Mair Fragrances, Matthew Sanchez of Matteo Parfums, Brianna Arps of Moodeaux, Keta Burke-Williams of Ourside, Nyakio Grieco of Thirteen Lune, and Chris Collins of World of Chris Collins have created beautiful and inspiring brands with powerful stories driven by incredible tenacity and vision. Also deserving of time in the spotlight this month and every month are the Black perfumers—including Givaudan perfumer Gwen Gonzalez, who joined TFF for a Scents of Success panel at Spelman College, and Kingsley Ibe, senior perfumer at dsm-Firmenich’s Agilex, whose signature style calls upon aromatic memories of his birthplace in Africa and whose recent creations include the incredibly successful Homeworx by Harry Slatkin Elton John Collaboration candles, as well as many other rising stars—who are bringing their talents to the table in an industry that now welcomes diversity, new ideas, and positive change.  

As the Black community continues to grow in the world of fragrance and bring exciting opportunities to so many, this month also offers a moment to pay homage to the trailblazers who laid the groundwork for today’s success stories. Roger Howell, a Black perfumer who started his career as a lab technician at Elias Fragrances, home of Jovan Musk, spent nearly 40 years working for various fragrance houses, creating fragrances for Grisiau Parfums and Michael Malul London. Howard Kennedy, who worked as chief perfumer and director of fragrance development worldwide at Coty, won five Fragrance Foundation awards for Fragrance of the Year over the course of his career: for Stetson for Men, Lady Stetson, Iron, Sophia, and Nuance. In the late 1980s, he left Coty to start his own company, Royal Essence Ltd., at that time the only Black-owned company developing fragrances and flavors, and created Avon’s first celebrity fragrance, Undeniable by Billy Dee Williams, in the 1990s.

Speaking of celebrity fragrances, Elizabeth Taylor’s Passion single-handedly launched the phenomenon when it attained blockbuster success in 1987. The Black perfumer behind that scent was James Bell, as recounted by Michael Edwards in his recent book on the dynamic American fragrance market, American Legends. Out of many who attempted to do so, it was Bell who was able to create a gardenia-and-jasmine-forward perfume that captured the glamour, power, femininity and complexity of one of Hollywood’s most unforgettable stars.

In 1996, The Los Angeles Times called entrepreneur and self-taught perfumer André Barnwell “the Spike Lee of the fragrance world.” Barnwell was the creator of a cologne called Raks (pronounced “rocks”), which flew off the shelves at Nordstrom after its launch in 1995. He designed and marketed the fragrance with his brother Harold after coming across a book on potpourri in a library that led him to start reading up on perfume history and composition, and its success led to him becoming the very first Black-owned brand member of TFF in 1997. “We should acknowledge differences as a positive thing,” Barnwell was quoted as saying in the L.A. Times. “In this business, diversity is a good thing.” In this business, as in all businesses. And with these pioneers and standard-bearers as guiding lights, we look forward to seeing the future for Black brands and Black fragrance creators become ever brighter.

IFF kicked off the new year of 2025 with a Global Perfumery Summit in Valencia, Spain. A team gathering of over 120 perfumers, scientists, researchers and senior management, hosted by IFF SVP, Scent Innovation, Valery Claude, came together for an occasion ten years in the making, with Erik Fyrwald, IFF’s CEO as guest speaker and participant. The spirit was about connection, celebration, inspiration, and vision set in the beautiful Spanish backdrop of Valencia with a day’s visit to IFF’s largest ingredients Manufacturing sites in Benicarlo, which was also celebrating its 100^th anniversary.  

Beyond gathering perfumers of all generations, junior to master, and leaders from around the globe, the vibration of energy, excitement and passion was felt by all and brought back as they returned home, still elated by the many celebrations, creative team activities all set in the beautiful Spanish setting. The workshops and team discussions revolved on creation, and accelerating the IFF innovation agenda. This included one of the industry’s hottest topics recently, AI.  

 One thing is clear hearing back from the perfumers: The connections made over this time together left a resounding impression on each of them. Meeting face to face and spending time together, reconnecting with colleagues from around the world, sharing common challenges, all led to paving the path forward for innovation. Each perfumer sees the rapid pace of change in  perfumery. This summit was an occasion to reinforce IFF’s commitment to their artists of perfumery. It also shone a light on their outstanding researchers, chemists, agronomists, and more, the visionaries and innovators who invent our molecules and natural extracts, at the heart of the art of perfumery today and tomorrow. 

What did you learn about the ways in which AI might be most applicable to perfumery? 

“As a perfumer at IFF for many decades now, I love how our AI enabled tools, like Scentchat™, give us direct access to consumers’ perception of ingredients and fragrances: that is invaluable. It gives us a starting point and information that can help to accelerate our creative process as we then build this understanding into the fragrances we create.”  Laurent le Guernec, VP Perfumer 

What was the most valuable takeaway from the conference for you personally?  

“This is my first perfumer summit and experiencing the personal connection with the perfumers around the world was immeasurable. We work in a fast-paced environment and to stop and connect with our perfumery peers who understand our day- to- day work was unforgettable. It has immediately impacted how I create moving forward.” Victor Bartash, Junior Perfumer 

What was your favorite moment?  

“After the day at Benicarlo, we were amazed and incredibly inspired by the magnitude of work, research, and advancements that our scientists, who we now refer to as Artists of Molecules, are facing every day. Their creativity and passion astounded us and left us all with the highest level of respect for their brilliance that goes into our creations. On the final evening of the summit, we all wanted to show our gratitude and admiration with a standing ovation for them and a loud celebration of joy and recognition.” Patty Hidalgo, VP Perfumer

We start the New Year coming off of a robust holiday season for fragrance. Scents were gift giving favorites in the USA more than ever across multi-cultural and multi-generational consumers. 

While the holidays were filled with definite positives, our friends, families & colleagues in LA have suffered devastating losses; so we all join together with support in all ways possible for now & the long recovery ahead.

With January marking the start of new beginnings, we dedicate this special edition issue to the new members of TFF and to the growing roster of brands joining the Entrepreneur Committee. We will invite back those in LA who could not participate now for a future issue.

Enjoy our digital celebration of who and what’s new at TFF for 2025!

President, The Fragrance Foundation

@linda_g_levy
@fragrancefoundation

One of the most exciting moments of the New Year at TFF is welcoming our newest members officially to the fragrance community. Joining TFF is a milestone for many brands, and we are delighted to see our diverse, robust, and engaged community continue to grow. In this January ACCORDS Spotlight, we are showcasing new 2025 TFF members by introducing them to our readers and giving them an opportunity to share their vision. We asked each of them to express what it means for them to join TFF, to showcase their brand’s unique point of view, and tell us how their business embraces values such as #FragranceForwardTFF and our collective mission to inspire the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance.

We have always held great respect for the Fragrance Foundation as a leader in our industry. We believe that more education and communication through organizations such as TFF will help our industry to become more consumer-centric, innovative and sustainable. These are important principles for our brand.

Blueme is about leveraging the science of smell to bring wellness to consumers. We started our journey working with fragrance houses that have a research-based focus on wellness, and we intentionally launched eight fragrances that aim to provide a broad range of benefits: balance, calm, focus, happiness, nostalgia, renew, romance, and spiritual. We designed our vessels using ceramics that mimic a natural rock in its imperfect finish. Ceramics take 1/3 of the energy to produce as opposed to glass, and each candle and fragrance comes with refills so that people can reuse the beautiful vessels and enjoy them for a long time. 

The passion that ignites the launch of Blueme has propelled me over the last thirty years. In my previous journey, I launched and grew Chesapeake Bay Candle into a household name. But there were always restrictions because at the opening price point for fragrance, it is very hard to blend some of the more interesting ingredients. Now that I have focused more on the premium market, Blueme allows me and my team to explore a much bigger library of possible notes. We think of fragrance not as a “nice to have” but “must have” in one’s life, as we believe it is one of the most accessible ways to practice self-care.

Joining The Fragrance Foundation as a new member is a significant milestone for BOHOBOCO. Created by Michal Gilbert Lach, BOHOBOCO • PERFUME was born from a vision of offering something beyond the ordinary—a niche perfume that embodies creativity, a love for beauty, and an obsession with perfection in every detail. For us, becoming part of TFF means entering a global community that shares our passion for elevating the art and science of fragrance. It’s an opportunity to amplify our voice, learn from industry leaders, and showcase BOHOBOCO’s dedication to pushing boundaries in the world of niche perfumery. 

Our unique point of view is rooted in the deeply personal vision of Creative Director Michal Gilbert Lach. For him, it is not just a brand—it is, he says, “an extension of my soul.” Each perfume is a beautiful story of freedom, in which gender orientation, skin color, faith or interests do that matter.” He draws inspiration from his personal memories, life’s defining moments, and the dynamic interplay of fashion, art, and culture. Each fragrance weaves a narrative that stirs the olfactory memory, evoking emotions and enhancing the wearer’s inner essence. BOHOBOCO • PERFUME is more than a collection of compositions; it is a medium for self-discovery, connection, and authentic storytelling.

At the heart of BOHOBOCO lies a commitment to inclusivity and self-expression. Our fragrances celebrate freedom, transformation, and rebirth, weaving stories of tolerance and individuality that resonate with everyone. Through our creations, we invite people to embark on an olfactory journey that transcends borders, exploring diverse cultures and emotions while fostering a deeper connection with the world. By embracing these values, BOHOBOCO • PERFUME continues to inspire, provoke curiosity, and redefine the way people experience fragrance, aligning perfectly with the spirit of #FragranceForwardTFF.

The Fragrance Foundation feels like pure possibility. Charlie by Matthew Zink has been in business for 15 years, but launching our first namesake and signature fragrance “by Matthew Zink – Eau de Parfum” is a new adventure. As a member of TFF, I hope we can gain education and exposure to the world of fragrance. I also hope we can work to be an asset to such a historical organization as we carve our own path in Fragrance.

I want you to feel (not smell) By Matthew Zink. I want it to feel like a poem or perhaps a first glance. Like a memory that you had buried and now returns with all its vividness and power. Our first Signature Fragrance was born from true artist collaboration. It began with my story and inspiration (founder, Matthew Zink.) Then, the scents’ architecture direction was designed by Carlos Huber of Arquiste Parfumeur. Finally, the fragrance was created by Yann Vasnier of Givaudan Paris.  

For us, embracing TFF’s mission is easy.  Charlie by Matthew Zink’s commitment has always been to lovingly seduce our audience through soulful storytelling. Creating a world that is safe to admire and be admired.  We celebrate artistry and create pieces with exceptional craft. The commitment to our fragrances is no different. With world class manufacturing partners and exceptional talent, our fragrances offer impactful experiences without compromising quality or accountability. We are honored to contribute to The Fragrance Foundation’s history and passion.

Joining The Fragrance Foundation as a new member is a significant milestone for Curatrix. It represents an opportunity to align Curatrix with an organization that champions creativity, innovation, and excellence in the fragrance industry. As a growing niche fragrance brand, we hope that our membership will provide us with valuable connections, insights, and support to amplify our voice within the industry. We aim to foster collaborations, learn from leaders in the field, and share our own contributions to the artistry and passion that TFF stands for.

Curatrix stands at the intersection of art, history, and olfaction, creating immersive, story-driven fragrances that transport wearers into different eras and cultural movements. Each fragrance is a narrative encapsulated in a bottle, evoking emotions and celebrating the artistry and legacy of creative expression. Curatrix is dedicated to creating unisex, sophisticated fragrances that are both timeless and bold, appealing to those who value individuality and craftsmanship. From conceptualizing our collections to working with globally renowned perfumers, we strive to elevate fragrance as a form of storytelling and artistic expression. Our Film Noir Collection, for instance, channels the intrigue and allure of 1940s-1950s cinema, inviting wearers to step into a richly layered narrative with every spritz. By pushing boundaries and engaging with the cultural and artistic dimensions of fragrance, we aim to inspire our audience to view fragrance as more than a luxury—it is an experience. Through initiatives like #FragranceForwardTFF, we are committed to fostering inclusivity, creativity, and innovation in the industry, ensuring that fragrance remains a vibrant and evolving art form.

Joining The Fragrance Foundation represents a valuable opportunity for D’ORSAY to join a community dedicated to excellence and innovation in perfumery. Although we have a 200-year history, we are a young niche fragrance house, as we have relaunched the brand in a new light in 2019 thanks to the entrepreneurial vision of Amélie Huynh, who couldn’t let a brand with such a considerable heritage fall into oblivion. We aspire to strengthen our visibility on the American market – which we entered a year ago – and to establish enriching collaborations with other passionate and prestigious players in the sector. 

D’ORSAY stands out for its rich heritage and artistic approach to perfumery, and for its unique genesis: perfumes created out of love by Alfred d’Orsay, our founder, for his muse Marguerite Blessington. Founded on the values of refinement, discretion and emotion, our house reinterprets the art of perfume through a timeless, contemporary aesthetic. We explore less common ingredients and daring combinations, often inspired by personal experience or artistic concepts, and we are characterized by shorter formulas, giving pride of place to the ingredients. We also favor high-quality raw materials, often natural and sustainably sourced. Each fragrance is conceived as an intimate declaration, echoing our mantra: “To live without perfume is to live without love”.

At D’ORSAY, we fully share The Fragrance Foundation’s mission by placing art and passion at the heart of our creative approach. We take an approach that celebrates perfumery as a form of artistic expression, creating fragrances that reflect an emotion, a story or a philosophy of life.

Our values also align with the #FragranceForwardTFF initiative, notably by promoting inclusivity with fragrances imagined across genders, diversity and education in the world of perfumery. Through our collaborations with artists, our efforts to reduce our environmental footprint, and our commitment to artisanal craftsmanship, we seek to inspire an authentic connection between our partners, our end customers and our fragrances.

Granado is Brazil’s most traditional perfumery founded in 1870 and it is a huge honor to be accepted as a member of TFF representing Brazil. We are proud of our heritage and rich culture and believe membership will increase brand awareness in the US. We are excited to introduce exotic local ingredients such as Tonka, coconut and cashew to the market with a tropical and fresh twist! Consumers seem to be seeking something unique and Granado stands out with colorful packaging featuring designs by Brazilian artists.

Joining TFF allows us to connect with a global community that celebrates the artistry of fragrance. We aim to inspire and educate a wider audience about our unique vision of perfumery while fostering meaningful industry collaborations.

Maison Crivelli is driven by the belief that perfume is a living experience. Inspired by founder Thibaud Crivelli’s unexpected encounters with raw materials, each fragrance encapsulates these vivid moments into bold, multi-sensory creations unlike anything you’ve experienced before. We celebrate these values by creating innovative fragrances that tell authentic stories and push the boundaries of olfactory artistry. Each creation is the result of a beautiful collaboration with renowned perfumers, blending high-quality ingredients into unique, surprising, and long-lasting fragrances.

Joining TFF as a new member represents an exciting opportunity for Maison IRFE to expand its horizons, gain new knowledge, and explore fresh opportunities in the perfumery industry. For the brand, TFF is viewed as a “library of perfumes,” offering insights into new trends and unique perspectives on fragrance as a natural phenomenon.

Maison IRFE’s unique point of view stems from its rich heritage and century-old history in fashion and beauty. Founded in 1924 by Russian royalty Irina Romanova and Felix Youssoupoff, the brand has deep connections to world history, culture, and architecture. Maison IRFE was renowned for creating perfumes to match women’s hair colors and producing haute couture gowns, some of which are now displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. To celebrate its 100th anniversary, Maison IRFE released five luxurious fragrances that convey individual personalities and moods of women. The brand is also preparing to launch its main Heritage bottle in the spring 2025, marking a significant milestone in its history.

Maison IRFE embraces TFF’s mission by developing unique fragrances in collaboration with perfumers from DSM Firmenich. The brand focuses on using high-quality, modern, sustainable, and cost-effective ingredients, balancing the emotional aspects of the brand with current production trends.

This induction feels magnificent and a true honor for MATTEO PARFUMS. We’re grateful for this new chapter and the opportunity to be surrounded by luminaries in our global fragrance community. As an active and influential member, our hope is TFF will help us form and nurture new, strong relationships and opportunities, enable us to scale and expand our reach and talent, and launch us in the right direction towards legendary fragrance status.

We are a green science, fine fragrance company, rooted in imaginative inclusivity and supported by biochemical research. As such, MATTEO PARFUMS uniquely stands out in delivering whimsical yet sophisticated, clean formulations backed by science that are awe-inspiring and memorable—such as our scent inspired by Aztec & Mayan waters with a contemporary prestige lens (Lovers’ Dew) or our debut scent inspired by my own multiethnic background that introduced “horchata amber” to the fragrance world (Celadawn).

MATTEO PARFUMS is dedicated to refined craftsmanship and prized narratives that celebrate multiculturalism, science, and elegance in the imagination—which align beautifully with initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF. I take it one-step further, as the Founder of my brand, through actions ranging from mentorship and consulting for aspiring and fellow beauty builders to speaking at, and participating in, events worldwide that expose, educate, and challenge audiences to the majesty and intricacies of scent.

Joining The Fragrance Foundation represents a pivotal milestone in our journey and builds upon the recent establishment of our US creative studio, a significant expansion that complements our 40+ years of global presence. As new members, we aspire to amplify our role in nurturing the next generation of perfumery talent, gain deeper insights into industry trends and best practices, and collaborate with fellow members to elevate the standards of artisanal fragrance creation while making it more accessible to emerging brands through our strategic global production network.

We are a passionate team of fragrance experts who immerse ourselves in global fragrance, flavor, fashion, and lifestyle movements to empower startups and established brands with forward-thinking scent innovations that captivate consumers. Through our strategic presence in India and China combined with our entrepreneurial spirit, we forge transparent partnerships built on trust and mutual success, delivering cost-effective fragrance solutions without compromising on creativity or quality.

We celebrate the artistry of fragrance by nurturing the next generation of niche perfumery within our French atelier, The House of Quintessence, where creativity and craftsmanship converge to birth extraordinary olfactory experiences. Our perfume artists around the world embrace the #FragranceForwardTFF spirit by mentoring emerging indie brands, crafting small-batch collections that tell unique stories, and fostering an environment in which artistic expression flourishes alongside technical expertise. Through our dedication to limited editions and artisanal exclusives, we’re not just creating fragrances – we’re preserving and advancing the art of perfumery for future generations, aligning perfectly with TFF’s mission to inspire global appreciation for this timeless craft.

As a brand, we’re constantly looking to balance timeless and trend-forward scents that excite our community. Being a member of The Fragrance Foundation allows us to collaborate with brands and experts in the space, learn about cutting-edge innovation, and celebrate fragrances with impact. At Snif, our core mission is to make high-quality, premium fragrance accessible. We invest as much or more into the oil we use as luxury brands, while offering our products at a competitive price point. We work with master perfumers and evaluators to bring our wild fragrance concepts to life. With each release, we think of 1) how we can create something unique and captivating, 2) what the hook note is that will draw our audience in, and 3) how to build an experiential campaign that tells a story through compelling visuals, colors, and copy.

Becoming a member of TFF is an important step as Tru looks to build deeper relationships and connections within the fragrance community, further engage with fragrance minded consumers, and develop the talent within our organization. We are excited about the future with TFF and giving back to an industry that has given us so much.

Tru Fragrance & Beauty believes fragrance deeply connects people both to themselves and to communities that share their passions. As such, we’re proud to leverage our global innovation, marketing and manufacturing capabilities to build purposeful brands and support founders in expanding their visions. Our portfolio includes leading brands like Le Monde Gourmand and Lake & Skye, and we collaborate with top retailers such as AEO, TJX, and UO, as well as world-class talent and licensors.

A true love of fragrance and its power as a tool for self-expression and connection drives us forward every day. We create brands and products that inspire consumers, meeting them where they are olfactively, geographically, and at their desired level of spend. 

TFF created its first-ever Entrepreneur Committee in 2024 to support founder based fragrance brands through their early phases of growth in the US market and help promote inclusivity and camaraderie within the industry. Chaired by Chris Collins, the founder and CEO of The World of Chris Collins, the inaugural members included Arquiste Perfumer, Brown Girl Jane, Harlem Candle Co., House of Bo, and The New Savant. Now, the Entrepreneur Committee is stepping into 2025 bolstered by 14 more brand founders who will bring their wisdom and experience to the table. This expanded group of passionate entrepreneurs will together create a thriving network and foster open conversations about shared triumphs and challenges on the road to success. For ACCORDS, we asked the new Entrepreneur Committee members what they hope to learn from their fellow entrepreneurs, and what their own experiences have been like as they have built their brands.

I’m thrilled to join the TFF Entrepreneur Committee and learn from the amazing entrepreneurs who’ve paved the way in this industry. I’m particularly interested in hearing their stories about overcoming challenges, navigating industry trends, and building brands that resonate with consumers. As a serial entrepreneur myself, I believe in the power of collaboration and sharing experiences. I’m eager to contribute to this dynamic group and learn from their collective wisdom!

I see the committee as a powerful platform for driving positive change in the fragrance industry. We have a unique opportunity to support emerging brands, advocate for best practices, and create a more sustainable and inclusive future. I’m especially passionate about transparency, ethical sourcing, and creating fragrances that are both luxurious and kind to the planet. Being part of this committee allows me to amplify my voice and work alongside like-minded individuals to make a real difference.

Building 5 SENS has been a wild and rewarding journey. It all started when I developed an autoimmune condition and had to give up my beloved perfume collection. The clean fragrances available at the time lacked the luxury feel, complexity, and longevity I craved. That’s when the lightbulb went off – I could create fragrances that capture my mood and embrace my values.

I’m excited to learn from the personal journeys and diverse perspectives of fellow entrepreneurs. Every founder has faced unique challenges and discovered creative ways to overcome them, and hearing their stories can spark fresh ideas and solutions for Curatrix. I’m especially interested in understanding how others balance maintaining their artistic vision with the practicalities of running a business. Above all, I hope to find inspiration in their resilience and innovation, and to gain insights that will help my sister, Heather, and I grow Curatrix in meaningful and sustainable ways.

Being a part of the TFF Entrepreneur Committee is about connection. It’s an incredible opportunity to build relationships with others who have a shared passion for pushing boundaries in the fragrance world. There’s so much value in collaborating with people who understand the highs and lows of entrepreneurship—it creates a sense of community that’s both empowering and motivating.

Building Curatrix has been an exhilarating and humbling experience. It’s taught my sister and I resilience, patience, and the importance of staying true to the brand’s vision, even when the road is uncertain. There have been countless moments of self-discovery, whether it’s learning how to connect with our audience or how to adapt when plans don’t go as expected. At the same time, it’s been deeply fulfilling to see our love for art, history, and storytelling come to life in a way that resonates with others. Every challenge has been an opportunity to grow, and every small win reminds us why we started this journey in the first place.

I’m eager to learn from fellow entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated the luxury fragrance space while maintaining their authentic vision. As a Latin female founder in an industry where only 2% venture capital is invested in Latina-owned beauty brands, I’m particularly interested in understanding how others have overcome industry challenges while staying true to their life experience and values.

The TFF Entrepreneur Committee provides a vital platform for meaningful dialogue about inclusivity in luxury fragrance and offers invaluable guidance from those who’ve navigated similar challenges. Building a fragrance brand from scratch can be an isolating experience, and this opportunity fills a crucial void for those of us early in our journey or considering a career in fragrance. I look forward to collaborating with fellow fragrance houses to expand perspectives on perfumery today while championing standards that elevate the entire category.

Building EAUSO VERT has been an eye-opening experience that continues to reveal new dimensions of our brand and the fragrance industry. As we witness the evolution of perfumery, we’re proud to represent its future. Our greatest reward has been seeing consumers embrace this new vision of fragrance appreciation, while building a community that champions not only our success but celebrates diverse cultural perspectives across the industry. Our brand’s existence is a testament to the collective support of those who’ve believed in our vision – nothing has been achieved alone.

The fragrance industry has two simultaneous challenges in that it is both unique and it’s very small. As a TFF Entrepreneur Committee member, having the opportunity to learn from  and collaborate with some of my most accomplished peers in the field will help make Fulton & Roark even better. 

While we certainly share some principles and practices with very large companies in our industry, there are many challenges that are unique to those of us building our own companies. The opportunity to spend time with others who are in the middle of successfully growing something from nothing offers both practical wisdom and the opportunity for mutual inspiration.  

For us, discipline has been essential. Because we have chosen to grow Fulton & Roark to this point without outside investment, it has been necessary to maintain a profound focus exclusively on what we believe we can do well, and what is authentic to us both as founders and as a company. I think our customers can feel that steadfast commitment to our core principles, and the way they have responded has been so rewarding.

As we face the same hurdles as our fellow entrepreneurs, joining the TFF Entrepreneur Committee means that we can share valuable resources, insights, and perspectives with our peers. We’re looking forward to forming deeper relationships within the fragrance community through our involvement. Our experience building Liis has been incredibly rewarding, especially seeing our products, a collection of minimalist creations, come to life. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities.

As an entrepreneur, the hope is to build relationships with other brand founders, share new ideas, and learn from their experiences. The added value of being a TFF Entrepreneur Committee member lies in connecting with the wider perfume community and gaining a global perspective on the industry’s future.

The experience of building the Maison IRFE brand has been a journey spanning nearly 17 years, with the fragrance line being developed over the past three years. The process begins with an idea, progresses through production cycles, and eventually evolves into a business. The business plan is developed after gaining a clear understanding of the goals and potential challenges ahead.

Although every founder’s journey is unique, we as Committee members share a deep understanding of what it takes to build a thriving business in today’s economy. I hope to exchange strategies for scaling growth — like maintaining quality in production, engaging new audiences, and navigating the challenges of fundraising. I’m particularly eager to learn how my peers balance staying true to their brand vision while adapting to evolving market trends and consumer demands.

The Committee’s value lies in its ability to foster genuine community. We’re a network of founder-led brands driven by a shared mission — pushing the boundaries of fragrance to make it more accessible, equitable, and reflective of the diverse clients we serve. With TFF’s mentorship program, access to educational tools, and open dialogue about shared challenges, we’re empowered to grow together. This spirit of collaboration elevates not just individual brands but also the industry as a whole, proving that collective success is achievable when entrepreneurs support and learn from one another.

I often describe myself as an “accidental entrepreneur,” drawn to the fragrance industry through my former career in media. Transitioning from journalism to building MOODEAUX has been equally exhilarating and humbling — a journey rooted in creativity, resilience, and determination. From conceptualizing my vision and launching physical products to tackling challenges like hiring and optimizing revenue performance, every step has been a learning experience. What drives me is our distinct opportunity to redefine fragrance — not as a tool of vanity, but as a meaningful expression of emotion, identity, and personal style.

There is so much value in surrounding yourself with a group of people who are doing something alongside you in that they’re fighting a lot of the same fights, moving towards similar goals, and going through the same challenges. When founders come together to share resources and knowledge and lift each other up, it can be super powerful. Although I am in a couple of amazing founder groups that have become integral communities in my life, I think having a group of people specifically building in the very unique fragrance space in the TFF Entrepreneur Committee will be incredible. There are nuances to fragrance that don’t exist in a lot of other categories and it’s so nice to share space with people who are equally passionate about this art form. Also, having regular access to Linda and the rest of the TFF team is, of course, priceless. 

The experience of founding a brand has been like nothing I’ve ever done before. The past few years of building Nette have been equal parts exhilarating and terrifying! I’ve learned that you have to be comfortable building the plane while you’re flying it and you need to be 1000% in love with your brand and product. Otherwise, you won’t have the motivation to keep going.

I want to learn from my fellow TFF Entrepreneur Committee members their successes and their failures—how they built their brands and how they intertwined their personal stories into the business. The human aspect is critical to me; it’s why I got into entrepreneurship in the first place: to bring people together.

Being part of the TFF Entrepreneur Committee is immensely valuable—almost impossible to quantify. It’s an opportunity to connect with other brand founders who have walked this path before, to receive their advice and insights, and to be able to reach out when we need help. I also hope to give back in the same way: to support, share my knowledge, and help others build their brands. There’s plenty of room for all of us. We each have different stories and backgrounds, and it’s inspiring to learn from one another.

Entrepreneurship has been a journey—a beautiful, exciting one at times, and a challenging one at others. I’ve dealt with doubts, difficulties, and obstacles, but it’s all worth it. I’ve grown tremendously, constantly learning new skills and pushing myself. I believe the freedom and creativity that come with building a brand are incredible. The brand itself evolves continuously, and I change as it changes. The best moments are when I receive emails from customers who say our candles and fragrances have brought them joy and moments of peace. That makes everything worthwhile.

Nomad Noé

Being an entrepreneur is a relatively solitary journey during which you are forging your way forward without much input from the outside world. It is absolutely wonderful to have new friends and a group of fellow entrepreneurs to share knowledge with. The TFF Entrepreneur committee offers an open forum for discussion and support as many entrepreneurs are faced with similar issues in our businesses. I am truly grateful to be part of this inspirational group.

I am the founder and creative director of Shalini Parfum, an Haute Parfumerie House that reflects my artistic sensibilities, I come from the world of Haute Couture and I desired to create a fragrance brand that would echo the standards of Haute Couture, with the finest natural raw materials and Maurice Roucel’s own supreme craftsmanship – “Haute Parfum”. In my experience in bringing Shalini Parfum to the world, I have found our clients, retailers and business associates to be highly receptive and supportive. These positive relationships have kept me moving forward during challenging times where all odds must be overcome to launch a parfum.

As a TFF Entrepreneur Committee member, I hope to gain insights into innovative approaches and strategies that my fellow entrepreneurs use to navigate challenges and create a positive impact in their industries. Learning from their experiences and perspectives will be invaluable. Being a member provides an incredible platform for collaboration, exchange, and connections with like-minded visionaries. It’s an opportunity to grow collectively and contribute to shaping an ecosystem of innovation and growth.

Building a brand can be challenging and rewarding; it requires a balance of creativity, resilience, and adaptability. Seeing your vision resonate with others creates value and makes every step worthwhile.

Slate Brands

I’m thrilled to be a member of this committee. I’m so looking forward to learning about their journey in retail in building their brands, gaining insight on best practices to market niche fragrance, and hearing about top trends they are seeing in the next chapter of fragrance. I anticipate a shared safe environment to celebrate wins and support one another’s challenges throughout our journey and collective experiences. I’m thrilled to be a brand founder and am grateful to have found myself after 24 years in this industry, aligning my passion and purpose. I am grateful to find joy in my passion and also hope to be a catalyst and inspiration to many others that they can do this too!!

Thirteen Lune

All the collective creativity, hard work and passion of our industry throughout the year reaches a  crescendo every December with the spirited start of the holiday shopping season. This is a very exciting holiday season as Chanukah & Christmas are celebrated on the same date this year! One of the brightest lights of the season is the continued excitement around fragrance gifting or splurging on oneself. With consumer demand still strong and sales in the final countdown, we in the fragrance industry are fortunate to be in a space where scent trends continue to captivate consumers of all ages. Brands big & small all have great stories to share & fabulous scents from talented perfumers.

TFF’s Annual Holiday Media Tour

While the holidays bring bright lights and dazzling decorations, they also bring a host of predictions as the media cycle spins to what’s new, what’s trending and what’s selling. It’s prime time for the media to cover our industry paying close attention to our fabulous gifting category.  The Fragrance Foundation is featured across the USA once again speaking to the fragrance wearing and buying consumer through our seasonal TV and radio tour. 

With analysts and market researchers analyzing online and in-store consumer data points from what they are buying to how much they are spending, fragrance sales, trends & gifting recommendations are always a hot topic of conversation. For business and retail reporters, TFF sheds light on consumer sentiment and shopping behavior. The multigenerational consumer and the impact of the Gen Z girl who was driving the growth in hair and body mists, and young boys who were buying designer fragrances, will be an audience to watch. Fragrance forms became the story for consumer magazines, turning their editorial focus on the format from fragrance oils to body lotions. We celebrated all formats and the art of layering.

Following the media blitz of Black Friday and Cyber Monday with press reports of 11% increases in fragrances and more shoppers in stores this year (approximately 126 million), TFF took its media tour and the latest fragrance news to 13 cities across the country, talking trends and spotlighting some of the scents of the season. 

Reaching over 47 million consumers nationally and in cities such as Atlanta, New York, Phoenix, and Sacramento and more, we engaged the in-studio anchors to sniff along with us as we highlighted new fragrances of TFF members.

I returned for my annual podcast at  the NYC studios of Bloomberg Businessweek for a live on-air discussion with anchors Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec who kicked off the segment with their most recent stats that the global fragrance market was predicted to reach $64 Billion by 2030. With holiday numbers so far showing a strong start to the season and the numbers of shoppers in stores on the rise, fragrance has been the fastest growing segment in the beauty industry. With the greatest fragrance sales happening during the holidays and just coming off of Super Saturday, it’s no wonder that the media has a vested interest in our industry.

TFF & Giving Back

As a season marked by gifting, giving back and giving thanks, TFF is embarking on a new partnership in 2025 with God’s Love We Deliver. Before closing out 2024, the TFF team headed down to the Soho headquarters of God’s Love We Deliver to help out for the holidays, packing Melba’s famous Braised Beef with Red Wine and Roasted Vegetables. Melba popped in to check on our progress and spread cheer as only she can. The partnership, presented at TFF’s Board meeting, was to officially kick-off in the New Year for Fragrance Day, but why wait to give back, especially during the Holidays. The day before our visit, they celebrated their 40 millionth meal! Read on to learn more about this great organization and the team who shepherds its mission to bring food to those suffering long-term illnesses. 

TFF Milestones & Looking to the future

Coming off of this year’s high notes from the biggest Fragrance Day yet and a long line of fragrance launches, to the 75th Anniversary of The Fragrance Foundation, 2025 will be another exceptional year. We welcome new members, new give back partners, an expanded Entrepreneur Committee and usher in a brand new year to collectively celebrate and advance our industry. 

Going strong and going forward will be our dedication to DEI, advancing our mission and passion to create a sense of inclusivity and belonging in our industry, #FragranceForwardTFF.

Wishing you and your families a happy holiday season and all the best for great health, world peace & a very fragrant New Year.

President, The Fragrance Foundation

@linda_g_levy
@fragrancefoundation

TFF LOOKS TO 2025 WITH AN ICONIC GIVE BACK PARTNER

Giving back is as much a part of the season as gift-giving is. For 2025, TFF enters into a new charitable chapter with a special partnership with God’s Love We Deliver (GLWD) who will be celebrating 40 years of delivering food to people with long term illnesses. With an introduction from one of New York’s most recognizable and iconic restaurateurs, Melba Wilson, who also serves on the GLWD Board, TFF embraced the community spirit of the organization and its mission, embarking on a new philanthropic path with an institution beloved by the fragrance industry and many more.

From volunteer to Chief Philanthropy Officer, Stephen Covello has moved up through the ranks of this beloved NYC-based nonprofit, in role after impactful role. Putting relationships first, Stephen has worked with the passionate corps of volunteers to growing the donor database with new and legacy donors, and engaging corporate sponsors to do good. Stephen’s career trajectory has touched every aspect of the organization, from launching initiatives that transforms lives to stewarding the strategies that will ensure the core mission continues to deliver and serve.

What are the most significant ways that God’s Love We Deliver has grown since its founding in 1985?

God’s Love was founded as a volunteer, grassroots response to the AIDS pandemic in NYC. Since then, we have continually expanded and innovated our programmatic work to achieve greater reach and impact.

• In 1993, as a complement to meal delivery, we began providing nutrition counseling and education to clients.
• In 2001, based on our success in supporting the nutritional health of people living with HIV/AIDS, we broadened our mission to include people living with over 200 other illnesses, like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and advanced diabetes.
• Recognizing that an individual’s illness also affects their family, we expanded eligibility to clients’ at-home caregivers in 2005 and introduced an enhanced children’s menu in 2010.
• In 2012, God’s Love co-founded the Food Is Medicine Coalition, a national association of medically tailored meal and grocery providers that collaborates on advocacy, capacity building, and research to support the broader food-is-medicine field.
• Since Covid, we have launched new targeted initiatives: Healthy Starts for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health, Connected (for Military Veterans, and Care Transitions (a short term medically tailored meal intervention for discharged hospital patients), in addition to including sickle cell disease as an eligible diagnosis.
• This fiscal year, God’s Love is projected to serve 17,000 clients with 4.8 million meals, more than doubling our impact since Covid.

The facility has the largest industrial kitchen in NYC. How many meals can be produced daily and annually – and how are they distributed?

Our kitchen is projected to produce 4.8 million meals during our current fiscal year. On a daily basis, we produce roughly 16,000 meals. All meals are prepared and packaged on site, flash-frozen, and provided directly to clients’ homes via our fleet of refrigerated delivery vans. Clients receive one to two meal deliveries per week. For clients outside of our core service area of the five NYC boroughs, we provide meals via overnight shipping.

What are some of the ways in which volunteers are so essential to the operation?

Our ability to cook and deliver 16,000 meals daily would not be possible without our volunteers. Last year we benefited from the efforts of 23,500 volunteers, including 680 corporate volunteer groups, who collectively contributed 141,000+ hours of service. Volunteers perform many essential tasks in our kitchen and meal packaging departments, including prepping and portioning food, sealing meal trays, and compiling meals into weekly deliveries. Volunteers also have the opportunity to accompany staff drivers on their delivery routes or make walking deliveries to local clients.

Additionally, our volunteer leadership, which includes our Board of Directors (governing board), Board of Trustees, Culinary Council, and genLOVE (young professionals board) supports God’s Love by providing financial and operational oversight, strategic direction, and fundraising support.

How did you personally begin working with GLWD?

I was working in the financial services industry when I reached a pivotal moment in my career. I found myself asking, “Is this what I want to do for the rest of my professional life?” Deep down, I already knew the answer. Around that time, a colleague introduced me to God’s Love We Deliver, and I decided to volunteer. Just two weeks later, I was laid off from my job. What could have been a challenging time turned out to be a life-changing opportunity. I began volunteering with God’s Love five days a week, seven hours a day, and it didn’t take long for me to realize I had found my forever home. From that moment on, I knew this was where I was meant to be, and the rest is history.

What are your goals for GLWD in 2025?

Our overarching goals in 2025 are to serve 17,000 individuals, including clients with a qualifying medical condition and their at-home caregivers and dependent children, and provide 4.8 million meals to client households. We will also expand and enhance our programmatic work in a number of ways:

• Continue scaling recently launched initiatives like the Connected and Healthy Starts programs.
• Build-out and launch a new facility in Brooklyn to provide expanded capacity for meal production, packaging, and delivery dispatch.
• Develop and launch new programs, including Health Harvest (providing grocery deliveries and cooking kits for God’s Love clients experiencing improved health), a new behavioral health program, and a program for children and youth living with severe/chronic illnesses.
• Pursue clinical trials and research studies to demonstrate the impact of medically tailored meals.

What would you like Fragrance Foundation members to know about how they can get involved?

We have many ways for Fragrance Foundation members to support God’s Love, including through volunteerism and sponsorship of our signature events.

GLWD has a wide range of supporters, specifically from the fashion and fragrance industries. What does this new partnership with The Fragrance Foundation bring to such an established organization as GLWD? What is the hope for 2025? What excites you about the partnership?

Our hope is that The Fragrance Foundation considers joining our vibrant community of supporters, introducing the mission of God’s Love to the many fragrance organizations that comprise the Foundation and our increasing visibility and community engagement. As God’s Love continues to enroll more and more New Yorkers in our medically tailored meal program, support from the Foundation would help ensure we can meet the nutritional needs of our growing client base.

Melba’s, the iconic Harlem restaurant founded by Melba Wilson in 2005, is famously one of New York’s most delicious, joyful, and welcoming places to dine (the appetizers are even called “Comfortizers”). Wilson herself is equally as exuberant and big-hearted, and has long been a force of graciousness far beyond the neighborhood where she began, proving that hospitality and charity go hand-in-hand. Recently honored at the New York City Tourism Foundation Gala, where she was celebrated for the scope of her entrepreneurial and philanthropic efforts, Wilson has been a board member of God’s Love We Deliver since 2021, bringing her boundless enthusiasm and generous spirit to something she understands especially well: the mission of transforming people’s lives through food.  

How did you first become involved with God’s Love We Deliver?

For over 30 years, I have seen God’s Love We Deliver trucks navigating the streets of New York City, quietly yet powerfully making a difference in the lives of so many. However, it wasn’t until I attended an event and had a conversation with Stephen Covello, an inspiring individual who shares a deep passion for addressing food insecurity, that my personal connection to this incredible organization truly began.

Our conversation opened my eyes to the profound impact God’s Love We Deliver has on individuals and families facing unimaginable challenges. I was captivated by the organization’s unwavering commitment to nourishing the bodies and spirits of those in need, and it was through this heartfelt exchange that my relationship with this community was born.

Reflecting back, I am in awe of the journey that led me here. It was their dedication, their compassion, and their tireless service to the community at large that drew me in. God’s Love We Deliver is so much more than a meal delivery service—it is a lifeline, a source of hope, and a testament to the power of love in action. To be a part of their mission, in whatever way I can, is both a privilege and a calling I am deeply honored to embrace.

What have been some of the most memorable moments for you, personally, since you have been working with the organization?

Some of my most cherished memories with God’s Love We Deliver are the times I’ve spent on deliveries with the drivers. Seeing the joy and relief on our clients’ faces when we arrive with their meals is absolutely priceless. It’s a powerful reminder of the direct and meaningful impact this organization has on so many lives. Knowing that last year alone, God’s Love We Deliver provided over 5 million nutritious, medically tailored meals fills me with immense pride and gratitude to be part of such a life-changing mission.

Equally moving is the experience of volunteering alongside more than 23,000 individuals from every background—people of different races, religions, and creeds—all coming together with one shared goal: to ensure that New Yorkers in need are cared for. The sense of community, compassion, and collective effort is truly inspiring. It reaffirms that when we work together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive, and caring city for everyone.

As a restaurateur, how would you describe what you know to be the importance of food and community?

Food and community are deeply interconnected pillars in every society, serving as a source of nourishment, connection, and cultural expression. However, food insecurity remains a persistent challenge, acting as a common denominator across communities, regardless of their socioeconomic status. As a restaurateur and a lifelong member of the Harlem community, I have witnessed firsthand the critical role food plays—not just as sustenance but as a bridge that brings people together.

The advantages of fostering strong food systems and community initiatives are immense. Accessible, nutritious meals can improve health outcomes, build resilience, and strengthen community bonds. However, the disadvantages of food insecurity, hunger, health disparities, and social isolation—underscore the urgency of addressing this issue. For me, it is not just a topic of concern but a call to action. Food insecurity is a challenge that requires collective effort, creativity, and compassion to ensure that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the dignity and nourishment they deserve.

What has been most gratifying to you about being on the Board of Directors?

Serving on the Board of Directors for GLWD, a community rooted in servant leadership is profoundly gratifying because it embodies the spirit of giving back while paving the way for a brighter future. It’s an opportunity to be part of a mission that values compassion, equity, and the empowerment of others. The act of paying back honors the contributions and sacrifices of those who came before us, while paying forward ensures that future generations benefit from the same kindness, opportunities, and support that helped shape the community today.

The most fulfilling aspect is witnessing the ripple effect of servant leadership in action. It’s not just about making decisions or overseeing initiatives—it’s about being an active part of a collective effort to uplift lives, inspire change, and create a legacy of hope. Whether it’s through providing essential resources, fostering inclusion, or building programs that address pressing needs, being a board member offers a unique vantage point to see the tangible and lasting impact of service on individuals and the broader community.

Why do you think the Fragrance Foundation’s alignment with GLWD is impactful?

It makes scents! As The Fragrance Foundation (TFF) works tirelessly to create opportunities for entrepreneurs and provide access for new players in the fragrance industry, God’s Love We Deliver (GLWD) mirrors this spirit of inclusivity, offering access and support to individuals in need, albeit on different platforms. Both organizations share a commitment to empowerment, recognizing that access to resources is transformative.

Whether it’s entrepreneurs stepping into a competitive industry or individuals seeking lifesaving support, access can mean the difference between survival and success. By identifying opportunities, building networks, and expanding the reach of vital resources, these organizations play a crucial role in leveling the playing field. TFF is paving the way for innovation and fresh voices in the fragrance world, while GLWD ensures that those facing food insecurity and health challenges receive the care they deserve. Both embody the power of access to not only change lives, but to be life changing while fostering growth, and inspiring progress.

As November ushers in the start of the holiday season with festive decor taking over city streets and stores, it also is a month that shines a spotlight on the impact of Entrepreneurs with National Entrepreneur Month. What excites me about this national observance and more so this year, is that we get to celebrate the entrepreneurs that make up TFF’s first-ever Entrepreneur Committee launched this past January. Chaired by Chris Collins founder of The World of Chris Collins, the inaugural committee includes the entrepreneur brands – House of Bō, Harlem Candle Co., The New Savant, Arquiste Parfumeur and Brown Girl Jane. Together, Bernardo, Teri, Erica, Ingrid, Carlos and Malaika have created their own support system that only another fellow fragrance entrepreneur can truly understand and appreciate.

These founder-led brands continue to invigorate our industry, and we at TFF know that it is imperative that we continue to nurture them. The thrill of building a brand from the ground up to not only survive but thrive is a testament to the opportunities that exist in the fragrance industry and the community that we have created together. Their shared experience of launching a fragrance brand only makes them stronger and our industry, more vibrant. I am excited to see what their passion, high level of constant energy and dedication will bring to our Committee and our industry.

This month we also are proud to share the podcast featuring TFF Executive Director Sharné Jackson in this issue who has been instrumental to elevating our events and making The Foundation more impactful. Driving #FragranceForwardTFF to leading Scents of Success and being featured on Black Enterprise’s podcast for her give-back to students, Sharné has been an amazing force of creative energy with positivity. For five years now, Sharné continues to create new TFF initiatives and the results are ground breaking.

Enjoy this issue as you celebrate Thanksgiving & continue to express your gratitude throughout the entire year! Looking forward to fabulous fragrance filled holidays with all!

President, The Fragrance Foundation

@linda_g_levy
@fragrancefoundation

With the fragrance category seeing its share of indie and niche brands explode in the market and have major impact attracting consumers, TFF created its first-ever Entrepreneur Committee in 2024 to leverage the momentum from the influx of new players into the industry. A boon to the creative economy and a boost to the number of brand narratives, entrepreneurship in the fragrance space has been seminal for the future of fragrance. Nurturing these trailblazers is a TFF mission and we paired each of them with a member of TFF’s Board of Directors to learn and grow from the experience of these executives. Hear their thoughts on life-long lessons and critical business skills developed through mentoring here.

Why do you believe that mentorship is so important in the fragrance industry?

Chris – I believe mentorship is important in any industry, not just the fragrance industry. To have someone to lean on and talk to that has experience and knowledge in our industry, and is willing to share this knowledge, is extremely important. In turn, we also have to be willing to pass that mentorship forward to those that need it from us.

Agnes – I believe that mentorship is how we give back and train a new generation of leaders within our industry. Leadership is a skill that unfortunately is not taught. Many individuals become leaders because they are good at a particular task but not necessarily because they are good leaders.

How can mentorship benefit both brands and employees?

Chris – Mentorship provides some guidance of the brand and its employees with a clear path forward. It helps with decision-making and planning. Most mentors have already experienced what we as brands will be enduring at the moment or in the future. The insight is extremely helpful.

Agnes – Mentorship is an informal training program and I would argue that mentorship is as beneficial for the mentee as it is for the mentor. Mentorship helps company leaders learn and continue to be relevant with what new generations expect, or new cultural changes, therefore keeping the organization relevant. Mentees, of course, get the expertise and wisdom of well seasoned executives.

What has been the most meaningful business insight that you have received from a mentor?

Chris – There are many different positions that brands need to fill for the growth of their companies. Sometimes what you think you need isn’t always the case. For example, I thought what I needed for growth of my company was a head of sales. But after talking through my needs with my mentor, she recommended that I find someone with marketing experience first. That insight saved me a lot of time and money.

Agnes – Always “listen” to what is happening in culture, around you, and to what the new generation is into. Never stop learning or think you know it all. After all, “Peacock today, feather duster tomorrow.”

Why do you believe that mentorship is so important in the fragrance industry?

Bernardo – Mentorship is everything in this industry because it’s not just about making beautiful scents; it’s about learning how to tell a story, connect with people, and build something lasting. The fragrance world is such a blend of art and business, and having someone guide you through the tricky parts is just so, so valuable. 

Adrienne – Mentorship provides a safe space for both the mentor and the mentee to continue to learn and develop new ideas. In addition to networking and guidance, it can provide a way to “pass on” knowledge and information that is very specific to the industry.

How can mentorship benefit both brands and employees?

Bernardo – Mentorship creates a ripple effect within our company. It helps us build a stronger foundation when our entire team is learning and growing for what we experience. I think oddly enough we found that we had very similar ways of looking at our companies.

Adrienne – The benefits of mentorship are vast and are good for both brands and employees. It helps foster innovation and spark creativity as well as a positive work culture. In many cases it can help in career advancement, networking, and leadership development. The best leaders I admire have at one time either been a mentee or are a mentor to others. To develop a team of effective leaders, mentorship is crucial.

What has been the most meaningful business insight that you have received from a mentor?

Bernardo – One of the best pieces of advice we received was to stay true to who we are and focus on longevity rather than fast growth. That really stuck with us because it’s so easy to get caught up in trends or trying to do too much. For House of Bō, it’s always been about staying authentic to our vision while listening to our customers and growing with them.

Adrienne – Know your business and trust your gut but back it up with data/facts.

People make all the difference, hire for attitude and work-ethic – you can teach skills, but you can’t teach passion.

Why do you believe that mentorship is so important in the fragrance industry?

Carlos – Mentorship is essential in the fragrance industry because it’s often how people find their way into this field. I personally entered the industry because a perfumer mentored me, making the time and effort to share knowledge and engage in dialogue. Without that, I wouldn’t be here.

The fragrance industry is rooted in tradition but is also evolving rapidly due to technology and changing market dynamics. Mentorship allows mentees to gain a “view from above,” learning from someone with a broader perspective and experience. The dialogue between mentor and mentee brings insight into the challenges small business owners face, providing guidance that goes beyond mere competition.

Matthieu – Mentorship is essential in the fragrance industry because it creates a shared experience which is exactly the core of our craft – a creative partnership where each participant brings their expertise and point of view to create an emotional and lasting connection. Mentorship allows for the transfer of knowledge in a field where knowing the end-to-end ecosystem is key to maximize chances of success.

This process strengthens relationships over time, linking visionaries, brand founders and perfumers together to the consumers. Specifically in the world of fragrance, mentorship is also about sharing a passion and excitement for the craft. Many people in this field started their brands after being mentored, making mentorship a powerful driver of growth, learning, and creative energy.

How can mentorship benefit both brands and employees?

Carlos – Nothing in this industry exists in a vacuum—it takes a team. Mentorship plays a critical role in nurturing that team, from employees to suppliers to contractors. By investing in mentorship, brands can cultivate loyalty, commitment, and excellence within their networks. Mentorship encourages everyone to hold each other accountable, creating a culture where we all strive for shared success and continuously elevate each other.

Matthieu – Mentorship benefits both brands and employees by building trusted partnerships that lead to better products. By integrating different aspects of the business, mentorship enables a more cohesive approach resulting in higher-quality creations. It encourages collaboration and growth within teams, helping everyone work together toward shared goals. For example, learning from a brand founder and visionary like Carlos, who approaches challenges to drive his creative vision with commitment and a strong desire for growth, shows how mentorship can inspire a team to strive for excellence.

What has been the most meaningful business insight that you have received from a mentor?

Carlos – One of the most meaningful insights I’ve received from a mentor is the importance of brand clarity. A brand must have a clear, easy-to-understand message that resonates across all aspects—visual, olfactory, and in its storytelling. When a brand’s concept is easy to understand, it’s easier for others to connect with and support it. Another invaluable lesson has been about consistency and loyalty. Remaining true to your initial supporters and not constantly pivoting is vital for maintaining brand identity. By staying consistent, we grow alongside our audience, building a brand that resonates deeply over time. Shifting too frequently risks losing that identity and connection.

Matthieu – One of the most impactful insights from a mentor is to not avoid problems but to confront them openly. True leadership requires authenticity and trust, and it’s about showing up with honesty and building a culture of working and winning together. People value genuine leadership, and mentorship is fundamental in creating these shared experiences that help teams grow together and achieve success.

Why do you believe that mentorship is so important in the fragrance industry?

 Erica – I love mentorship because it’s a two-way exchange of experience and ideas. In the fragrance world, where consumers constantly seek fresh perspectives and styles, mentorship allows industry expertise to be passed on to next-generation creatives. It empowers us to bring a broader range of stories, ideas, and olfactive landscapes to the industry, driving innovation and expanding what fragrance can represent.

Ingrid – Mentorship is so important in the fragrance industry because it’s such a unique blend of art, science, and storytelling. It’s not something you can fully grasp from a textbook or on your own—you really learn through the experiences and insights of others. A good mentor can open your eyes to the nuances of creating a scent that resonates emotionally, not just smells nice.

For me, mentorship is also about connection. The fragrance industry can feel mysterious and gatekept at times, so having someone who’s been there before can make it feel more accessible. Mentorship isn’t just about learning technical skills—it’s about being inspired, supported, and challenged to grow creatively. I wouldn’t be where I am without people who shared their knowledge with me, and that’s something I want to pay forward.

Christina – Mentorship in the fragrance industry is crucial for emerging brands, offering insights from established companies on product development, supply chain management, brand positioning, and growth strategies. In a competitive market, mentors provide valuable guidance, helping brands stay ahead of trends and create products that resonate emotionally, strengthening their brand identity.

How can mentorship benefit both brands and employees?

Ingrid – Mentorship is such a win-win for both brands and employees because it creates a culture of growth and collaboration. For employees, having a mentor means they feel supported and empowered to learn and take risks—they’re not just figuring things out on their own. That confidence and development naturally leads to better work and more creative contributions.

For brands, mentorship builds loyalty and strengthens the team. When employees feel invested in and valued, they’re more engaged and motivated, which directly benefits the brand. Plus, it’s a way to pass down knowledge and keep the brand’s vision alive through fresh ideas. Mentorship helps everyone level up together—it’s not just about the individual, it’s about creating something bigger and better as a team.

Erica – Mentorship requires an expansive, optimistic and selfless outlook. In my experience, both giving and receiving mentorship sharpens the soft skills that help to improve product development and marketing efforts. In today’s environment, where consumers are oversubscribed and under-resourced, these soft skills lead to greater impact. 

Christina – I believe relationships are key to any successful business. Mentoring entrepreneurial brands allows me to apply my knowledge in new ways while giving back through guidance and support. Seeing a new brand thrive, build customer loyalty, and show financial progress is incredibly fulfilling, especially knowing my advice made a difference.     

What has been the most meaningful business insight that you have received from a mentor?

Ingrid –  We recently had our advisor, a Wall Street veteran, join us for a 2025 planning meeting with our finance lead. Watching the way she navigated a series of complex conversations was masterful. So for me, it’s more than what’s said, it’s seeing the person in action, and seeing the person that I want to be.

Erica – I recently faced a significant decision about scaling the business, and it felt like a real crossroads moment. Our advisor listened intently as I shared my quandary. She then did something simple yet profound—she brought it back to values. She reminded me of the importance of assessing decisions against the core values that guide The New Savant. Her advice was a turning point, providing clarity and an unlock that I know will stick with me for years to come.

Christina – The most valuable business insight I’ve received from a mentor was the importance of speaking up and being visible. At times, it can feel intimidating to contribute in high-profile meetings, but it’s crucial to do so. When you have a seat at the table, make sure to use it!

Why do you believe that mentorship is so important in the fragrance industry?

Malaika – Mentorship is the cornerstone of innovation in fragrance. Ann Gottlieb’s journey – from giving candid feedback to Estée Lauder to becoming an industry pioneer – demonstrates how mentorship can unlock hidden talent. In an industry that has historically lacked diversity, strong mentorship creates pathways for underrepresented voices to succeed and innovate. 

Ann – Mentorship is important in any industry. I can easily say that it is responsible for the beginning of my career. Mentorship is having someone whom you respect see something positive in you that you don’t see in yourself. The confidence it affords is valuable as it helps steer the mentee in a direction that has a positive impact on his/her career.

How can mentorship benefit both brands and employees?

Malaika – The benefits ripple throughout organizations. For brands, mentorship brings fresh perspectives and cultural insights that keep them relevant. For employees, as Ann demonstrates through her philosophy – ‘I will always share everything I can about my process and about what I do – they gain invaluable industry knowledge that typically takes decades to acquire. 

Ann – When a mentor works with a mentee, the mentee gains broader experience, support, and help with his or her individual growth. This is a win-win for both the person and the company. 

What has been the most meaningful business insight that you have received from a mentor?

Malaika– I’m particularly excited to learn from Ann’s deep industry expertise. Her insight about successful fragrances needing to be ‘focused on the consumer and the brand’ resonates deeply with BROWN GIRL Jane’s mission. As she notes, ‘I can’t develop a fragrance or a line of products unless I know who the consumer is and what she’s using.’ This aligns perfectly with our approach to creating authentic fragrances that speak to our community while having broad market appeal. 

Ann – Mrs. Estée Lauder taught me the importance of fragrance strength and innovation in appealing to a broader audience. From George Friedman, I learned the power of risk and the confidence to follow my instincts. From Annette Golden, I learned the importance of the consumer in the product mix.

 Why do you believe that mentorship is so important in the fragrance industry?

Teri – Mentorship is a cornerstone for fostering inclusion, innovation, and equity in the fragrance industry. For too long, access to professional careers in the fragrance world has been limited by cultural biases and systemic inequities.  Through mentorship, industry veterans can pass on essential skills, insights, and networks that are often inaccessible to newcomers who don’t fit the traditional mold.  Mentorship in the fragrance industry also nurtures diversity of thought and creativity as fragrance is deeply tied to cultural expression and storytelling. 

Sumit – Mentorship in general is important in nurturing and growing future talent and enabling individuals to reach their full potential. It is even more critical in an industry like ours where the knowledge base is limited to a few experts. Mentorship enables fragrance industry leaders to share their experiences, and that will drive new innovative ideas to grow the industry.

How can mentorship benefit both brands and employees?

Teri – Mentorship can strengthen the overall ecosystem of the fragrance industry with both large corporations and small niche brands. We both have the ability to learn from each other by sharing best practices, industry knowledge, and innovative tips and tricks that can lead to measurable results. Mentorship also fosters collaboration and community within the industry. As a small brand, I gain access to a wider support network which hopefully can open doors to partnerships that might otherwise remain out of reach.

Sumit – Mentorship enables start-up brands to speed the learning curve, and the relationship between the mentee and the mentor leads to a much more collaborative and connected community. The diversity of thinking styles in addition seeds new innovative approaches and partnerships.

 What has been the most meaningful business insight that you have received from a mentor?

Teri – To always have multiple manufacturers who can make my products, negotiate every “standard” contract I receive and to always maintain great relationships with vendors.

Sumit – Ensure you have a steadfast vision and be governed by strong principles and value system.

THE TFF ENTREPRENEUR COMMITTEE ON YEAR ONE

About to mark its first year, TFF asked the entrepreneurs steering the discussions and strategy for the committee their thoughts on their camaraderie, creative spirit and the community they have built within the larger fragrance community. Here’s what they had to say.

How has the Entrepreneur Committee in its first year formulating strategy benefited its members?

Chris Collins | Chair of The Entrepreneur Committee

The Entrepreneur Committee has been a huge success in its first year. To have a platform to discuss our pain points and be there for each other is priceless. No matter how big or small our companies are, we are all trying to navigate the same treacherous waters of the fragrance industry. 

Carlos Huber 

The Entrepreneur Committee has provided a valuable forum where members can voice their interests, share their challenges, and discuss what’s happening in their companies. This peer system fosters collaboration, with members learning from each other and expanding their networks. We often find unexpected insights and new perspectives through these exchanges. For me, it’s been a valuable resource for growth and shared learning.

Bernardo Mӧller

The committee has been such a great space to connect with other founders and share ideas. It’s been amazing to hear how others are tackling similar challenges, whether it’s scaling a business, finding the right partnerships, or staying creative under pressure. There’s so much value in just being able to brainstorm and swap stories with people who get it. It’s also nice to know you’re not alone in this crazy entrepreneurial journey.

Erica Anderson & Ingrid Nilsen

We have greatly valued our involvement in the Entrepreneur Committee. It’s provided a platform to build meaningful connections with fellow founders, fostering collaboration and support beyond the meetings. The mentorship program has been equally impactful—we were fortunate to be paired with Christina Rhodes, whose expert product feedback has been invaluable. One of her insights is already shaping The New Savant’s 2025 roadmap.

Just being around people who are in it has been meaningful. Everyone is at a slightly different stage, but we share the commonality of building a business. We’ve really leaned on each other, and it’s also been fun! 

Malaika Jones

As for our Entrepreneur Committee’s first year, it has created an invaluable support network for emerging brands. Working together, we’re building a collaborative ecosystem that strengthens all of our businesses through shared knowledge and resources.

Teri Johnson

As a member of the committee, one of the most rewarding aspects has been the opportunity to foster growth, collaboration, and the exchange of invaluable insights into the intricacies of building a successful fragrance brand. Together, we share best practices, strategies, and vital industry and retail knowledge that might otherwise remain out of reach, creating a supportive and empowering community. We have cultivated meaningful friendships and deep trust among one another, making it an extraordinary experience to collaborate with fellow brand founders, each bringing unique stories and perspectives. 

My aspiration is that we continue to expand and strengthen these relationships, bridging the gap between indie brands and large corporations, and further championing diversity and innovation as we proudly represent the new faces of the fragrance industry.

With Thanksgiving this week, we have a lot to be thankful for at TFF. One of which is the incredible effect that Sharné C. Jackson has had on The Fragrance Foundation and the fragrance community at large. Coming up on her 5th anniversary, we caught up with Sharné on what she’s been most passionate about and proud of during her tenure as Executive Director from creating Scents of Success™ to the upcoming 2025 launch of Fragrance Escentials™.

Joining TFF in 2019 as Senior Director of Events, Education and Give Back, Sharné’s impact was quickly felt, taking on her current role as Executive Director of The Foundation in 2023, making her the first African-American leader in the position. Her mission has been advocating change and addressing the underrepresentation of diverse players in the fragrance industry. Asking Sharné to sum up her priorities, it’s all about education, access and opportunities.

It’s no surprise that Sharné turned her sights on education at TFF. Coming from a family of educators from teachers to principals, and as a teacher herself, Sharné learned first-hand the importance of education and accessibility. That lesson shaped her role in reimagining TFF’s educational outreach. With a renewed purpose to actively engage interns and young people on career pathways into the dynamic world of fragrance, Sharné has applied the same enthusiasm to The Notables engaging them as ambassadors in the Scents of Success program which is a major element of #FragranceForwardTFF. With The Notables mentoring the Scents of Success students, the commitment remains strong at every level of engagement.

In a recent podcast episode on “Class is in Session,” a weekly series by Black Enterprise spotlighting alums of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) giving back, Sharné discussed her work at TFF and the personal and professional reward of giving back. You can listen in on Sharné’s conversation with host Ashlei Stevens, here.

Partnering with colleges and universities, and keeping DEI at the forefront, Sharné enlisted schools such as Spelman College, her alma mater, Howard University, Florida State University, Rutgers University and many other educational institutions coast to coast, to introduce the Scents of Success program to their campuses, beginning in 2021. Branching out to more diverse communities, the program produced its first career fair at City College of New York this past Spring, and has hosted over 30 workshops and career development panels, reaching over 1,000 students across the country. Sharné’s determination to reach as many young people as possible has energized our membership, recruiting approximately 20 members to participate in this transformative initiative. Truly a mark of success is that the program has achieved seven job placements and achieved 15 internships at global organizations to date, under Sharné’s leadership.

“When I started not many women looked like me and frankly, that is still a challenge as well as the inspiration and commitment to proactively addressing this. Today, there are Black women making significant strides in the industry, and I have had the pleasure of working with them and partnering with them to help inspire others to enter the industry.“ Her investment in time has led to career paths into fragrance, “I live by to whom much is given, much is required and how to help open the doors for others.” Another standout moment in the program’s success was returning to Spelman College to host Scents of Success with other Spelman alums, Tai Beauchamp, Malaika Jones and Nia Jones of Brown Girl Jane. Also inviting TFF President Linda G. Levy to join us to experience Spelman College first-hand was an incredible journey for her and an opportunity to amplify it on Atlanta TV.

Sharne’s time in academia recommitted her to making education accessible. Reimagining the educational tools offered by TFF at the time, the Fragrance Academy online, Sharné worked with the fragrance community to modernize and update the user experience and learning journey online for a seamless digital educational experience. Now, reenvisioned and ready to launch, Fragrance Escentials will be the new online educational platform which lays out the fundamentals of fragrance for those new to the industry, or making career transitions and for those in the media whose new beat now covers fragrance.

Prior to TFF, Sharné managed all aspects of the Charles B. Rangel Statesman-in-Residence educational program and the Rangel Archives Collection, a two-year initiative to catalog thousands of historical artifacts as a public resource for students, faculty and scholars. No stranger to the world of fragrance, Sharné’s retail experience leading special events at Macy’s flagship and the East Coast helped launch many fragrance brands from celebrity to designer scents, in addition to other consumer categories at the national retailer.

Sharné’s wish, “For the next 5 years, I would love to see our Scents of Success students that we are touching today become the next Notables of tomorrow, and from there, who knows where the path may lead, perhaps to a C-suite office leading innovation within the industry with people who represent the diverse population.”

Making her professional journey into a purpose to help recruit other minorities and making the fragrance industry more equitable by providing real-time opportunities in mentorship, recruitment and career development as well as, scholarship and education, Sharné remains true to her motto, “If you can see it, then you can see what’s possible.”

October is one of the busiest months for the fashion and fragrance communities, and for TFF. What a month October has been, coming off of two very successful TFF events. After three years of presenting our DEI panel virtually, we were proud to host it live the 1st week of October for the first time in NYC and have it be on our most passionate of TFF topics – diversity, equity and inclusion in the fragrance industry. 

Last week we inducted the 2024 Champion into our Circle with Macy’s Chief Merchandising Officer, Nata Dvir, welcoming her to our list of retail luminaries who are elevating the fragrance experience for consumers. What a night of community and camaraderie as we celebrated Nata as the 2024 Circle of Champions Award honoree. Aligned with our mission to promote DEI from her team to the stores, Nata has been an ally to TFF and a force for fragrance!

In the spirit of celebrating all the people who reflect the USA, we continue our coverage of Hispanic Heritage Month with a special spotlight on two of our industry’s next generation perfumers.

As we get ready to fall back again this weekend, we look forward to an exciting 4th quarter of holiday fragrance sales, special events and more consumer engagement.

Enjoy the Diwali holiday this week & happy Halloween to all! Enjoy this edition of Accords & watch our #FragranceForwardTFF Now and Beyond: The Future of Industry DEI panel this weekend for inspiration & the great discussion.

President, The Fragrance Foundation

@linda_g_levy
@fragrancefoundation

Role model. Mentor. Futurist. These are just a few of the words used to describe Nata Dvir, Macy’s Chief Merchandising Officer, by colleagues and peers at TFF’s Circle of Champions event on October 22^nd. The gala evening celebrated the outstanding career of Dvir, who has been integral to Macy’s success as an omni-channel retailer, and whose deep understanding of the consumer continues to make Macy’s the go-to fragrance destination.

To walk the beauty and fragrance floor in a Macy’s store is to see Dvir’s imagination and passion in action. With vibrant, eye-catching displays and experiential moments, the impression is both welcoming and inspiring, inviting every customer to approach fragrance from their own perspective while assisting them seamlessly in finding the perfect scent (or scents) to suit their personality.

Dvir has been with Macy’s for 19 years, stepping into her current position in February 2021, the youngest chief executive in the brand’s history and the second woman to be named to the role. “My career has been a blend of art and science, balancing the assortments and financials with the art of merchandising and storytelling,” she says. The fragrance category has been of special importance to her, and one that has become even closer to her heart the more she has become immersed in it. “The industry taught me the craft of fragrance – the ingredients and the power of how they make you feel,” she says. “The industry embraced me and throughout my career, I have had the chance to visit stores, participate in the harvesting of fresh flowers, and learn firsthand from the best perfumers.”

This insight has made Dvir’s personal connection to fragrance even greater (she has assembled quite a wardrobe of scents, but you will most likely find her wearing scents with her favorite notes of bergamot and neroli), and her 360 perspective reveals a deep understanding of perfume’s integration into a broader lifestyle. “Fragrance is the perfect complement to your wardrobe, it’s the finishing touch to every outfit no matter the occasion. Not only does it help evoke special memories, but it will serve as a sensory experience as you make new ones,” she says. And its power, of course, is transformational. “Scent is part of how we want to feel – it’s so emotional and so meaningful. If you have a big day or a special evening – maybe it’s an important presentation, or a date you’ve been looking forward to, or maybe you’re accepting an award up on a stage, fragrance can be a boost of confidence,” she says. “If you’re feeling a little down, fragrance can also be a mood lifter.” Dvir even uses it as a helpful companion to her busy schedule. “One tip that came from my mother: put a little fragrance under your nose just before a flight takes off.”

For Dvir, an understanding of the consumer is key, and her commitment to discovering how and why people shop for fragrance has been essential to making Macy’s a leading fragrance retailer. “I’m excited by the constant newness in the fragrance category,” she says. “Fragrance is so emotional, and people have such a great connection to their fragrance. I really appreciate the love that our customers have for classic scents. It shows the power of this scent recalling a memory or feeling. However, we also see that our customers are also craving new scents to create those memories and emotions.”

Naturally, she has a plan to tap into that craving. “As part of Macy’s, Inc.’s Bold New Chapter, strengthening the Macy’s nameplate is a key focus and by elevating the customer experience across all our stores, we are committed to creating more memorable experiences. We look forward to continuing to work with partners to achieve this vision,” she says. Fragrance is a growth category, and we love to see how customers continue building their fragrance wardrobe and discovering new scents. Our expertise in this category is multichannel and experiential. We bring the magic of fragrances to life for our customers whether they are discovering new scents in-store through our special events and counter activations to our digital experience with our Fragrance Finder Quiz, we help the customer explore different options that help them find the perfect fragrance for any occasion.”

Through Mission Everyone, Macy’s Inc. social purpose, the company is cultivating a culture of belonging. “We believe that when our business includes everyone with a seat at the table, full potential can be realized, and innovation is unlocked,” Dvir says. “Mission Every One creates a brighter future for all that empowers more voice, choice and ownership for colleagues, customers, communities and the future leaders of tomorrow. We are focused on cultivating a culture of belonging and providing our customers with ethically sourced and socially conscious products and services. We are guided by our values at Macy’s, Inc. and have a strong legacy of corporate citizenship.”

As the testimonials at the Circle of Champions event revealed, Dvir is truly a partner to the fragrance industry, taking time to share her expertise and knowledge with aspiring colleagues while unflappably bringing energy, collaboration, and inspiring ideas into her role every day.

“I am incredibly proud to be recognized as a Circle of Champion honoree,” she says. “This is a testament to our relationships and how the industry has trusted us and allowed us to put the power of Macy’s to work for so many brands. This recognition reflects the team’s work to constantly innovate in the category.” This innovation and hard work have paid off, not only for Dvir but for Macy’s, as it continues to reign as a stellar example of how fragrance retail can really shine.

“Macy’s brings to life incredible beauty and fragrance experiences, and we want to continue to bring even more dynamic experiences to our customers across the country,” Dvir says. “This industry is about emotion, magic, and experience and no one does this better than Macy’s.”

It was an early Tuesday morning for the fragrance community as TFF staged Now & Beyond, The Future of Industry DEI, its annual DEI panel live and in-person for the first time in four years. Perfumers, fragrance executives and entrepreneurs convened over breakfast in NYC on October 8, to talk #FragranceForwardTFF advocacy and allyship since its launch in 2020. With one of New York’s most respected and recognizable reporters moderating the discussion, what followed was an open and honest discourse on the current state of diversity, equity and inclusion in fragrance creation to consumption. 

As WABC-TV anchor and host of the acclaimed public affairs show, “Here and Now,” Sandra Bookman is no stranger to bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront or as we found out, to the world of fragrance. Presiding over the panel, Sandra delved into the business case for DEI, setting the stage for a dynamic conversation with Chris Collins of the World of Chris Collins, Adriana Medina of Givaudan, Bernardo Möller of House of Bō, and Corey Smith, Head of Diversity & Inclusion North America for LVMH. 

With each question, the panelists spoke their mind and from the heart on education, funding for entrepreneurs and workforce development. The camaraderie on stage was infectious, often humorous, but their shared passion for DEI was stronger than ever as Sandra became an honorary member of the fragrance community.

Following her time on stage with our panelists, it was our turn to ask Sandra about her experience as moderator. What surprised her, what inspired her and what she left with that day as she headed back to the studios at WABC-TV. We were all inspired by what she said. 

“I walked away thinking what TFF is doing needs to be replicated in other industries. That shared sense of responsibility for making the industry more diverse and inclusive. Judging by the responses of the panelists and the audience members, TFF has its fingers on the pulse of the industry.  It’s listening and responding to members’ concerns. That was evident by the level of participation and the willingness of the panelists and some audience members to share – be it their expertise or experiences.”

As Adriana passionately advocated for more education and mentorship, and Bernardo wanting to see more diverse storytelling noting that inspiration comes from everywhere, it was Corey Smith’s remarks about DEI that Sandra found eye-opening, “especially his ability to explain what it is and isn’t…along with addressing lingering suspicions about it.” She added that “by detailing DEI efforts at his company, he demonstrated how DEI can be addressed in the way it’s intended—to make the company stronger and more competitive in today’s market—even though it’s not always a straight line getting to the intended results.” 

What resonated on stage and with the audience -fragrance is not only an art form but it is also a business with Chris sharing thoughts on early investment and working with retail partners. Corey amplified the message, “diversity breeds innovation, innovation breeds productivity and productivity breeds profitability.” 

No truer words were said as Chris summed up the discussion, “The world is colorful and this panel is a testament to the colorfulness of fragrance.” 

To hear more from Sandra and the panelists, watch our #FragranceForwardTFF DEI Panel below.

The contributions and impact of the Hispanic and Latin American communities to global culture are countless. While one month is never enough to truly appreciate and salute the people, places, and rich legacy, TFF embraces the opportunity to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a snapshot of words of inspiration and reflections from founders and perfumers.

A passionate perfumer who grew up between San Francisco and Jalisco, Mexico Ashley blends her cultural heritage with traditional French perfumery, drawing inspiration from her surroundings to create unique, story-driven fragrances.

How has your heritage influenced and inspired your fragrance creations?

My heritage plays a pivotal role in shaping my fragrance creations. As a kid growing up in San Francisco, my backyard was filled with the intoxicating aroma of angel’s trumpets and the spicy, aromatic scent of eucalyptus pods. These memories are deeply embedded in my olfactory palette.

Conversely, my summers in San Buenaventura, Jalisco (Mexico), introduced me to a contrasting olfactory world—one filled with the warm, dry air of the ranch, the rich scent of leather from cowhide chairs, and the sweetness of tropical fruits like guava and mango. This juxtaposition of scents from two distinct environments fuels my creativity, allowing me to blend these influences into my work. I strive to incorporate these underrepresented olfactory elements into my fragrances, creating a narrative that honors both my Mexican-Caribbean roots and the traditional French perfumery techniques I have studied.

Are there particular ingredients or locations or other cultural inspirations that you gravitate to when you need to be inspired?

Absolutely! Inspiration for me comes from many directions. In terms of natural raw materials, I find myself drawn to rosewater natsource, which is upcycled and sustainable—a concept I’m deeply passionate about. I also love working with various types of vanilla and sandalwood, as they evoke such rich, personal memories and emotions.

Beyond ingredients, fashion has always been a significant source of creativity for me. I’m especially inspired by the work of designers like Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pharrell Williams. Their runway shows, with their bold aesthetics and compelling narratives, often spark new ideas for my fragrance storytelling. Ultimately, I believe that inspiration can be found in every corner of life, and I remain open to all the scents, experiences, and artistic expressions the world has to offer.

As a child, Lisa, influenced by her French and Mexican cultures, had an insatiable curiosity for the world of perfume that she enriched with multiple readings and a vast collection of miniatures that form her first olfactory library, until she expressed the desire to become a perfumer at the age of ten. She studied at MANE Perfumery School in 2014 and joined Mane Mexico in 2017, where she works as a Regional Perfumer Latam.

How has your heritage influenced and inspired your fragrance creations and brand story?

Mexico is a country full of contrasts, exuberance, profusion, paradoxes; it certainly influenced me in my way of creating, trying surprising associations. I attach great importance to details, as Mexican baroque influenced me in this way. Latam is also cheerful, vibrant, colorful. I like to translate that spirit in my fragrances, particularly by working on fruity notes, as natural as possible.

Are there particular ingredients or locations or other cultural inspirations that you gravitate to when you need to be inspired?

Being a perfumer has allowed me to condense my love of nature, art, travel and storytelling. I’m deeply moved by architecture and design; I consider perfume an architectural object, with its purpose, its functionality, and its soul. When I need to take inspiration, I always come back to Luis Barragán’s houses, which are havens and a deep source of calm and beauty inside Mexico City’s chaos. Among his work, the influence of light and colors to change the mood and the emotions, the use of local raw materials as the volcanic stone to bring new textures resonates with my approach when creating a perfume. I also admire the work of Oscar Niemeyer, Alexander Girard, Bouroullec brothers, as well as architectural creations of fashion designers as Hussein Chalayan, Iris Van Herpen or André Courrèges.

Another constant inspiration is certainly gardens, especially botanical gardens. Their harmony lies on how they are organized, on how they invite us to daydream, their atmosphere, the plants and flowers that were chosen to be combined. Concerning specific ingredients, there are two natives of this continent that I use a lot: Cardamom for its vibrancy and Tonka bean for its richness.

September brings a renewed energy to the start of the Fall season as it welcomes the arrival of new fashion and fragrance launches. It is one of the most dynamic months on the calendar, and this month’s edition of ACCORDS captures its momentum. And yet, amidst Fashion Week in NYC the entire USA stopped to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of 9/11.

The month has been a fragrance lover’s dream come true with fragrance launches, fashion shows & our TFF Board of Directors meeting & dinner at Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem. From new introductions from the venerable fashion houses to reintroductions of reimagined, cult-status classics, fragrance has taken hold of the season in the most magnificent of ways. 

TFF loves to celebrate our fragrance community. In this month’s Spotlight feature, we turn our spotlight on Cosmo International’s Fragrance’s C3 Innovation Lab in New York City, which takes the concept of building community to a new level. After reading this in-depth look, take a moment to reflect on the industry impact that giving back and innovation can have on growing our fragrance community by championing emerging brands & helping them capture their essence in a bottle.

With the mid-month kick-off of Hispanic Heritage Month, the contributions of iconic Hispanic and Latine designers and creators such as Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Paco Rabanne to contemporary counterparts such as Narciso Rodriguez, Francisco Costa and Bernardo Möller & Giancarlo Perez continue to bring excitement and energy to our category while infusing their cultural heritage, from ingredients to inspiration, into every bottle. 

Enjoy September’s digital pages, as I will be reading all again as I fly home from my marathon of fabulous meetings & reunions in Paris.

President, The Fragrance Foundation

@linda_g_levy
@fragrancefoundation

The contributions and impact of the Hispanic and Latin American communities to global culture are countless. While one month is never enough to truly appreciate and salute the people, places and rich legacy, TFF embraces the opportunity to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a snapshot of words of inspiration and reflections from founders and perfumers.

Female and Latin-founded, EAUSO VERT is the conscious-luxury vision of beauty industry veterans Tanya Gonzalez and Faye Harris.

How has your heritage influenced and inspired your fragrance creations and brand story?

There are so many layers and nuances to each person’s Latin experience, mine being heavily rooted in my upbringing as a first-generation Mexican American. Storytelling has always played an important role in how we connect with our heritage. My grandmother’s anecdotes relating to her life in Mexico have influenced my own love of storytelling and everything that I create, hoping to connect with others by adding texture to experiences through scent, music, writing and more.

The vibrancy of my culture – family visiting, food cooking, music playing – has always served as a natural source of inspiration for me when developing scent. I never begin an idea for a scent without first exploring the music that could potentially serve as the soundtrack for that particular fragrance. It stems from the love that my parents had of music and its constant presence within our home.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a special moment for the brand as many are still becoming aware of our Latin heritage. We launched a Latin-inspired collection by the name of HERENCIA (“HERITAGE”), giving us the opportunity to showcase some of the traditions and ingredients pioneered by Latino communities. The fragrance industry as a whole has yet to fully reflect the cultural richness and vibrancy of our community, so our latest collection is our way of driving greater representation in a space not having much Latin influence.

Are there particular ingredients or locations or other cultural inspirations that you gravitate to when you need to be inspired? 

Mexico has been such a huge source of inspiration for me, specifically the region where my grandmother grew up, San Luis Potosí. Whether it be through the food, music or environment, I find myself at my happiest when surrounded by the language and people of Mexico. Many of our newer scents reflect this as well – from Capulin to Zapote Negro, we’ve woven the rich tapestry of my homeland into our fragrances.  My hope is that by developing fragrances inspired by my own culture, more will feel compelled to do the same.

A Colombian perfumer known for her bold and evolving fragrances, Adriana Medina blends artistry and science to create powerful scents that reflect her vibrant personality and culture. 

Adriana’s notable creations: 

• LANCÔME Idôle
• VICTORIA’S SECRET Bombshell
• MARC JACOBS Daisy Wild
• HOUSE OF BŌ Oro Verde

How has your heritage influenced and inspired your fragrance creations?

My Hispanic heritage influences my fragrance creations in many ways from what I create; I want people to be joyful and enjoy the fragrance as much as I do. I want to change people’s mood for the day or feel good about themselves. I want to be able to bring back a beautiful memory or transport them to a special place. That is the magic of fragrance; you can change someone’s life immediately. My fragrances are a reflection of my personality, my culture, and my upbringing. I love to add a dash of positivity, optimism, and good energy in what I do. And also, I love to surprise them!

Are there particular ingredients or locations or other cultural inspirations that you gravitate to when you need to be inspired?

Music is definitely my muse. I love to play music on my way to work, and in my office I am always playing music, which puts me in a groovy mood to create and those that know me know I have a playlist quite unique, all genres for sure. I love design and architecture and truly admire the professional work of those in that field. I love designs by Santiago Calatrava, Zaha Hadid, and the one and only Antoni Gaudi. Botero is one of my favorite sculptors. I love fashion; I inherited that passion from my grandmother, who came to this country and was a seamstress for many years. She used to make my clothes when I was younger, and we would spend the weekends shopping for textiles, designing clothes, and making pants, dresses, shirts, and coats. I got the sense of style from her, for sure. She has always been my source of inspiration. I am inspired by Colombia, our geographic diversity, and our people. Each region is very different, but we share the love for our country. Ask any Colombian and we are all very proud of where we come from.

Originally from Toledo, Spain, Elena was immersed in different art forms since her childhood, having always seen creativity as the perfect way to discover the world. It was during her early years at the University while studying to become a pharmacist that she discovered perfumery. Upon receiving her diploma, she decided to follow her dream to become a perfumer by joining ISIPCA perfumery school in 2014 followed by joining Robertet’s school in 2020 where she soon started her career in Grasse and joined the New York Robertet team in 2023.

Elena’s notable creations:

• ZARA HOME Ombre Musc Collection
• NATURAPATHICA Chill Alchemy Reed Diffuser

How has your heritage influenced and inspired your fragrance creations?

Born and raised in Toledo, Spain, scent is infused within our culture. A favorite “scent memory” was during Holy Week, where we would decorate the streets with wild Thyme and Rosemary.  The scent was incredible!  I was also very influenced by the cistus labdanum and the orange flowers in Andalucia.  All those scents deeply inspired me, and I love to work with them in my creations today.

Are there particular ingredients or locations or other cultural inspirations that you gravitate to when you need to be inspired?

Travel is my main source of inspiration and more specifically, discovering the local cuisines of every place I visit. Also, I’ve now been living in New York for over a year, and I am very inspired by the diversity and cultural richness of the city!

 Carlos Viñals is a Cuban-American is known for his expertise in crafting faceted, memorable fragrances. With a passion for both his heritage and the art of perfumery, he has contributed to the creation of iconic scents for global brands.

Carlos’ Notable Creations:

• MIND GAMES Gambit 
• VICTORIA’S SECRET Bare
• ETERNITY FOR MEN  Reflections  
• CAROLINA HERRERA 212 VIP Men 

How has your heritage influenced and inspired your fragrance creations and brand story?

 As a Latino, much of my inspiration comes from the way I was raised. My Cuban parents instilled in me a deep passion for life, a commitment to sharing happiness with others, and an openness to embracing new experiences.

Are there any ingredients or locations or other cultural inspirations that you gravitate towards when you need to be inspired? 

Absolutely, and often! I draw deeply from my Latin heritage when I’m seeking that extra impact or hook in a fragrance. For instance, I turn to the rhythms of Latin music when I want to infuse vibrant energy and movement into the top notes. Gaudí’s visionary architecture inspires me when I’m aiming for something unconventional and disruptive, while my favorite Spanish desserts—Flan and Dulce de Leche—provide the perfect source of sweet, creamy indulgence when I want to evoke irresistible addiction.

“This is the first time a fragrance house has received this prestigious award, which makes it even more special and meaningful for me and for Givaudan, It is an honour to be a part of this industry that celebrates our shared humanity, and for us at Givaudan helping people live happier and healthier lives, with love for nature. I also want to pay tribute to all of the perfumers for their craftsmanship and contribution. They truly make magic and I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside such talented individuals and teams.” 

Gilles Andrier is an exemplary leader: for proof, look no further than how much he is beloved and admired by those who have worked for and with him throughout his career. Over the course of two decades as CEO at Givaudan, he has not only enhanced the company’s value—and values—he has built a network of strong global relationships and a reputation for trust and enthusiasm. “My favorite part of my job is the interactions,” he says. “I’m most stimulated when I’m engaged with others. It can be with clients or with an employee in the plant or in the lab, but I am happiest when at the end of every day I can say that I learned something.”

About receiving the prestigious Hall of Fame recognition, Andrier says, “It’s a great honor. I embrace it for myself, but I also feel that it is a recognition of what’s at the heart of perfume—the perfumers, the craftsmanship, the magic of this business which I have loved for the last 30 years without any diminishing intensity. It is a recognition of Givaudan, which is a wide company because it has made so many acquisitions, but also a deep company because it goes back 250 years to when the industry started.”

Speaking from Geneva, just one stop on his forever-busy travel schedule, Andrier gives a glimpse into his life beyond Givaudan—he is married to acclaimed Vice President perfumer Daniela Andrier, with whom he has raised six children—and reveals how his personal passions inform his work as CEO. “I would say that exploring, experimenting, and never being afraid of doing things differently has shaped me,” he says, “and has let me become more of who I truly am, rather than just a guy in a suit.”

How has being married to a perfumer shaped the way that you view fragrance?

Perfumers are at the heart of what we do. Being married to a perfumer has greatly enhanced my understanding of their perspective. For example, seeing how their work has to adjust to the fast changing environment surrounding them, handling the increasing speed and number of projects, and working with a palette of ingredients constrained with ever more regulations. The palette of ingredients is, like the alphabet, the only thing they have in common. However, the beauty of fragrance creation is the diversity of perfumers, each expressing themselves in a different language. So there are as many perfumers as individualities. Therefore, being married to a perfumer gave me one perspective, but conscious it is unique to her.

What are your favorite things to do when you’re not working?

I have a lovely family, and we enjoy exploring, traveling, and spending time together. And I cannot stop myself from being active. I love sports, especially cycling. And I love listening to music. I have always thought there is a similarity between music and perfume in the way that they touch emotions. A perfume is like putting a magical piece of music into a bottle.

Do you apply any insights or strategies from your leisure pursuits to your leadership at Givaudan?

I used to do a lot of sailboat racing when I was young, and how you work with a crew, how you help each other, how you are in there on the same boat being safe but also competing, and how you face the elements of the ocean and the wind—all of those things say a lot about individuals, but also how they behave as a team facing adversity. And when running Givaudan, these images sometimes resurface for me. It’s not like running a large company is like sailing a big boat, but there are a lot of analogies around how people can work together.

How has your leadership style changed over the years that you’ve been with Givaudan?

It’s changed a lot. At the beginning, I was a bit intimidated. I had to learn about a lot that I had not been used to, like dealing with investors and shareholders—and it’s a very large company, so it wasn’t just about scaling up what I had done in the past but doing additional things that I hadn’t done before. In that stage of learning you are not yet totally yourself because you are being careful and safe. But there comes a moment when you begin to explore different ways of managing. I have experimented with ways of communicating and finding the right level of involvement in details. And I think that over time it has been a journey where I have become more and more myself.

What qualities do you think are most essential for good leadership?

Curiosity is the greatest strength I’ve had in all my jobs. The interest and ability to listen. When you show curiosity then you engage teams and the whole company. I’m also quite a demanding guy and if I don’t get something, I will go and chase it. That’s why I think Givaudan is performing quite nicely today. But the other thing that is important is humility. With humility comes the idea of being yourself in the job and shaping the job the way you want to shape it. Having humility inspires others to come closer to you. It is a good friend because you know what you don’t know and that you’re never at the top—there is always more to learn. I think that is essential.

You spent quite a bit of time in the United States early in your career. How did that affect the way you value international connections?

It was an absolutely great experience. In the late nineties, I spent four years living in New York, until 2000. Those were such good years. I was running operations, building a big plant in the US, and what I remember most is the openness of the employees and the people surrounding me. They had this little Frenchie coming over and running the show in the US and it was okay. I loved that and I still cherish that openness and respect and willingness to do things together. That was also early times with my wife Daniela, and with our first kids. So there are obviously very good memories. I love the US, and that really established an emotional bond. 

In what ways do you think that building an emphasis on diversity is important, not only at Givaudan but in the fragrance industry as a whole?

It’s extremely important. When Givaudan shaped our purpose years ago it was not just about our impact on the environment, we also made ambitious targets and commitments on diversity, equity, and inclusion. It’s not just to look good—I hate that the same way I hate greenwashing. We are people who, when we say we are going to do something, always deliver. Diversity is really part of the culture of Givaudan because we are a consolidation of many companies in many different countries, with 16,000 people around the world. It’s built into our DNA, but we are focused on making progress and helping everyone feel included. That’s work we do every day. And it’s not just inside the company. We have consumers who embrace all genders and all types of diversity and we need to be relevant to them when we create fragrances.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I could go with figures. Givaudan was worth 4 billion when I started. It’s worth 40 billion now. But everybody will forget figures and those types of achievements. I think my biggest achievement is the common recognition that Givaudan is a “Human Company.” I have always believed it is almost more important how results are achieved than the results themselves. It is about the culture of a company, which makes companies sustain. It’s about feeling that you’re doing something good and contributing. It’s the type of leader you are which makes the biggest impact. That’s what people remember.

Each year, TFF introduces new elements to the Awards ceremony, infusing the elegance and artistry of fragrance in captivating ways and new storytelling mediums. This year, the Fragrance Foundation collaborated with award-winning artists, cinematographer Louie Schwartzberg and poet Rhael LionHeart Cape, to translate the sensorial journey of fragrance discovery into a unique series of transportive art works. Bringing together two art forms of aerial photography and the spoken word into a creative expression that captured the power fragrance has to captivate its audience, TFF’s artistic vision of fragrance was presented across the dramatic stage at Lincoln Center. 

Who better than to make the invisible visible than our creative collaborator for many years, Louie Schwartzberg? A creative departure from previous years where magnificent time lapse cinematography of flowers took us to the inner depths of nature’s beauty, 2024’s visual interpretation was a play on perspectives of distances and destinations to sky-high heights.

Layering in a new dimension with poetry to the awe-inspiring sights, TFF welcomed a new creative collaborator to its Awards ceremony with award-winning poet, Rhael LionHeart Cape. Bringing his singular style and passion for poetry to TFF, LionHeart created a superlative poetic interpretation of Louie Schwartzberg’s work by making the intangible real through the spoken word. With this inaugural collaboration, LionHeart explored fragrance and aroma as an art form. Speaking to the universal language of fragrance, Rhael’s work transcended cultural and sensory boundaries, and through poetic pacing created a cadence similar to the “choreography of composed notes” found in a fragrance as it celebrated the “perfumers as practitioners of new possibilities.”

The collaborators, through snapshots and the spoken word, created a multisensory experience that brought immersive images from Louie’s camera and Rhael’s melodic narration on stage to life revealing the magic and mystery of fragrance.  

Four inspirational scenes became the canvas for artistry to bloom and emotions to be stirred. From Tahiti to Iceland, and across desert and arctic terrains, Rhael and Louie elevated the essence of scent through sweeping scenic imagery and rhythmic verse. Taking the audience on an emotive journey, their respective art forms set the perfect tone for the evening where artistic innovation between artists was explored by blending the audible with the aesthetics of fragrance, together capturing the beauty of an unseen presence.

Showcased in Ice, Desert, Tahiti and Iceland, each artistic segment by Louie Schwartzberg was spiritually uplifting and depicted the stark topographical beauty of nature through unique perspectives and vantage points. His high resolution imagery captured flights of wonder with fantastical aerial shots of land and seascape patterns, and desert terrain that defined new artistic destinations. 

Exploring the molecular level of shape and structure in nature, Louie’s work featured macro and micro scales of crystallized ice to the splendor of cresting oceanic waves along the shores of Tahiti. Hues of varying watery blues to the vivid greens of Iceland’s valleys created picturesque palettes. Always looking at the world through a captivatingly different lens, Louie’s eye inspired the imagination and took one’s breath away while Rhael’s narration connected to the soul, revealing the nuances and intricacies of a hidden note in a favorite fragrance to the crystals of an ice-capped mountain. 

Their creation and collaboration was an invitation to an immersive and introspective journey similar to the artistry and passion of perfumers and the world of fragrance.

ABOUT RHAEL LIONHEART CAPE

A London-based multidisciplinary artist, and an Associate Artist at The Royal Albert Hall, LionHeart presented a historical moment on the iconic stage, where poetry was once banned, galvanizing the legacy of the UK’s poets. As the first poet-in-residence at an architectural firm, LionHeart has juxtaposed the structure found both in architecture and in poetry, wordsmithing the emotional connection of space and design to memory. 

Recently showing his work at the 18th International Architecture exhibition at the prestigious, La Biennale di Venezia, LionHeart has created a unique niche at the at the intersection of architecture, design and narration becoming the first poet in residence at an UK architectural firm and Saatchi Gallery in addition to being an honorary fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects. His multimedia work resonates with a new generation who have rediscovered the power of verse.

His voice narrations cross many artistic platforms from radio and documentary to screen and stage. LionHeart’s multi-faceted career includes other talents where he is narrator, a former BBC Radio London presenter, and TEDx Speaker. His self-published poetry collection, The Mute’s Rebellion, debuted in 2017. and he is currently working on an immersive film entitled, Sentient Brutalism.

ABOUT LOUIE SCHWARTZBERG

Louie’s love and wonderment of nature is seen in every still photograph or moving image he has captured. An award-winning cinematographer, director and producer, Louie Schwartzberg has brought his visual technique and editorial eye to the world of flowers and fragrance, and to The Fragrance Foundation once again for the fourth consecutive year. TFF collaborated with Louie to open up a world of fantasy, whimsy, and a sensorial journey. 

Fresh from his latest artistic venture, the recently opened Sphere in Las Vegas provided a dramatic canvas for Louie’s artistic vision to unfold, Louie has created centerpiece moments whether it is near the Las Vegas Strip or across the stage at Lincoln Center. Louie’s art transcends space, time, and scale.
His current feature release Gratitude Revealed, featured during the 2022 Fragrance Foundation Awards, is being used to create a global Gratitude movement. To further shift consciousness and behavior, he launched the Louie Channel.tv and has released the remastered version celebrating the fifth anniversary of Fantastic Fungi in theaters.

“I am honored to have been recognized by The Fragrance Foundation as this year’s Lifetime Achievement Perfumer. It’s the greatest joy of my life, as well as my passion, to create fragrances that take you on a personal journey.”

Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud was born in Grasse into something of a fragrance dynasty—his father and grandfather were master perfumers, and his mother worked for legendary master perfumer Edmond Roudnitska—but it was not a given that he would become a scent creator himself. “When at eight years old, I told my father that I wanted to be a perfumer, he told me that I would have to be prepared to work very hard, and that I would need to have true passion in order to succeed,” he says. Every night, his father would arrange blotters scented with raw materials on his desk, and each morning young Cavallier-Belletrud would sniff them and take notes. “It was like a game,” he says, “but it helped me, step by step, learn the language of perfume.”

When Cavallier-Belletrud heard that he had been awarded TFF Lifetime Achievement Perfumer, he says, his first thought was how thrilled his parents would be. “My mother passed away a few months ago, and so I could not help but feel nostalgia. I owe everything I am to my parents, especially in terms of being free as a creator. As the small guy I was when I started in this business and the small guy I am today, I would never have dreamed of such an honor. And now, having my daughter—who is also a perfumer—with me, I feel very proud to show her that everything is possible in life.”

Over the course of his storied career, Cavallier-Belletrud has created acclaimed fragrances for the likes of Christian Dior, Givenchy, Issey Miyake, Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, and Lancôme. Now with LVMH, he has been the in-house perfumer for Louis Vuitton since 2012 and has been for almost 30 years the creator behind many of Bvlgari’s most beloved fragrances, rom the iconic Pour Homme in 1995, to BVLGARI LE GEMME and the BVLGARI ALLEGRA collection more recently. When we speak, Cavallier-Belletrud is in what he calls his “smelling room” at Les Fontaines Parfumées in Grasse. With blotters scattered across his desk and gentle light streaming through the windows, he reflects upon his career, his legacy, and a few of his favorite things.

Does it feel especially significant for you to be awarded Lifetime Achievement Perfumer in New York?

Yes, I am so proud that this award is coming from the US. I have loved the United States forever and I have worked with quite a lot of American perfumers and with a lot of American brands, and I have always been welcomed. Even when I was 20, 24 years old, I was welcomed as a perfumer. At that time in France I was perceived as a very young guy and certainly not yet a perfumer. So I’ve seen the difference between the two, and working in the US has always been, for me something unique. 

How did growing up in a family so connected to the world of perfume shape you as a child?

I come from an era when children were quiet at lunch and dinner, and listened to our parents’ conversation. They spoke in May about the quality of the rose flowers, or about the beauty of the scent of the jasmine. I remember my father speaking about Japanese perfumes after coming back from two months of traveling through Japan. It was evident that this world was my world, even if I didn’t recognize that at that time. My childhood in Grasse was very happy. I was very focused on discovering things. I developed lot of curiosity about things because it wasn’t like today when you can find everything on Google—you had to explore things for yourself. I was curious about why the jasmine bloomed only three months a year or the rose only three weeks a year. I was always very connected to nature.

What is it like for you to work with your daughter, Camille, as a perfumer?

She is the first woman in the family to become a perfumer in 500 years, so… no pressure! When she was about 12 years old, she came to my mother and said, ‘I want to do what papa is doing.’ We discussed it and I said, we can start the same way I started with my father: smelling raw materials, so that you can understand that perfumery is more than just ingredients, it is also emotions. My job was to teach her how to memorize raw materials and how to approach projects, but also to help her express her creative personality as a woman. This job is a lot of work, a lot of commitment, and you need a lot of love for others and for the brands you are working with. You will sometimes be surrounded by doubts, but you will always return to enthusiasm and positivity. When I am depressed, I smell jasmine from Grasse or bergamot from Italy, and I recover my joy.

You are known for your trailblazing use of the ingredient Calone. When you first used it, did you suspect it would make such a splash in the perfume world?

My story with Calone goes very far back. When I was young, working with my father, I went to get an ingredient out of the fridge and the door was stuck. I pulled very dynamically and some of the bottles fell down and spilled. Immediately this scent of freshness came to me that was  really incredible. I looked at the bottle, and it said Calone—which was a material I did not know.

The next day, the floor still smelled amazingly fresh. When my father came into the lab he said, ‘Who is the idiot who used such a powerful ingredient?’ That was around 1979. Over the years, I forgot this material, until I began working on L’Eau de Issey in the early 1990s. The brief was: If water had a smell, what would it be? Immediately I remembered this scent, Calone, in the laboratory. I started the project with Calone, surrounded it with flowers and woods, and three weeks later it was done. Frankly, I did not expect such success. And it’s good because if you are trying to create trend, it will never happen. But I did know that something was happening, because before the launch my wife wore the fragrance out to dinner in Paris, and a couple who had been staring at us approached and said, ‘Can you tell us the name of your perfume? Because since you arrived there has been a scent in the room that is fantastic, and like nothing else we have ever smelled.”

What do you think defines a truly great perfume?

It’s like people: Character makes you unforgettable. All the great successes have unique personalities. You recognize them everywhere. Perfume is not a commodity. It is more than an accessory. It translates a very secret part of your personality, connecting with your childhood, with your inner self, with who you are. That is why it must have personality itself to be great.

What do you like to do when you are not working?

I love to be at home, because I have a huge garden and I love to connect to nature. But I also love to travel, and I love to visit cities and see what artists are doing. I love to have a good meal with friends. I enjoy beauty and I celebrate the beauty of life. It is important to remember what a miracle it is.

I also love to shop, which is perhaps unusual for a man. I can spend a whole day shopping. I do it frequently. I enjoy going to new stores and seeing different concepts. I like the classic things and the very disruptive things. For me it’s really a pleasure just to look and to try products. It’s all about discovery.

What would your perfect day involve?

I have many perfect days here in Grasse. I wake at quarter to five the morning. The perfect day is in spring or in summer, having coffee in my garden, looking at the Bay of Cannes and waiting for the sunrise. I love all the scents of the garden, in every season. Today it’s raining and yesterday it was warm, so there is a scent in the air of earthy notes, but also roots, leaves, and the orange flowers that are blooming. I believe the best perfumer in the world is the wind, because it carries these fantastic scents—and it is always different.

Then I take care of my dogs—I have three—spend time with my wife, and go to the office. To get there I drive a special road where you have all the views of the French Riviera, with mountains and blue sky. It is the perfect environment for inspiration. At the office we start with a half day of smelling the work we have done the day before, then have a big lunch in the garden if the weather is good. In the afternoon there is more smelling, more work, more meetings and calls. On a perfect day I have a lot of energy and a lot of ideas and I love this because ideas bring more ideas. What I really love is to create. I wake in the morning and look at the sea and dream of many things and tell myself that whatever I do, I will start with a hope of making something good.

June is Awards month at TFF! And it is by far our biggest celebration of the year, it’s the night where we bring everyone and everything together that we as a community have achieved for fragrance, and celebrate! These Awards are truly the pinnacle for our industry spotlighting how our creativity, artistry and passion connects with the consumer.

With 1000 attendees, the TFF 2024 Awards were bigger and more extraordinary than ever before. Making it even more special, this year was the 75th Anniversary of the Foundation. On the spectacular stage at Lincoln Center in NYC, the ceremony inducting 2 honorees and presenting 19 awards, was a great reflection of #FragranceForwardTFF with our Presenters & Finalists & Winners as well.

The theater was buzzing from the “blue-carpet” arrivals to the sit-down dinner for over 500 in the Promenade to the after-party that spilled onto the Terrace overlooking the plaza at Lincoln Center. Julianna Margulies to Christie Brinkley added star power while fragrance & fashion icons Vera Wang, Anna Sui and Narciso Rodriguez joined us to celebrate.

A huge congratulations to all of our 2024 TFF Awards winners, the finalists, and of course our incredible honorees. From heritage brands to indies, and perfume pioneers to legacy leaders, the spectrum of excellence on stage was unparalleled from the awards handed out to the honorees inducted including Givaudan CEO Gilles Andrier as Hall of Fame honoree and Bvlgari and Louis Vuitton Master Perfumer, Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud as Lifetime Achievement Perfumer. 

A special feature of the night was the creative collaboration between Rhael LionHeart Cape and Louie Schwartzberg bringing poetry & photography together, elevating fragrance discovery to new heights.

With the glow from the Awards still shining, we will be busy throughout the summer planning a fantastic line-up for the fall season filled with great TFF programming. From Scents of Success to launching Fragrance Escentials, plus media tours, TFF will be reaching more & more people who share a love & passion for fragrance as we do. 

Please enjoy this special TFF 2024 Awards edition of ACCORDS!

Have a wonderful summer.

President, The Fragrance Foundation

@linda_g_levy
@fragrancefoundation

Joining TFF unlocks a world of opportunities and inspiration for fragrance brands, uniting them with a community of peers and further strengthening TFF’s mission to ensure that everyone has a voice and a seat at the table through #FragranceForwardTFF. Every new member enriches the conversation, enhances the network, and proves the indisputable truth that we are always better together than we are apart. In this issue of ACCORDS, we take a moment to welcome new members and celebrate everything that makes them special. Here, we invite them to share their unique brand perspective, what they hope to bring to TFF, and what they are looking forward to as they enter this exciting new chapter.

What does it mean for your brand to join TFF as a new member and what do you hope it will help you achieve? 

I was so excited to join TFF as a new member—to me, it felt like Nette had really arrived onto the fragrance scene. TFF and its leadership, including the incredible Linda Levy, has such a powerful way of bringing the fragrance community together—brands, perfumers, fragrance houses, executives, retailers, and all. It has been incredible to be given the opportunity to be in the same room with this community and feel that, even amongst brands, it is so much more about collaboration than competition. 

What is your brand’s unique point of view and how does it appeal to consumers’ lifestyles? 

Nette is a clean, scientifically-backed, approachable luxury fragrance brand focused on amplifying well-being and NettePositive™ emotion through scent. We firmly believe that fragrance can change our lives for the better, have a proven effect on our emotions and moods, and deserves to be a recognized art form in and of itself. I think consumers in general want more from their products—for example, they want their makeup to have serious skincare benefits. Fragrance is perfectly positioned to cater to that need by offering emotional benefits along with satisfying the desire to smell amazing. 

TFF’s mission is to inspire the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance and has been driving change in the industry with #FragranceForwardTFF. How does your brand embrace these values and incorporate them into the business?

Nette’s brand mission has always been to help our community Take Good Care™ through the incredible art and science of fragrance, which I feel aligns really nicely with TFF’s mission on discovery. There is such an intricate and fascinating world of fragrance and if we can be part of what causes people to discover that magic—the artistry, the poetry, and the science of fragrance—we will have done a good thing. 

What does it mean for your brand to join TFF as a new member and what do you hope it will help you achieve?

I have been part of the family of the Fragrance Foundation for the past 32 years since I founded Slatkin + Co. with my wife Laura who now owns NEST and is a member. With a short hiatus being out of the fragrance world I am so happy to be a family member again with the return of my Slatkin + Co. Brand…..it is the Platinum level of achievement and I am proud to have received several awards in the past. 

What is your brand’s unique point of view and how does it appeal to consumers’ lifestyles?

I like to refer to my brands as Masstige – I bring a prestige product at an affordable price and I don’t like to talk down to a consumer. Working with master perfumers all these years and the most important fragrance houses in the world have brought prestige and a level of quality often missed in the mass world. Adding the aesthetic element with the quality of fragrance creates a win experience for the consumer and for myself as I love all my children as I refer to my products as my family.

TFF’s mission is to inspire the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance and has been driving change in the industry with #FragranceForwardTFF. How does your brand embrace these values and incorporate them into the business?

When we work with the perfumers it’s not to create a space in the category but to create an experience which is influenced by travels around the world, reading, museums, the inspiration than becomes a dialogue with the perfumers on their experience and through that magical conversation is how Slatkin + Co. delivers its rarity within Mass (Masstige).

What does it mean for your brand to join TFF as a new member and what do you hope it will help you achieve?

It is truly a dream realized! Fragrance has long been a passion of mine and the opportunity to create scents that are grounded in my beauty journey is something I am truly grateful for. I am so honored to be a part of TFF and the wonderful community of experts, founders and brand builders. I hope to be able to broaden my scent knowledge and learn from fragrance founders of diverse backgrounds. 

What is your brand’s unique point of view and how does it appeal to consumers’ lifestyles?

Relevant as a brand is clean, inclusive skincare, color and scent. Every formulation has been thoughtfully created to see and celebrate all skin tones. Many of the ingredients are inspired by my Kenyan heritage and are time honored and effective on all skin types.

13 Stems is a well-balanced, gender-neutral fragrance. includes top notes of freesia and green peppercorn; mid notes of cucumber, woody bamboo, french mimosa and violet leaf, and a base of cashmere, crisp amber and white leather. I had the great privilege of working with Robertet’s Jérôme Epinette to make this beautiful fragrance. I am so happy to work with Jérôme and the team to bring my vision to life. 

TFF’s mission is to inspire the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance and has been driving change in the industry with #FragranceForwardTFF. How does your brand embrace these values and incorporate them into the business?

My point of view is always one of inclusion. This rings true with 13 Stems, Relevant and thirteen lune. 13 Stems as a scent and story resonates with many people and inspires them to discover it and incorporate it into their everyday. It encapsulates the “bloom” most of us seek. That “aha” moment. Blooming is important, but it’s my stem that gave me the ability to co-create a brand and business that aligned my passion and purpose.

What does it mean for your brand to join TFF as a new member and what do you hope it will help you achieve?

It’s an honor to be recognized among legacy fragrance brands. It speaks to how dedicated Victoria and the team were to getting every aspect of our fragrance product and launch right. For our fragrance consumers, they will know that our presence here shows how serious we take this category. As for this storied industry, it’s incredible to be welcomed and recognized for our fragrance as a new player, it reinforces our huge ambitions for this category.

What is your brand’s unique point of view and how does it appeal to consumers’ lifestyles?

The vision for Victoria Beckham Beauty is to create a modern luxury house that becomes a cornerstone of the beauty industry overall, and that has the potential to become a heritage brand over the coming decades. Being born of a fashion house is core to our identity in color, and in fragrance, our aperture is wider – our fragrance stories are chapters of Victoria’s life. These are memories of her important life moments, all complex and all beautiful. Our scents are created with a very specific time and space, as well as the emotions surrounding them, in mind.

TFF’s mission is to inspire the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance and has been driving change in the industry with #FragranceForwardTFF. How does your brand embrace these values and incorporate them into the business?

Fragrance is a powerful and transportative art – something that Victoria recognized and honored through her approach. It deserved to feel intimate, to have its own journey of creation … it deserved to wait until every element could live up to the vision and her uncompromising standard. Victoria Beckham’s Fragrance Launch in 2023 was a true labor of love and what Victoria considers her autobiography through scent – a holistic sensory experience with campaign visuals by Steven Klein, bottle design by Ezra Perronio and collaborating with Jérôme Epinette as our “nose” in building out the fragrance collection.

An aspect of the brand’s DNA is what we call The Victoria Standard: we only create something that meets the most discerning customer’s criteria; we only finalise a product when we have achieved Victoria’s emphatic excitement to use the product. We aim for customers to experience that our products stand out in terms of excellence in all ways a product can.

What does it mean for your brand to join TFF as a new member and what do you hope it will help you achieve?

We are so excited to be part of The Fragrance Foundation alongside incredible heritage brands. It is an organization that is creating positive change in our industry. The ability to connect with and learn from other brands in the space is such a unique opportunity. To be able to share ‘Ôrəbella with our peers in our community means the world.

What is your brand’s unique point of view and how does it appeal to consumers’ lifestyles?

‘Ôrəbella introduces the skinification of fragrance, a unique and innovative approach to fine fragrance. Each intentional skin parfum is alcohol-free, hydrating, and elevated with essential oils to infuse with and last on the skin while amplifying the wearer’s aura. Going beyond cruelty-free, clean, and vegan, ‘Ôrəbella is also dermatologist tested and suitable for sensitive skin. It is inspired by nature, harnessing its healing benefits to enhance both skin and soul. Our signature bi-phase formula features two layers that moisturize skin and deliver a long-lasting fragrance immersion. With a shake-to-activate formula, the fusion of the bi-phase creates a magnetic perfume that becomes one with the skin. As consumers become more aware of the ingredients within their beauty routines, we’re proud to offer a safe and effective product to help elevate and inspire their beauty ritual.

TFF’s mission is to inspire the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance and has been driving change in the industry with #FragranceForwardTFF. How does your brand embrace these values and incorporate them into the business?

The mission of Fragrance Forward is very important to the ever-evolving fragrance industry. It promotes positive change, new ways of thinking and fosters innovation. At the core of ‘Ôrəbella we are a brand bringing a new type of fine fragrance formula + format, passion, and authenticity to the category.

What does it mean for your brand to join TFF as a new member and what do you hope it will help you achieve?

Joining TFF is an honor for Argos Fragrances, symbolizing our commitment to the highest standards of excellence and tradition in the global fragrance industry. We hope this partnership will enhance our reach, foster innovation, and allow us to contribute meaningfully to the fragrance community. 

What is your brand’s unique point of view and perspective and how does it appeal to consumers’ lifestyles?

My brand’s unique perspective blends the rich narratives of Greek and Roman mythology with modern day sophistication & elegance, creating fragrances that strike a chord with the consumers. We celebrate the past but are new age in our approach. We are unapologetically extravagant, love making bold statements, and being remembered. Our customers love this about us and resonate with it. Our storytelling, brand persona and craftsmanship appeals to individuals who value true luxury, heritage, and personal expression in their lifestyle. Building a vibrant community and showing our gratitude are at the heart of what we do, ensuring our customers feel valued and empowered in the Argos family.

 TFF’s mission is to inspire the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance and has been driving change in the industry with #FragranceForwardTFF. How does your brand embrace these values and incorporate them into the business?

 Our dedication to craftsmanship, use of cutting-edge equipment and time-honored techniques, ensures each fragrance tells a captivating story, honoring our heritage and embracing #FragranceForwardTFF’s innovative spirit. Our carefully selected raw ingredients, chosen for their meaning and purpose, ensure that every composition is unique, memorable, and satisfying. Also, I deeply value the support from our fragrance community—the experts, content creators, collectors, and loyal customers—who inspire us to give back meaningfully. Together, we strive to foster mutual support and collaboration, driving our shared passion forward.

Started two decades ago, translating fashion trends into fragrance, Mind Nose + Matter™ has evolved into an exhibition showcasing consumer insights and ingredient innovation from a global arsenal of perfumers who were invited to a creative playground where boundaries of scent profiles were pushed and new olfactive expressions were explored. The multi-sensorial experience reimagined dsm-firmenich’s signature socio-cultural forecast for the 2024 edition by tapping into popular culture of the past, present, and with an eye on the future of fragrance.  

dsm-firmenich Catapults Into the Future of Fragrance with “Momentum”

By Pia Velasco

What moves you forward? For some, it’s a feeling or instinct. For others, it’s a physical step ahead or a meticulously prepared plan. For dsm-firmenich, it’s momentum. 

For the fragrance company’s biannual exhibition — Mind Nose + Matter™ —it decided to look to the past to predict the future. And looked to movement, and to the power attraction and avoidance of scent has to make us go forward and backward. It asks the question: What moments from the past still resonate in the present? And how does fragrance make the connection to get to the future? To get there, dsm-firmenich embedded empathy into every step of its showcase to elicit an emotionally connected response to where do you want to go and how do you feel right now? The power and possibilities where fragrance can play a role in helping us move forward and move throughout moments in our lives is what this year’s Mind Nose + Matter experience is all about.

“The idea was to really come from a place of empathy,” begins Global Marketing Director for Fine Fragrance, Justin Welch. “Instead of just thinking about where we want the consumer to end, we really thought more about how they feel now, and from there try to understand how we can get them to where they want to be through fragrance.”

And with that comes “Momentum,” an exploration of olfactive friction and other fragrance trends that are reflective of life’s dualities and how, through scent, we move forward in light of them. Through this exhibit, dsm-firmenich harnessed its 2023 global insights study, Magic Moments, which looked at specific moments of a consumer’s life with men and women ages 16-65 throughout the US, France, China, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, and Spain, to uncover the instances where fragrance can play a significant role. Welch says they looked at more than just the moments, but also the motivations and feelings associated with them as a way to uncover enriching the role fragrance can have at each touchpoint.

We know that fragrance goes beyond making a user simply smell good. A resonating spritz has the power to truly move us, whether that be emotionally, spiritually, mentally, or even physically. According to the study, 82% of fragrance buyers prioritize scent, its quality and uniqueness, over packaging, branding, or merchandising activities. Wearing fragrance is no longer just about smelling good. For the American consumer, the primary reasons they wear fragrance—social confidence (24%), playing different social roles (31%), and enhancing physical and mental performance (27%)—align with their dynamic, multifaceted lifestyles. In short, scent plays a vital role in moving people through life.  

“The future of fragrance as we see it, is built around the idea of olfactive friction,” says Global Fragrance Development Director, Caroline Ornst. “This notion is defined as taking brushstrokes of notes that we avoid, and adding them to notes we are attracted to, which in turn helps to amplify the fragrance’s pleasure, power, and noticeability, all with the ultimate aim of helping to move us forward.”

Furthermore, Welch says the future is based on duality of attraction and avoidance. Throughout “Momentum,” users experience a plethora of feelings and initial reactions as a way to confront ourselves and the complexities of the human experience. “It’s all about that relationship, but really in thinking about those moments in life we’re avoiding — what are the things that make us uncomfortable?” asks Welch. “How does fragrance then help the consumer not avoid those moments any longer, but rather to approach them differently?” 

So, what exactly does dsm-firmenich predict lies ahead? For starters, tapping into feelings of discomfort to help consumers transform how they approach those moments. Imagine a work presentation, for example. The feelings one may encounter are those of anxiety as the moment to present approaches but can scent change that and make the user feel calmer and more confident? dsm-firmenich is betting on it, and the rising popularity of functional fragrances supports its hypothesis. Fragrance emerges as an unexpected ally in this quest for connection, wielding the power to embolden and empower. It’s not just about masking odors, it’s about weaving scent into the fabric of human interaction and transforming nervous energy into confident strides towards genuine connection.

For the exhibit, dsm-firmenich enlisted 21 of its perfumers from around the globe to interpret momentum freely and creatively. They each created a fragrance sketch that was presented to clients in different mediums and in one of four settings to elicit sparks of inspiration and to stretch their imaginations. How far can fragrance take you if you surrender to the moment and allow the power of fragrance to transport you? 

Guided by the metaphor of a body in motion, “Momentum” pushes the boundaries of fragrance by introducing innovative scents and experiences within a captivating, multi-sensorial space. Four rooms were transformed into an experiential walk-through of scent discovery through art, personal interaction, education, and collaboration — the connecting bridge being that of an interactive experience. Each of the spaces represents a different moment in momentum: push, lift, release, and rest, making the connection to body, brain, and breath. To set things in motion, the exhibition kicked off with a spiritually grounding deep breathing exercise.

This hands-on experience is interactive by design, as Welch explains that this exhibit is meant to feel like a playground, laboratory, and workshop. For dsm-firmenich, this is key to its client relationships and creative processes as they co-design the scents of the future, and “Momentum” gives glimpses of those throughout the exhibit — each scent excitingly different from the rest. From olives to vanilla, dsm-firmenich delved into the shape and structure of each ingredient. Weaving in pop culture moments that defined a generation from Nirvana’s Nevermind to redefining nostalgia through mashups, the showcase was a transportive journey to test if Gen Z and Boomers can find common olfactory ground.

Throughout “Momentum,” dsm-firmenich creations were presented in varying formats to showcase to clients the different and creative ways scent can be integrated into all sorts of products for a wide range of user experiences including formats like fabric softener, dsm-firmenich omega rich skin and hair oil, SPF hand cream, and candle. With 65% of consumers feeling that scent can create awe-inspiring experiences, the future of fragrance is in motion.

dsm-firmenich’s Mind Nose + Matter “Momentum” experience debuted in Manhattan and is on display until June 7th, an intentional move that Robin Mason, President NAM Fine Fragrance, says honors the heart and soul of where olfactive trends begin. “It’s so symbolic as NYC serves as a global center of excellence to create for our clients around the world.” From there, it will then roll out to Geneva, during the World Perfumery Congress in June, followed by events in Shanghai, Paris, and Sāo Paulo.  

Always one of my favorite features in Accords is when we shine a spotlight and welcome new members to TFF.  It signals that our industry is thriving with new brand introductions and fragrance launches, and that our membership & fragrance community is growing. Every day we celebrate our #1 priority to expand our membership with new brands of varied sizes & diverse brand stories, as these six certainly illustrate. We are happy to welcome all to the TFF family & community.

May also signals one of our most important spring time gift-giving holidays, Mother’s Day. Fragrances remain a top go-to gift, from the finest florals to the fruit forward scents of the season. We reached the consumer in cities across America from Atlanta & Miami to Las Vegas & Washington, DC at this all important time to shop through TV.  

These TV shows also allowed me to encourage Consumer Choice voting across the USA. We reached of over 9 million via TV & with huge support from our 18 Finalists across the 3 categories, the # of consumers voting this year increased by over 60%. Through social media and press, we had the biggest activation yet!

We are in the final countdown to our June 5th, 2024 Awards Ceremony! It will be a spectacular night when the fragrance community gathers together for the industry’s most illustrious honors. We have so much to celebrate this year including the 75th Anniversary of The Fragrance Foundation to all of our winners & honorees and the achievements we have accomplished together.

President, The Fragrance Foundation

@linda_g_levy
@fragrancefoundation

Michael Edwards is an historian and taxonomist, a veritable walking encyclopedia of fragrance knowledge, and a good-company raconteur who always has an illuminating story to tell. His Fragrances of the World database—the largest guide to perfume classification that has ever existed—has been going nonstop since 1984, and his first book, Perfume Legends: French Feminine Fragrances, has been a must-have for fragrance lovers since its publication in 1996. Now, his much-anticipated second compendium, American Legends, has arrived. It is a landmark moment, not only for Edwards himself, who has been researching the book for more than 20 years (many of the interviews were done when he was working on Perfume Legends), but also for the American fragrance industry, which is celebrated for its unique trajectory and global influence. Beginning with 18^th-century Caswell-Massey and running through to the runaway success of Santal 33, American Legends chronicles fragrances from Old Spice to White Linen, Youth-Dew to Cashmere Mist, Jungle Gardenia to Giorgio Beverly Hills, Brut to Tommy Girl. Featuring in-depth interviews with the perfumers, bottle designers, and fragrance developers who brought these iconic scents to life, the book is comprehensive, fascinating, and quite beautiful. In the midst of his world tour, Edwards was in New York CIty as a featured guest at the TFF Awards luncheon. He also shared his wealth of knowledge at an event at FIT for students, then joined a special panel with Chris Collins moderated by Linda G. Levy.  Here Edwards spoke to ACCORDS to discuss how, ultimately, the history of perfume is about much more than what we smell in the flacon.

What was the criteria for fragrances to be included in American Legends?

Exactly the same criteria that I applied to the first book. It was limited to fragrances that introduced a new note or a technology so innovative that competitors flocked to copy it. Think for example of the Iso E Super in Halston, or Antonia’s Flowers, which pioneered Headspace technology. Or, alternatively, fragrances that made such an impact that they created a new trend. Think of Charlie in the 1970s. Before Charlie, men bought fragrance for women. After Charlie, women bought fragrance for themselves. Or Elizabeth Taylor’s Passion, which started an explosion in celebrity fragrances.

I also chose fragrances that reflected their times. Nobody talks about Bluegrass now, but before there was Lauder, before there was Rubenstein, there was Elizabeth Arden. When the stock market crashed in 1929, Elizabeth Arden soared. I found a Forbes report that said she had earned more money than any other woman in the history of America. And you might wonder why I included Demeter’s Dirt, from 1996. But it pioneered the sense of memory. If you look at Martin Margiela, for example, and the Replica scents. That goes back to Dirt.

What are some of the main ways that the story of American fragrance differs from the story of fragrance in France and elsewhere?

It’s an interesting question. American fragrances, when you smell them close up, they’re not always that pretty, but in the air they resonate. That’s the American spirit. Estée Lauder believed that women expect American fragrances to start the way they end. She had little patience with this idea of top notes, of fragrances changing over time: It has to be straight, she believed. It has to be direct.

What do you think defines an American perfume?

On the one hand, it can be loud, or even crass. On the other hand, it can be striking, innovative, and rich. In any market, you get the extremes. But in America, you get more extremes.

I start off the book by saying that to the French perfume is liquid art, to the Italians it’s liquid style, and to the Americans it’s liquid money. Nowhere else do you have the clash of art and commerce so fiercely. It was Ernest Shiftan, the father of American perfumery, who said that the history of perfumery is the history of our civilization. And he was right. Americans can be bold, striking, and direct. So can their fragrances. It’s a different style from the French.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is the way it illustrates how fragrance trends reflect larger shifts in American culture.

Absolutely. I’ve found, for example, that in most people’s minds Norell was just another designer fragrance. But Norell was crucial. Until that time in America, most upscale department stores had not regarded perfume as an important category to focus on. In the 1960s, even Chanel No. 5 was a drugstore fragrance. But Norell’s success in specialty department stores was so spectacular that it forced them to reassess their thinking. It even opened the door for Estée Lauder, who launched Estée in 1968, just when these stores were starting to support fragrance. Norell also opened corporate America’s eyes to the potential of licensing designer fragrances. In the early 1970s you started to see the Halstons, the Anne Kleins, etcetera, and at the same time baby boomers, who were getting really interested in status labels, were moving to the suburbs, where department stores were being opened. By continuing to focus almost exclusively on prestigious center city stores, the French totally missed the moment—while all the American designer brands were making hay in the sunshine in the suburbs.

In his lovely introduction to your book, Leonard Lauder touches on the idea that America has changed the way the world wears fragrance. In what ways has it done this?

It has—no ifs, no buts. Charlie, for example, had a huge impact far beyond America. Brut, too, changed the world. When I was researching the Caleche by Hermès for Perfume Legends, the man who developed it told me that the original intent was to launch a fragrance for men rather than women, but there was no market in France for men’s fragrances. He said that the key was Brut—when it came along, it created the men’s business worldwide.

Look at Giorgio in the 1980s—such a potent, powerful scent—then look at Obsession. And surely America influenced Poison. We can also talk about Elizabeth Taylor’s Passion, the first of the great celebrity fragrances. It launched in 1985 and was so explosive that within the next 10 years we tracked the launch of some 600 celebrity fragrances. But that was part of the problem: In order to pay the celebrities, brands were forced to cut the quality of the juice and complaints soared. And that was why people were so open to niche fragrances when they came in. It was a unique coming together of factors that changed everything.

In American Legends, there is noticeable diversity in key roles, including brand founders, perfumers, and bottle designers. How does that reflect the spirit and development of American perfumes?

To my mind, America is far ahead of France. When you think of French female perfumers, there was Madame Z for Jeanne Lanvin back in the 1920s who did four fragrances, but it wasn’t until the 1940s that you had Germaine Cellier, who created Bandit and Fracas. Whereas America was different. Ernest Shiftan seemed very comfortable with women and deliberately encouraged them. I mean, think of [Youth Dew perfumer] Josephine Catapano. He hired her. Think of Bethy Buseé, who created Chloé, and Estée. When she came to America, Shiftan hired her as a secretary because she spoke French, but he would test everybody in his vicinity and he was struck by the sensitivity of her nose. I mean, she was a brutal perfumer. She refused to adhere to any techniques and if you didn’t like what she gave you, she’d throw it across the room. But she was a genius. Then there was Sophia Grojsman, another incredible perfumer, also IFF. Some people may say that until recently American perfumery was a man’s culture. But when you look at the sheer number of women perfumers, it’s impressive.

At TFF, DEI is the #1 priority. How do you see DEI in fragrance evolving?

It is changing, although slowly. I would anticipate that by now we would have more Black American brands, but I think I have picked up only about nine so far. We’ve seen James Bell, who did Passion, with his marvelous story, but Black perfumers have been rare. It’s silly, and overdue because the Black American and the Hispanic American are two key users of fragrances. Absolutely. So hopefully we will see a lot more of that kind of diversity, in all kinds of roles throughout the industry, which will bring in new ideas and creativity.

Anyone who was present at the TFF Awards luncheon in New York City on April 11^th will already have been touched, and charmed, by Alka Joshi, author of the Jaipur trilogy. In her brief-but-powerful speech at the event, she related that when she decided to set her third book in the world of haute perfumery, she knew very little about the fragrance business. But thankfully, fate—in the guise of the TFF network—intervened: A mutual friend introduced her to Ann Gottlieb, who subsequently introduced her to Carlos Benaïm and to Linda G. Levy. Here, Joshi talks more about this journey, and why she felt so passionately about shining a spotlight on the rich fragrance culture of India.  

By Parizaad Khan Sethi

“Remember I asked you what your earliest memories were? I still remember what you said. The smell of the mud hut where your mother gave birth, her wheaty breath, the sari she had lain in for a week and the incense the midwife lit. Radha, you were born of fragrance. It’s in your blood, bones, hair, breath. You eat fragrance in your food. You wear it from the inside out. You understand it in a way Michel, with his chemistry degree, and Ferdinand, with his family’s wealth, never will.”

In The Perfumist of Paris, author Alka Joshi builds a world that centers around a fragrance house, where its protagonist, Radha Fontaine, works as a lab assistant. Just like Radha, who flows in an instinctive rhythm with the perfumed world that surrounds us, as observed by her boss Delphine in the excerpt above, Joshi, too, has lived a life grounded in scent.

Joshi, who now lives in California, spent her early years in the north of India, and has specific scent memories from that time coded into her being. “The smells of India that I remember are cardamom, because my parents would drink chai in the morning and add crushed cardamom pods to it. Of course, I remember all the spices used for cooking. Then, there was the smell of henna from the mehndi on everybody’s hands. And I remember the smell of the soil right after the monsoon rains,” she says.

She felt a sharp divide between the aromas defining her early childhood in India and her subsequent years in Ames, Iowa, which is where her family emigrated to in 1967, when she was nine. “It was April, and we left India with the smell of mangoes, bananas and coconuts that were sold on the street. In Iowa, there was still snow on the ground. And what struck me was the absence of smell. Aside from diesel exhaust, there was no smell. There always seems to have been in the West a need to eradicate smell,” she says.

Being preternaturally aware of scent helped Joshi weave a tale that effortlessly speaks the language of perfumers. Despite knowing nothing about the fragrance industry before she started writing this book, she has a theory as to why she—and by extension, Radha—so easily latched on to this language of the scent world. “One of the things that I thought was important about Radha is that she would naturally be a fragrance enthusiast because of all those years in India.” Just physically existing in India is akin to be automatically planted on an olfactory roller coaster that takes you on an encyclopedic journey through every smell in existence, ranging from the sublime to the fetid and everything in between. “She would have known exactly how to discern different scents, which is the first place that you start when you want to be a perfumer,” she says.

That’s not to say Joshi relied on her natural instinct alone to inform the book. As a self-proclaimed nerd, she also embarked on a research trail that took her from New York to Istanbul, with stops in Paris, Grasse and Lisbon. She met with an enviable array of master perfumers and industry experts, plumbing them for not only technical knowledge, but also absorbing their deep reverence and devotion for their craft.

Yves de Chiris, the celebrated seventh-generation French perfumer, also recognized that Joshi has a soul that is attuned to the language of fragrance. He agreed to speak to Joshi for the book only after reading the two preceding works from the trilogy Perfumist is a part of. They met in Lisbon and spent hours talking about perfumery in Paris in the 1970s. “I put a lot of the little anecdotes that he told me in the book,” Joshi says. When de Chiris read her completed manuscript, he bestowed high praise. “He told me, ‘you’ve learned more in a couple of months researching this book than most people learn in five or 10 years.’ It was so rewarding to hear somebody like him say that,” she says.

Getting to perfumery stalwarts like de Chiris was a journey in itself. The Fragrance Foundation’s president Levy knew Joshi would match well with Paul Austin, the co-founder of LilaNur Parfums, a perfumery house that marries the know-how of two great fragrance cultures, France and India—the exact Venn diagram of overlapping worlds Perfumist was based in. Through Austin came an introduction to de Chiris, and after many conversations with friends of friends, Joshi wrote her layered description of the fragrance industry.

The Perfumist of Paris is as much a love letter to the fragrance world, as it is a call to action. Joshi gently tackles the problem that perfumery has long been accused of: a lack of diversity, of both ethnicity and gender, especially in the milieu of 1970s France where the book is set. “In my research I only found references to French or French-based master perfumers. And very few women rose through the ranks.” After speaking to well-placed sources, Joshi got the impression that women reached a glass ceiling they couldn’t break through, rarely making the title of master perfumer, which is a designation bestowed upon the discretion of the company they work for. “I kind of got the feeling that the women were just thought of as more assistants to the men than anything else.” Her protagonist reckons with those obstacles while also navigating other universal themes dealing with motherhood and female friendships.

Another issue Joshi wanted the book to address was the invisibility of India despite its status as an invaluable contributor and collaborator on the global perfumery stage. “I learned that many of perfumery’s basic and precious ingredients come from India. And I couldn’t understand why India didn’t get recognition for this. Why don’t they ever say, ‘We could never have done this without the tuberose and jasmine, cardamom and cloves, that are grown in India.” More than a deliberate omission, she thinks it was the idea that was cemented over time and still endures, that the French were experts in perfumery over everyone else.

Joshi attempts to solve this problem by familiarizing her readers with how interwoven scent is in the daily life and mundane tasks of regular Indians, and that a whole world of perfume exists outside of bottled scents. The book introduces many facets of the fragrance culture of the East that are little known outside of it, like oud-scented bakhoor smoke that’s used to perfume clothes and spaces. From her childhood she pulls references of vetiver screens designed to shade indoor areas from the blazing sun; “they were sprayed with water, so when the air came through them, you would have this cooling air in the room, but you’d also get that wonderful smell,” she says.

Though her appreciation for India is deep, it’s a relatively newfound; she spent her youth trying to fit into her new homeland by adopting American food and clothing habits and rejecting anything too outwardly Indian-seeming. “I had a hard assimilation route and it made me not want to focus on India at all. But fast forward to me being in a writing program in my 50s, researching and writing about India: what these trilogies allowed me to do is to subtly work in the messaging of how much India has contributed to the world.” She says countless readers have written to her or contacted her to say she deepened their understanding of India more than anything else had.

She’s also done the same for the perfume industry: pulled back the curtain on what the world at large has very little understanding of, and somewhat demystified the alchemy of fragrance-making. “When we grow up with certain scents and use them to create perfumes, what we’re really channeling is the memories, and mining the feelings that are associated with those memories. To be conscious of scent and to design perfume is to actually share all our experiences with everybody around us,” she says. She brought millions of readers of her New York Times bestselling books into a niche, rarified universe, showing them that our memories, dreams, and entire lives are indeed woven in scent, whether we realize it or not.

The April issue of ACCORDS captures the spirit and kicks off of our annual Awards season. From the Luncheon on, TFF is now officially in countdown mode to the June ceremony extravaganza.  

This year’s luncheon had more members and media attend than ever before. The afternoon was filled with memorable moments and the room with a sold-out crowd. With finalists for 19 categories announced and five winners revealed, the energy was dynamic. Awards winners included categories from the Indies to the Innovations & from the Editorial to the Packaging,  which will be celebrated again at the June event. The much anticipated announcement of the Lifetime Achievement Perfumer, Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud, Master Perfumer of Bvlgari & Louis Vuitton, was also made.

Our special guests at the luncheon touched a chord with guests. Alka Joshi’s story was heartfelt. Weaving in her homeland and heritage, she recounted her personal journey to learn about the fragrance industry and celebrate India’s influence from the scents she called home.

We welcomed a legend of fragrance to the stage, the one-and-only Michael Edwards. Michael’s impact on our industry has been immeasurable. On a global tour, his stop at our luncheon coincided with the launch of his iconic book, American Legends. 

Celebrating the incredible industry and impact of American fragrance, TFF & The FIT Foundation co-hosted a special evening with Michael Edwards for the students of FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology). Michael took us through the storied journey of American fragrances with milestones marked by 40 iconic fragrances.

As the month ends, the start of May will bring the Consumer Choice categories to the public for voting. These Awards are one of the most anticipated as the finalists and ultimate winners have captured the hearts and minds of the consumer.

See you all soon in person or on TV or social in May as we promote Consumer Choice Voting along with influencers, retailers & brands.

President, The Fragrance Foundation

@linda_g_levy
@fragrancefoundation

Gina Boswell is a business visionary, inspirational leader, and true Woman of Action who joined Bath & Body Works as Chief Executive Officer and Director in 2022. She is also, wonderfully, a fragrance lover. For this special edition of ACCORDS, she imparts a few secrets of her success, reflects on how important scent is for experiential and emotional impact (both in life and in commerce), and shares why she brought Bath & Body Works membership back to TFF.

What is your personal connection to fragrance?

Beyond dousing my teenage self with Love’s Baby Soft fragrance mist, my personal connection to fragrance started fairly early in my career, when I first fell in love with the beauty business. Fragrance was a fascinating category to me in part because it was a much more personal one–almost like the fragrance picked the person versus the other way around. Three decades ago, I started collecting the most beautifully crafted solid perfume compacts from Estée Lauder in iconic fragrances like Beautiful and Pleasures. Some were limited edition Swarovski encrusted gold pieces that, when opened, would unleash the most incredible scent. I’ve lots of fond memories of my two daughters who might have pulled apart their Barbie dolls or drawn on them (think weird Barbie) and yet they treated these compacts like the most fragile Faberge Eggs. We moved many times as a family and the first box they’d need to secure and open would be these fragrance compacts, carefully and proudly placing them on their vanity, as if to say, we’re in our new home now.

Fragrance has been so integral to Bath & Body Works’ success. Why do you think that scent connects so much with consumers?

At Bath & Body Works, we believe in the power of fragrance – fragrance is a deeply sensorial experience that moves beyond olfactory into something much more transportive. Smell is the most evocative of all the senses, and our customers seek fragrance to transform their moods, express their identity, and connect with others. Fragrance even has the potential to unlock special memories, create new ones and
unite people over a common bond.

You have brought Bath & Body Works membership back to TFF. As TFF has expanded its scope with so many programs for the community & consumers in the last 6 years—such as Fragrance Day, media and college student outreach (Scents for Success), online education, TFF Awards, etc—what are you most excited to engage in?

We’re glad to be back and I feel like we’re reconnecting at the right time, for the industry and for our brand. As we build on the strong foundation we have today as global leaders in fragrance, staying connected and involved with The Fragrance Foundation is key. TFF is a great connector to our industry with a wealth of experts who each share unique and future-focused insights. As we continue to innovate and extend our brand reach, we see TFF as an important voice to help educate and engage consumers while elevating the industry through professional development and recognition. We’re particularly excited about the potential in TFF’s Scents for Success program. Its focus on fostering the next generation of fragrance professionals and driving diversity and inclusion is so important to the future of our industry. We look forward to seeing how our experts can take part in educating and supporting new members in our fragrance community.

What are your goals going forward regarding Bath & Body Works and fragrance?

Bath & Body Works has an excellent track record of being a fragrance-first innovator and we continue to play to our strengths. We’re uniquely positioned to deliver newness to our customers along with their familiar favorites and can do it across two dozen product forms. You’ll continue to see us celebrate our core fragrances while expanding our portfolio. I’m eager to continue working with the team to elevate our brand and expand our reach to new categories with fragrance at the center. We’re excited about the success of our expanding Men’s Shop collection. It remains one of our fastest growing product lines as more men get connected to personal care routines and incorporate scent into their daily practice. What’s equally exciting is bringing customers a full spectrum fragrance experience. We’ve played an important part in our customers’ home fragrance journey, and we’re thrilled to add to the head-to-toe routine with fragrant hair care and laundry.

What are the chief tenets of good leadership?

People need to feel empowered and comfortable making decisions, whether they are small scale decisions or larger, more creative endeavors. None of us are as smart as all of us – that’s why, regardless of where I am, I focus on being collaborative and decisive while always encouraging my team to do the same.

What advice do you give to other women who strive to become CEOs of global brands?

Don’t second guess what you bring to the table. People found it amusing that I moved from cosmetics to cars (and then back). When I made the switch, at first, I was a bit unsure of myself as someone who could not even change a flat tire, but then I realized that the company was full of people who knew about cars and that was not the perspective they needed for the future. It’s also advice that goes beyond switching industries; expanding my professional portfolio, from finance to strategy to marketing to sales, was not only rewarding but also prepared me to lead a multi-billion-dollar company.

I’m thrilled to be back in the beauty industry but would encourage anyone – regardless of career stage – to get comfortable with taking risks, especially when you want to rise. We all must be willing to go there and embrace change, especially with how much change we’re seeing in our business and in society.

To what do you attribute your own success?

While it is tough to sum it up in one word, I can tell you what’s shaped my career: I like going where the heat is- stretching myself to learn and grow along the way. I was also blessed to have an incredible network of mentors/former bosses and supporters— legends like Leonard Lauder, Jeanette Wagner, and Paul Polman to name a few. Each of them took a chance on me and showed me how to navigate the business and accelerate my learning curve. Their extraordinary energy, passion, work ethic, and legacy are something I still think about often and I do my best to pay it forward. I think much of my success has come from building on iconic brands, shining a light on what makes them iconic, and then taking them to the next level. That’s what we’re doing at Bath & Body Works.

How does your beauty industry background enhance your role at Bath and Body Works?

The beauty business brings with it a constant drumbeat of innovation and change. In the time I’ve spent in the industry, I’ve had remarkable exposure to renowned brands which helped shape me into the leader I am today. I first caught the beauty and retail bug as a management consultant focused on driving shareholder value. I then officially joined my client and it was at that point that I really began to understand the beautiful business of beauty; that is, the overall attractiveness of the business fundamentals. Few industries have such a strong emotional connection with consumers that helps support the category’s resiliency (in good times and bad times), the opportunity for brand love, and customer loyalty, not to mention the favorable structural economics in margin and profitable growth.

My experience across four beauty businesses has exposed me to literally every channel and geography where beauty and personal care brands are sold. There are differences in the various go-to-market strategies across prestige, mass, direct, or e-commerce, and certainly cultural and regional variations, but the core of beauty, with its functional and emotive benefits, is similar, and frankly transportive.

Transportive is a word we use frequently at Bath & Body Works whether describing our wonderful fragranced products or our immersive store experiences. Having recently celebrated my one-year anniversary as CEO of Bath & Body Works, this chapter might just be the most exciting yet.

What are some ways that DEI initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF can make Bath & Body Works better both internally and for the consumer?

We know that diversity, equity, and inclusion make us stronger, and we strive to ensure everyone is included and has equitable access and opportunity. Something I’m proud to share is our commitment to developing the next generation of perfumers through the American Chemical Society Scholars Program. This program awards renewable scholarships to undergraduate students from historically underrepresented groups majoring in fields like chemistry and perfumery.

We’re in year two of our three-year partnership and so far, we’ve donated $200,000 to this important program. As a retailer who excels in storytelling, we’re also proud to showcase the diversity of our perfumers on our in-store material and on the product package itself. Leveraging our own channels to elevate and celebrate underrepresented perfumers is critical and sets an example for the next generation. We will continue to invest in DEI not only because it’s the right thing to do for each other, but because it’s the right thing to do for our business, our associates, and our communities.

Driving Consumers to Discover Fragrance

Reaching a crescendo on March 21st, Fragrance Day™ 2024 made its mark on the calendar and in stores all across the USA. It was a festive day for fragrance lovers from perfumers to consumers where everyone who shared a passion for fragrance could come together and celebrate, and for those who are new to fragrance who want to experiment and explore.

Scent filled celebrations were everywhere from digital banners to department stores. It was a standout month with the most in-store events and fragrance launches to date amplified by social media activations and campaigns. The enthusiasm and energy was palpable as promotions, giveaways, and sampling created excitement everywhere. With a special day dedicated to all things fragrance, it gave consumers a reason to go back into stores and collectively experience the joy of scent up close and personal.

Punctuating the excitement at stores were the perfumer meet and greets. Consumers were invited to discover the artistry of our perfumers who share their creativity with us through their scent creations. Not only could they explore their own self expression, but they could hear the inspiration behind new brands and iconic scents.

National retailers including Bath & Body Works, Bloomingdale’s, JCPenney, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sephora, Thirteen Lune, Ulta and Victoria’s Secret ramped up their digital and social sites with dedicated campaigns to drive awareness of the day with special promotions.

Coast to coast celebrations took place from Byredo’s Ben Gorham whose book signing was a must attend event at Bloomingdale’s in Miami to Mind Game’s Christelle Laprade at Neiman’s in Newport Beach, CA. Brands big and small hosted unique in-store events that tied into their cultural heritage from Elorea’s Afternoon Tea with Linda Song or to their pop culture status with Victoria’s Secret and perfumers Adriana Medina of Bombshell and Caroline Sabas of Bombshell Escape fame at the Fifth Avenue global flagship. The House of Bō launched at Bloomingdale’s with 59th Street hosting perfumer Carlos Benaïm.

Making the celebration even more special was the series of new scents launched the week of Fragrance Day from Bath & Body Works Gingham Gorgeous, Brown Girl Jane’s Carnivale, Carolina Herrera’s Good Girl Blush Elixir, D.S. & Durga’s Black Magenta, Maison Nomad Noé’s first collection Eaux de Parfum, Narciso Rodriguez’s Musc Nude for Her EDP, Nette’s Pear Jam, Philosophy’s Radiant Grace, Prada’s Infusion de Gingembre and The House of Bō’s Oro Verde, Bombón, and Casa Blanca.

Consumers were not the only ones joining the festivities. Celebrities and designers who launched their own signature scents were celebrating their brands and being an important part of the fragrance industry from Vera Wang to Paris Hilton and Billie Eilish too. Influencers saluted the day with their favorite fragrances from candles to perfumes.

It was a whirlwind of media for Fragrance Day 2024 with TV in cities from Atlanta and Baltimore to Las Vegas, Tampa, and Washington, DC, livestreams on IG and live shopping on the web. Macy’s Live shopping show featured TFF ‘s Linda G. Levy discussing new spring fragrances from the world-renowned 34th Street flagship. Going up to 57th Street, Nordstrom’s IG shopped with Linda for the scents of the season and fragrance tips spotlighting an array of brands. LoveShackFancy’s ethereal NYC showroom became the backdrop for an intimate chat with founder Rebecca Hessel Cohen delving into her fragrance and fashion inspirations.

It was also a day where we got to celebrate the diversity in our industry from the brands, the founders, perfumers, and ambassadors that reflect the dynamic diversity of the fragrance population. In the spirit of #FragranceForwardTFF and Women’s History Month, there were more fragrances created by female perfumers than ever before, and more female founded fragrance brands in the marketplace for consumers to choose from.

Our unabashed passion for fragrance brought us together for the month-long celebration. It was an incredible celebration to bring the fragrance community together.

Food & Fragrance, an Immersive Dinner Experience

As a delightful and delectable countdown to Fragrance Day™, TFF hosted a special dinner event the first week of March, a first for the Foundation, that reimagined Hav & Mar, Marcus Samuelsson’s foodie hotspot, into a fragrance-forward space for one night only. Eight ingredients, ten perfumers, and an award-winning emerging female chef who shares TFF’s passion for sustainability became the centerpiece of a celebration of raw ingredients that touch our lives from the foods we eat to the scents we wear. Creating a journey of olfactory and taste exploration, scents of fresh florals, fruits and foods filled the air, as TFF reset the table with the trending notes of the season and the perfumers from our member fragrance houses.

At the heart of any fragrance or dish, is the perfumer who always finds the right notes to evoke an emotional connection and the chef who finds just the right ingredients to entice the senses. As March signals the start of Spring, the time was ripe for a collaborative endeavor that celebrated the source of their creative inspiration, the delicious ingredients found in both fragrance and food. From the fragrance house to the kitchen, TFF with Executive Chef Fariyal Abdullahi of Hav & Mar, created an immersive experience that touched and tempted the senses from taste to scent, spotlighting the star ingredients of the Spring season.

The essence of the season’s essential ingredients of Banana, Coconut, Ginger, Orange, Lemon, Mango, Strawberry, and Vanilla shared in cuisine and fragrance creations were captured for an elevated multi-sensory experience pairing food and fragrance.

The bar was transformed into an exhibition space for the fragrances that married their connection to the ingredient. From Marc Jacobs banana inspired Daisy Wild Eau de Parfum to the strawberry based Gingham Gorgeous by Bath & Body Works and Coach’s Love Eau de Parfum, the array of fruit and floral forward fragrances was extensive. Both LoveShackFancy and Givenchy, sweet on coconut, infused the ingredient into Forever in Love Eau de Parfum and Irresistible Very Floral, respectively. The essence of orange burst through in Costa Brazil’s Aroma and Carolina Herrera’s Good Girl Blush Elixir while mango emerged in Nectarine Petal Eau de Parfum by Clean Beauty Collective H2Eau Collection. Lemon zests Byredo’s Animalique Eau de Parfum. Ginger spices Tumi’s Awaken Distilled Extrait de Parfum. Vanilla notes continued on a high note into the season with Chris Collins’ Long Kiss Goodnight, Victoria’s Secret Bare Vanilla Cashmere Eau de Parfum, and Sol de Janiero’s Cheirosa 59.

The sit-down dinner for the creators, fragrance enthusiasts, and beauty editors, all who revel in the transportive and emotive connection to fragrance, came together to break bread and celebrate the season’s ingredients. The curated menu spotlighted the fundamental food ingredients that have become the foundation for many iconic fragrances and signature scents.

Tables filled with Jacques Huclier, Adriana Medina and Linda Song of Givaudan, Mathilde Bijaoui and Ugo Charron of Mane, Jérôme Epinette of Robertet, and Catherine Selig of Takasago, and Honorine Blanc, Gabriela Chelariu and Frank Voelkl of DSM-Firmenich, who enjoyed the flavorful cuisine and captivated the audience as they spoke to the power of connection between their featured fragrances and their culinary counterparts, as well as the common bond of sustainability.

The multi-course menu of global pairings included a strawberry salad, snapper wrapped in banana leaves, coconut-infused curry rice, and ginger-spiced meatballs capped by vanilla cream puffs, the perfect accompaniments to the refreshingly lighter fare of the season. As the gourmand trend shows no signs of slowing down, the blending of food and fragrance was a festive way to celebrate the artisanship of perfumery and the craft of culinary arts with an eclectic, sustainably sourced cuisine, created by Chef Abdullahi as it paid homage to her Ethiopian heritage. Complementing the cuisine was a curated wine list featuring BIPOC and women producers.

It was a moment for fragrance lovers to savor as media including Allure, Ebony, Fashionista, GQ, Glamour, Good Housekeeping, Harlem News, The Zoe Report, Town & Country, The Wall Street Journal, WWD, and many others along with fragrance enthusiasts and influencers including Fat Mascara and The Perfume Room, as well as fashion and food friends of TFF from Francisco Costa, Rebecca Moses and Melba Wilson joined the festive dining experience.

Our March issue of Accords is a great platform to welcome back Bath & Body Works to TFF & shine a spotlight on Gina Boswell. Gina & I met decades ago, so it is both heartwarming on a personal level as well as professionally exhilarating to reconnect officially in her 2nd year as she leads BBW to bring a huge business to its next level. BBW shares TFF’s objectives & values so together we will be able to reach millions in the USA population expanding #FragranceForwardTFF, highlighting perfumers, educating associates & inspiring all to discover fragrance in new ways.

Earlier in March, TFF kicked off The Fragrance Day with a new media dinner event highlighting the connection of fragrance to food & wine with focus on perfumers, sustainability, & spring ingredient trends. Thanks to our Fragrance House Sponsors: Givaudan, Takasago, MANE, Robertet and dsm-Firmenich & an extraordinary dinner by Executive Chef Fariyal Abdullahi at the Marcus Samuelsson restaurant Hav & Mar.

The Fragrance Day March 21, 2024, expanded to the entire month as TFF members focused on fragrance launches, perfumers, sustainability & major activations. After several years of experiencing fragrance often in isolation, we all got back out there where the return to shopping in stores & gatherings of the community with consumers resulted in pure joy as well as a monetization of sales on the calendar.

We at TFF extend a huge thank you to all our members & the community for the support & excitement that brought The Fragrance Day expansion to Fragrance Week & Fragrance Month across the USA! Together we can accomplish so much more than we can do alone & this proved it! Video recaps will be shared as the month concludes so be on the lookout for each week’s Noteworthy & on our website.

President, The Fragrance Foundation

@linda_g_levy
@fragrancefoundation

Earlier this month, Chris Collins, CEO & Founder of The World of Chris Collins, was elected to The Fragrance Foundation Board of Directors and announced as the Chair of the groundbreaking new Entrepreneurial Committee, which will focus on independent brands and inclusivity within the fragrance community.

Collins launched his much-lauded The World of Chris Collins brand in 2018, creating a collection of beautifully crafted, luxurious fragrances steeped in evocative storytelling. His sophisticated vision and the unerring quality of his scents struck a chord with fragrance enthusiasts, and the brand went on to become the first black-owned fragrance line in Sephora. As a passionate and engaged member of TFF, Collins has actively participated in all aspects of #FragranceForwardTFF since its conception, in leadership roles of initiatives including TFF’s first DEI webinar, the Scents of Success program reaching colleges and universities, and the NYUL Catalyst Initiative focusing on career and talent pipeline development.

The new Entrepreneurial Committee will be launched initially with TFF members including Arquiste Parfumeur, Brown Girl Jane, Harlem Candle Co., House of Bō and The New Savant, in addition to The World of Chris Collins. The committee will focus on representing fragrance brands created between 2010 through 2020 that have scaled their businesses for rapid USA sales growth, achieved wide ranging consumer engagement, and are still led by the entrepreneurial founder.

To mark this exciting occasion, Collins shares his thoughts on how being a part of TFF has impacted the growth of his brand, why #FragranceForwardTFF has been so successful, and how he plans to lean the Entrepreneurial Committee into an even more richly diverse future.

What does joining the TFF Board as Director mean to you?

This is a monumental moment in fragrance. From being a black-owned brand to join as a member of The Fragrance Foundation, to now being on the Board of Directors is a huge honor. It’s showing how far the fragrance industry has come.

What is the mission of the Entrepreneurial Committee?

Chairing the newly founded entrepreneurial committee will probably be my important responsibility at TFF. This committee has been created to reflect and support the most important category in the fragrance industry: The independent fragrance brands.

How did your involvement with TFF help you develop The World of Chris Collins?

To know that I had the support of President Linda and the rest of the team at TFF was vital for the development of my brand. The knowledge, resources, and support of TFF has been there since I launched.

Why do you believe that TFF membership is so important for brands of all sizes and diverse backgrounds?

I’ve always felt that TFF membership was very important for the development of smaller more diverse brands, because it gives us the opportunity to be seen alongside the bigger more established fragrance brands. I believe the smaller independent brands are the engine that powers the fragrance industry.

What are some of the ways that you have seen #FragranceForwardTFF make an
impact so far?

Since its inception, the goal to make the fragrance industry more diverse and equitable is working. There are more diverse brands in the fragrance industry than ever before. I’m so proud to see how far the industry has come. When I first joined, I didn’t see any other black or brown owned brands. Now when I look around, I see many. We’ve come so far.

On February 7th, TFF welcomed 14 outstanding fragrance professionals into the Notables Class of 2024, the tenth group to be inducted into this prestigious cohort of emerging leaders. At a well-attended event rife with moving speeches and celebratory toasts, the new Notables were praised for the contributions they have already made in their roles and the visions they hold for the future of the fragrance industry. These Notables will join their predecessors to share ideas and experiences in the TFF Think Tank, which is instrumental in ideating TFF programs and key initiatives. With the invaluable input and passion of these 14 individuals, who range from perfumers to scientists to marketers and beyond, the fragrance community will grow stronger, more diverse, and more inspiring for all.

What most excites you about being a Class of 2024 TFF Notable?

Being honored as a member of the Class of 2024 TFF Notables is an incredible honor and privilege! I look forward to fostering connections, exchanging ideas, and contributing to the collective enthusiasm for fragrance that defines this community.

What do you hope to be able to contribute to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF?

As a TFF Notable, I am grateful to have a platform to continue to foster an inclusive industry, while making fragrance accessible for all. I am looking forward to taking actionable steps with TFF to break barriers and drive education about fragrance careers for students of underserved communities.

What was your favorite moment of the Notables ceremony?

My favorite moment of the Notables ceremony was seeing the entire industry come together as one to celebrate the future leaders within the industry!

What most excites you about being a Class of 2024 TFF Notable?

Being recognized among emerging fragrance leaders is an honor and speaks to the meaningful contributions I’ve made so far. But this is just the beginning, as there is important work still ahead for all of us. What drives impactful change is the power of community. I am grateful for the chance to collaborate with talented professionals from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared passion. Together we can reveal the captivating magic within fragrance – how a simple spritz can be transportive.

What do you hope to be able to contribute to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF?

Growing up in a Puerto Rican household in Bushwick, Brooklyn, the fragrance industry felt unattainable. I’ve made it my mission to share my story with promising individuals interested in entering this world but unsure how. As part of TFF’s ongoing diversity initiatives, which I proudly participate in, I aim to amplify overlooked voices and inspire my community. I want to show that our industry values diversity and is taking action.

I want my story to inspire others to take risks, dream big, and unlock their potential no matter their background. I hope to collaborate with schools and organizations to spread the word that this industry values fresh perspectives and has space for all who dare to dream.

What was your favorite moment of the Notables ceremony?

My favorite part of the evening was hearing the nominators’ speeches about each Notable. Listening to these personal stories moved me, and helped me better understand my accomplished peers. Hearing how they broke into the industry and continue to spark positive change was so inspirational. Their passion, motivation and drive shone through. Getting a glimpse into their journeys reminded me that we all face challenges, but can achieve great things through perseverance. That universal message will stay with me well beyond this special night.

What most excites you about being a Class of 2024 TFF Notable?

I’m thrilled to be included in this exceptional group of emerging leaders and fragrance industry talents, get the opportunity to participate in Think Tanks, gain insights from my fellow Notables and share my own. It’s an amazing honor and opportunity to network with great minds from a variety of functions within beauty.

What do you hope to be able to contribute to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF?

I’m looking forward to partnering together to continue improving this incredible industry, specifically in making it more sustainable and approachable to all. There is so much opportunity within this industry to give a platform to people of all shapes, sizes and identities, scent is a universal mood lifter and can be a unifying force. As a large, growing industry I feel we have a responsibility both to the world and its inhabitants, and I’m hoping we can leverage upcoming Think Tanks to incorporate these values in our everyday work.

What was your favorite moment of the Notables ceremony?

I was fortunate enough to bring my team and my husband to the event, and getting to share this honor with them was a great privilege.

What most excites you about being a Class of 2024 TFF Notable?

To be nominated among such talented individuals is both humbling and motivating. I am truly excited to be able to connect with people across the industry. A truly inspirational group this year!

What do you hope to be able to contribute to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF?

TFF’s initiative inspires me to continue pushing boundaries (something YSL Beauté is known for as well), exploring new ideas, and striving for excellence in everything I do. In particular, I am committed to leveraging this recognition as a catalyst for even greater contributions to champion DEI both internally and externally. I plan to continue exploring new avenues for this effort to materialize, and strive to inspire those around me to do the same.

What was your favorite moment of the Notables ceremony?

The Notables ceremony was filled with excitement and recognition of incredible achievements so it’s hard to pick a favorite moment. If I had to pick a favorite moment, it was the celebration by all the loved ones. It was amazing to see the support which to me was a testament to the shared success everyone in the room was feeling.

What most excites you about being a Class of 2024 TFF Notable?

I am incredibly grateful to be part of the 2024 TFF Notables class, and to have the opportunity to play a role in shaping the future of the fragrance industry with this prestigious group of professionals. Through dynamic discussions, recruitment initiatives, and community projects, I am confident we will collectively contribute to driving positive innovation and change within the industry.

What do you hope to be able to contribute to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF?

I hope to be a resource and example to others of how to pivot their career into beauty and fragrance specifically. I want others to know that it’s never too late to discover their passion and to find a niche within this dynamic and multi-faceted industry.

What was your favorite moment of the Notables ceremony?

I loved hearing each participant’s theme song as they were called up for their award – it was a unique way to get to know each other on a more personal and fun level. It brought a new dimension to everyone’s personality and made the evening a true celebration!

What most excites you about being a Class of 2024 TFF Notable?

It’s truly an honor! Being recognized for my passion and expertise in the fragrance industry brings immense joy and fuels my commitment to continue to share my experiences with others. I’m excited to continue to make a positive impact on others through fragrance.

What do you hope to be able to contribute to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF?

The past two years with TFF’s Scents for Success programs have been incredibly rewarding. I’m inspired to share and educate the younger generation about the fragrance industry. I look forward to continuing as a role model, fostering talent, and building a stronger industry community through leadership and relationships.

What was your favorite moment of the Notables ceremony?

Celebrating with colleagues and family was a special moment, marking my successful years in the fragrance industry. Receiving the award from my leadership made it truly unforgettable.

What most excites you about being a Class of 2024 TFF Notable?

I’ve been in Digital for a long time, and now it’s exciting to officially be a part of the fragrance industry and community as well. I have loved fragrance my whole life, and am thrilled to be building a career in something that I care about.

What do you hope to be able to contribute to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF?

I want to spread the word about careers in fragrance. It’s not something that people generally consider first and foremost. Someone who studies biology, or chemistry, or many other disciplines may find their passion as a perfumer. And in the digital space, there is a major opportunity to define how fragrance is sold online where people cannot smell what they’re purchasing.

What was your favorite moment of the Notables ceremony?

Seeing and hearing from all of the supporters of the Notables who came out for the event was very exciting. It was a lovely and wonderfully attended event.

What most excites you about being a Class of 2024 TFF Notable?

I feel so very fortunate to be inducted into TFF’s 2024 Notables class of incredible talent. It is thrilling to be awarded this honor by Symrise and The Fragrance Foundation. It makes me happy and humbled to be publicly recognized for my contributions and love for fragrance storytelling. I am also excited to contribute to The Notables Think Tank to help make a lasting impact in the world of fragrance.

What do you hope to be able to contribute to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF?

Passion is at the heart of fragrance. I am so looking forward to inspiring others by sharing our little-known industry at educational outreach events with Scents of Success. I also hope to do whatever I can to support #FragranceForwardTFF to break barriers for people of all backgrounds in fragrance.

What was your favorite moment of the Notables ceremony?

It is difficult to choose just one favorite moment of the Notables ceremony. But seeing so much of my Symrise family show up for me and celebrating with them (and my husband) is at the top of the list. Getting to know The Notables Class through the photo slideshow and listening to our playlist of songs that inspire us was certainly a cherry on top!

What most excites you about being a Class of 2024 TFF Notable?

I am extremely honored and humbled to be alongside so many talented individuals. To see a new beginning of a beautiful cycle, and Nominators and Nominees come together to exchange acumen and discuss how to evolve & improve our industry in the future.

What do you hope to be able to contribute to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF?

The opportunity to contribute and promote towards a more inclusive future within the fragrance industry through leadership by example and taking initiative to enforce equality and inclusivity throughout.

What was your favorite moment of the Notables ceremony?

Celebrating each other and the fragrance industry in a thriving environment, sharing our common passion and our experiences between so many different profiles and backgrounds.

What most excites you about being a Class of 2024 TFF Notable?

I am truly excited to be part of the Notables Think Tank and I will find ways to support the LGBTQA community.

What do you hope to be able to contribute to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF?

I deeply respect TFF’s pledge to diversity, equity & inclusion; I will take pride in honoring this commitment every day in both my professional and personal life.

What was your favorite moment of the Notables ceremony?

During my nominator speech, it was a great moment. I felt proud to work in such a supportive team. The after-speech portion was nothing short of exciting as I was able to meet some other Notables and make new friends!

What most excites you about being a Class of 2024 TFF Notable?

I am honored to be a part of this incredible organization. What I am most looking forward to as a new member of the Notables cohort is getting to collaborate with and continue to learn from some of the top minds in the industry. Being exposed to new ideas and ways of thinking always sparks creative energy in me, so I can’t wait to build relationships with others who are just as inspired by fragrances as I am. I hope I can do the same for them!

What do you hope to be able to contribute to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF?

I am proud to represent both a company and a community that has a strong stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion. As an industry that fundamentally touches all pockets of global consumers, I hope to introduce young people of all backgrounds to career opportunities in the world of fragrance. I truly believe that diverse ideas coming together enhances every aspect of life and I am excited to participate in the Fragrance Foundation’s efforts to ensure people of all cultures are not only represented, but celebrated.

What was your favorite moment of the Notables ceremony?

My favorite part of the ceremony was feeling a sense of community. Connecting with familiar and new faces that all have a common passion is always inspiring and reminds me of the gratitude I feel to have landed in a career in the beauty industry.

What most excites you about being a Class of 2024 TFF Notable?

I’m lucky to be, as Linda Levy puts it, “tied to the Fragrance Foundation FOREVER.” The fact that TFF is a supporter of all players in our industry big and small has carried a lot of meaning to me personally and I am happy to give back in any way that I can.

What do you hope to be able to contribute to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF?

Thankfully TFF has committed to this journey of progress with #FragranceForwardTFF and part of that is having perfumer representation. Hearing real stories of people in the industry feeling encouraged in their career because they see representation and hope for their future is validation we are moving in the right direction. There’s so much more we can do, and I’m committed to being an ally and an advocate.

What was your favorite moment of the Notables ceremony?

Rodrigo Flores-Roux’s speech! I was grateful for all the support from my colleagues and team. Plus, it was incredibly impressive to hear all the accomplishments of each individual Notable, I’m honored to be among such an inspiring group. To know that we have such great talent in our relatively unknown and mysterious industry is exciting because the future looks bright.

What most excites you about being a Class of 2024 TFF Notable?

What excites me about being a 2024 Notable is that it gives me an opportunity to share my passion for science and perfumery with other members of the Think Tank. I look forward to having the chance to learn from this amazing network, as well as share my own ideas and insights into the world of fragrance.

What do you hope to be able to contribute to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF?

In an industry that is currently evolving, I hope that, through #FragranceForwardTFF, I will be able to raise awareness of the importance of having a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive industry. I have always wanted to leverage my passion for mentoring others to help more women with scientific backgrounds enter this field of work.

What was your favorite moment of the Notables ceremony?

My favorite moment of the Notables ceremony was being surrounded by so much talent in one room. The venue was overfilled with joy and individuals who share a collective passion for fragrance. It was truly an honor to be recognized alongside 13 other gifted professionals.

What most excites you about being a Class of 2024 TFF Notable?

The opportunity to connect with a diverse community of talented individuals who share a passion for our industry and making a positive impact. Hearing the different stories of all the honorees the night of the event and why every Notable is so deserving of the award was truly inspiring. Being part of this esteemed group inspires me to strive for excellence and incorporate different ways of looking at our industry through collaboration.

What do you hope to be able to contribute to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF?

I hope to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to TFF’s ongoing initiatives such as #FragranceForwardTFF. With a passion and a drive for positive change, I look forward to collaborating with my fellow Notables to address pressing issues in the fragrance industry. Additionally, I feel a big part of contributing to TFF’s ongoing initiatives is learning from the other Notables about their experiences, not only within the fragrance industry, but also within their everyday lives.

What was your favorite moment of the Notables ceremony?

For me, the Notables ceremony was truly an unforgettable experience and an incredibly meaningful night. My favorite part of the event was having my family and coworkers in attendance, which made the occasion even more special – knowing that I had such a strong support system cheering me on during this important event.

This issue of Accords provides an opportunity to celebrate our newly elected Board Director Chris Collins who was also named Chair of the new Entrepreneur Committee. Creating this committee with its Chair on the board is a natural next step in the evolution of #FragranceForwardTFF & will add a significant voice & role of entrepreneurial brands in our community.

Chris was unanimously endorsed by the board for these roles & TFF’s full membership voted to add him officially to the board. This endorsement of Chris in these roles is based on the significant World of Chris Collins brand he created plus his major contributions & actions for #FragranceForwardTFF. He is a true leader who teaches us that aspiring young professionals need to see someone who looks like them & not just recognize but to celebrate diversity.

Accords features the 14 2024 Notables, providing each of them the opportunity to express what this recognition means to them & how they will pay it forward at TFF & beyond. The new Notables event received rave reviews based on these up & coming professionals celebrating with the entire community & setting their sights on initiatives individually as well as a group too.

While world events continue to challenge all of us, let us always be a united community & celebrate our creativity & achievements within & even more significantly with consumers.

We look forward to celebrating The Fragrance Day on March 21 with all as we drive consumers into stores to discover the artistry & passion of fragrance.

President, The Fragrance Foundation

@linda_g_levy
@fragrancefoundation