The New Year is the time to reenergize and shine a light on everything that is new in our community. At TFF, we are thrilled to welcome a fabulous line-up to our membership, touching nearly every facet of fragrance and every corner of the USA. 

From Laguna Hills, California, the inspiration for Laguna Candles, and Atlanta, home of Elysian Parfums to the Northeast with Vermont’s Free Yourself and Massachusetts’ Yankee Candle Co., the cross country celebration of fragrance in all its forms is inspiring and the perfect way to kick off the 250th anniversary of the USA this year. 

The diversity of new members from regional retailers such as Belk to manufacturers such as Cohere Beauty and Belle Aire in the Midwest, makes our community and industry more dynamic than ever. The American fragrance market is poised to continue its legacy of innovation as a new crop of fragrance brand founders push the boundaries with homegrown inspiration. 

Cities have become fragrance hubs with scent stores and studios from Atlanta’s House of Iyrah to Sarasota’s Bia Candle Co. Here in the tri-state area, Newark is home to Reisfield’s lab and Long Island City is the hotspot for multicultural fragrance development with House of Dastan. 

The American fragrance community is a rich tapestry with creative and entrepreneurial spirit. 

I am energized and excited by the newness and the expansive growth of fragrance enthusiasts in so many parts of the country. This is the continued vitality of the American fragrance business and the new face of the American fragrance industry and ever-growing community.

No New Year’s edition would be complete without a few resolutions. 

Get inspired from perfumers who grew up from all parts of the world and now are in the USA  from Miami to New York! My New Year’s resolution is to be intentional, live in the moment, and take TFF across the USA more than ever before!

A very warm welcome to the new members who have joined TFF’s community for 2026. Our fragrance community is growing stronger with each new perspective and brand story from over 20 new members. From the West Coast to the Northeast, and the South to the Midwest, and right here in the heart of NYC, the American fragrance landscape is filled with new perspectives. 

What does it mean for you/your brand to join TFF?

Amouage has always been about the fragrance community, it is a natural fit to be part of the association that brings the professional community together and inspires the world to discover the passion of fragrance. We are excited to join a community dedicated to artistry, innovation and nurturing the connection fragrance creates.

Tell us more about your brand, how it embraces TFF’s mission of inspiring the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance, and our pillars such as Representation & Inclusion. 

Amouage is a High Perfumery House renowned for creating some of the most finely crafted perfumes in the world. Our clientele seeks something compellingly precious, extraordinary, and personal, every day. Amouage is about pushing the boundaries of innovation and creative integrity. We believe in creating meaningful platforms to test, learn and innovate all while embracing radical transparency with our community throughout the entire process. The House looks forward to building on the legacy of its past and forming a bridge of continuity to what is to come, without ever forgetting the brand’s roots in its home of Oman.

Tell us what’s new for your brand in 2026, what are you looking forward to this New Year. 

In 2026, we continue our pursuit to push the boundaries of perfumery, with a commitment to the highest quality standards. We are excited to introduce the Second Trilogy of The Essences – a collection that represents true innovation in the field of perfumery, where each creation undergoes a meticulous six-month double infusion process. We will bring further innovations within our Exceptional Extraits – representing a sublime union of extreme concentration and extended aging.

What does it mean for you/your brand to join TFF?

Joining The Fragrance Foundation is a meaningful milestone for Belle Aire Creations and a reflection of our long-standing commitment to fragrance artistry, innovation, and collaboration. Founded in 1982, our company has grown organically under the leadership of Stacey David (CEO), while remaining deeply rooted in craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit. TFF represents a powerful collective that shapes trends, education, and awareness around the emotional and cultural impact of fragrance. We are proud to stand alongside industry partners who share our belief in fragrance as a connector of memory, luxury, and human experience.

Tell us more about your brand, how it embraces TFF’s mission of inspiring the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance, and pillars such as Representation & Inclusion.

Belle Aire Creations is a fragrance-first innovation partner creating fragrances, proprietary technologies, and solutions across home, personal care, fine fragrance, and lifestyle categories. Our work is heavily influenced by fine fragrance traditions and ingredients, and a constantly evolving palette of global raw materials. Representation and inclusion are core to how we operate, reflected in our diverse leadership, creative teams, and point of view. We also established a Midwest-based Perfumer Apprentice Program to create meaningful pathways into perfumery beyond traditional hubs, supporting apprentices and junior apprentices.

Tell us what’s new for your brand in 2026, what are you looking forward to this New Year.

In 2026, Belle Aire Creations is focused on growing all sectors of our business while continuing to advance fragrance technology, malodor solutions, and multi-sensorial formats. A key addition to our portfolio is BAC Studio, a disruptive extension of Belle Aire Creations that brings fragrance and design capabilities together, allowing us to develop fine fragrance profiles from concept through creation. Through BAC Studio, fragrance becomes the foundation of holistic design, influencing visual identity, packaging, finishes, and overall brand expression. This approach enables us to create trend-forward fragrances with enduring appeal, building legacy, relevance, and presence for the future.

What does it mean for you/your brand to join TFF?

Joining the Fragrance Foundation signals Belk’s continued investment in growing and elevating our prestige fragrance business while also getting the word out that this category is a key priority for us. In our trading areas, we are the dominant player and the go to destination for fragrance, with customer search behavior and request data consistently showing that customers choose Belk when it is time to buy their signature scents. We are also expanding into new doors with proven in demand brands like Jo Malone, NEST, Tom Ford, and more, bringing even greater credibility and choice to our fragrance assortment.

Tell us more about your brand, how it embraces TFF’s mission of inspiring the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance, and pillars such as Representation & Inclusion.

As a privately owned department store with locations across 16 southern states and a rapidly growing online presence, our brand proudly embraces the mission of The Fragrance Foundation to inspire the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance. Our goal is to ensure that everyone feels valued, respected, and a true sense of belonging, reflecting the diverse communities we serve and the customers who choose us every day.

Tell us what’s new for your brand in 2026, what are you looking forward to this New Year.

Looking ahead to 2026, we are energized by major newness from Carolina Herrera, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, Versace, alongside continued momentum from our prestige partners. We are also reacting quickly to proven demand, like Marc Jacobs Murakami limited editions, which sold out in four weeks this past December. As we move into the New Year, we are equally excited to expand our assortment of classic, evergreen fragrances that customers return to again and again.

What does it mean for you/your brand to join TFF?

I feel privileged to be accepted as part of this organization at the forefront of fragrance and innovation. I’ve been following TFF for years and it’s evident its members are incredibly passionate about the industry, the craft, the intricacies, the history, the science, and so much more that encompasses fragrance. I look forward to a higher education on fragrance as a craft and as a business. My passion for fragrance is currently applied exclusively to my candle business. I hope to find support and guidance from experienced industry members to grow my business through distribution and different applications.

Tell us more about your brand, how it embraces TFF’s mission of inspiring the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance, and our pillars such as Representation & Inclusion.

Bia Candle Co. was initially created while I was living in São Paulo, Brazil and could not find quality scented candles to burn in my home. I noticed my friends loved my American candles and found a hidden demand. I joined that with my passion for fine perfume and created perfume-inspired scents – “scent your home as you do your body”. Our fragrances are selected for their sophistication and refinement along with safety considerations and performance – just like luxury perfume. I’ve noticed talking about candles and their scent notes has turned many people into discerning candle buyers.

Bia Candle Co. is 100% woman-owned and minority-owned, operated and funded. Born in the USA, I’ve lived here and in Brazil for parts of my childhood and adulthood. My international experience allows me to see people for who they are. 

Tell us what’s new for your brand in 2026, what are you looking forward to this New Year.

For 2026 we are striving to grow our distribution channels and add more functional fragrance candles to our line. We also want to add accessories that customers will appreciate. Bia Candle Co. has established a positive reputation amongst a loyal community of candle buyers for sustainably manufacturing, small batch, very high-quality scented and safe candles. We hope the reputation we have tightly knit continues to grow through word-of-mouth and converts to an increase in revenues in 2026 and beyond. As a newbie entrepreneur in fragrance and a new member of TFF, I look forward to gaining knowledge and know-how of the amazing craft and industry of fragrance.

What does it mean for you/your brand to join TFF?

Joining The Fragrance Foundation is both an honor and an energizing milestone for Cohere Beauty. Since our inception, we’ve operated behind the scenes as a trusted partner to fragrance brands of every size, from emerging indie brands to global names. Becoming a member of TFF connects us more deeply to the industry and community we serve.

TFF’s commitment to elevating the artistry of fragrance resonates deeply with us – as a chemist, I am amazed by the complexity and history of the market. As a manufacturer, our craft is often unseen, yet it is foundational: we blend, assemble, protect, and perfect the finished product that ultimately reaches the consumer. Membership gives us the opportunity to contribute our unique expertise, participate in critical industry dialogues, and help champion the future of fragrance alongside the leaders who are shaping it.

Tell us more about your brand, how it embraces TFF’s mission of inspiring the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance, and our pillars such as Representation & Inclusion.

Cohere Beauty operates at the intersection of chemistry, engineering, craftsmanship, and creativity in order to bring a brand’s vision to life. At our purpose-built fragrance facility, our teams specialize in regulated blending, high-speed filling, meticulous assembly and what we call true double white-glove service – the level of care required for ornate bottles, custom decorations and the intricate details that make fragrance packaging so special.

We embrace TFF’s mission through the precision of our work. Every product we play a role in creating is an act of honoring the artistry of fragrance and ensuring it arrives to consumers exactly as the brand imagined. Our facility teams, many with 15–25 years of fragrance experience, approach each project with a craft mindset, even when running at the speed and scale required for major launches.

Representation and inclusion are built into how we operate. We are proudly a female-led organization, and women hold leadership roles across our company, from the C-Suite to R&D to business development. Many of our customers are women-led or minority-led brands, and we take seriously our responsibility to help them enter the market with confidence.

Ultimately, our role is to ensure that every fragrance we play a role in creating receives the same level of care, safety, stability, and presentation-ready quality that allows it to inspire the world.

Tell us what’s new for your brand in 2026, what you are looking forward to in the New Year.

2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in Cohere Beauty’s history. Demand for fragrance remains incredibly strong, and we are expanding our capabilities to meet the needs of a market that’s evolving faster than ever. We’re looking forward to:

Elevated Blending & Speed Capabilities: We continue to invest in our regulated blending operations, which is one of our strongest differentiators and a capability many manufacturers cannot offer due to the complexity of handling alcohol and flammable materials. 

Support for Next-Generation Formats: We expect continued momentum in body mists, functional fragrances, and hair perfumes – the formats fueling growth among Gen Z and Gen Alpha. We’re excited to help brands experiment with layering, wellness-driven scent profiles, and hybrid formulas that merge beauty and self-care.

Precision at Scale: As we prepare for a new wave of launches, we’re optimizing our 18 highly flexible filling and assembly lines, which already allow us to produce up to 200,000 units per day, to offer even more speed without sacrificing the meticulous quality that defines our work. Our cello-wrapping operations, among the best in the U.S., will also see expanded capacity to support elevated secondary packaging.

Regulatory Readiness & Guidance: With major global regulatory deadlines nearing, we are preparing to guide brands through a more complex compliance landscape. 

Deepening Our Industry Presence: We look forward to engaging more deeply with TFF and the broader fragrance community—industry roundtables, or through new collaborations and education. Our teams thrive when they get to work closely with creators and founders, and TFF will help us amplify those connections.

What does it mean for you and your brand to join The Fragrance Foundation?

Joining The Fragrance Foundation is a meaningful milestone for Elysian Parfum. Our work is rooted in artistry, emotion, and storytelling. Being part of TFF places Elysian within a community that values fragrance as an art form and recognizes the importance of craft, education, and creative integrity. It reinforces our belief that story driven, small batch perfumery has a vital place within the broader fragrance landscape.

Tell us more about your brand and how it embraces TFF’s mission

Elysian Parfum is an award winning fragrance brand founded and led by a woman perfumer. The brand is built on memory, longing, and emotional storytelling, with each fragrance handcrafted in small batches and designed to feel immersive and intentional.

Operating outside traditional industry pipelines has shaped how I approach perfumery. I focus on craftsmanship, creative freedom, and making fine fragrance approachable rather than intimidating. Through both Elysian Parfum and our experiential retail space, The Scented Cottage, I encourage people to explore fragrance as an art form through discovery, education, and direct engagement with the creative process. This aligns naturally with TFF’s mission to inspire the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance.

What is new for your brand in 2026, and what are you looking forward to this year?

2026 marks the launch of The Tea Party Collection Volume II, a collection designed to showcase the range and versatility of my work as a perfumer. The collection stretches across styles and structures, allowing me to push creative boundaries while remaining thoughtful and wearable.

We recently opened pre orders for Velvet Plum Tea, the first release from Volume II, and it sold out in just five hours. The response affirmed the strength of our community and the appetite for imaginative, story driven fragrance.

Looking ahead, I am excited to continue expanding our collections, growing our educational offerings, and strengthening our presence through new retail partnerships and international opportunities. This year represents creative momentum, refinement, and a continued commitment to honoring fragrance as an art form.

What does it mean for Free Yourself to join TFF?

Joining The Fragrance Foundation is an incredibly meaningful milestone for Free Yourself. TFF represents the highest standard of artistry, integrity, and cultural impact in fragrance, and we’re honored to be part of a community that celebrates scent, not just as product, but as creative expression. For us, membership signals a shared commitment to elevating fragrance as both art and human experience.

Tell us more about your brand, how it embraces TFF’s mission of inspiring the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance, and our pillars such as Representation & Inclusion.

Free Yourself reimagines fragrance as ritual – clean, mindful, and emotionally resonant scent created for everyday life. Drawing from perfumery craftsmanship and Positive Psychology, we design fragrances that invite presence, connection, and self-expression. Our commitment to representation and inclusion is rooted in accessibility and emotional universality: unisex, story-driven scents meant to resonate across identities, generations, and cultures – because fragrance, at its best, belongs to everyone. At its heart, Free Yourself exists to create space – for individual reflection and collective flourishing.

Tell us what’s new for your brand in 2026 and what you’re looking forward to this New Year.

In 2026, we’re deepening our focus on fragrance as a tool for well-being and ritual, grounded in the Mindful Collection – SAVOR, AWE, and VIBE – which explores emotional states closely linked to flourishing. Among them, SAVOR feels especially resonant right now, reflecting a growing cultural need to slow down, stay present, and fully experience what’s good as it’s happening. Alongside this, we’re expanding the storytelling around our Elements Collection, connecting scent more intentionally to creativity, meaning, and everyday presence. This year is about growth with intention: strengthening community, refining craft, and continuing to make fragrance feel personal, relevant, and alive.

What does it mean for your brand to rejoin TFF?

It is such a joy to rejoin TFF. On behalf of our Owner/Founder, Lola Tillyaeva, myself and our team, rejoining this year is so meaningful, as we are celebrating our 10^th Anniversary for The Harmonist, this year and 10 years of harmony through scent. Being part of TFF completes our circle of success and the opportunity to be part of a community which inspires the world to discover the artistry, passion and the beauty of the world of perfume. 

Tell us more about your brand, how it embraces TFF’s mission of inspiring the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance, and our pillars such as Representation & Inclusion

The Harmonist began as an idea to bring balance through scent. A US based company with French niche fragrances which aims to bring balance and well-being to the wearer through the power of scent. Our perfumes are made of the finest ingredients “Orpur” status and the raw materials in our products are ethically sourced, respecting both the customer and nature. Our perfumer Guillaume Flavigny, always says he loves working with Lola Tillyaeva, owner and creative director, as he is given no restraints, no timeline and no budget to create. Therefore he has the freedom to create with Lola’s direction on the energy she would like to evoke. The result is truly exciting and it is what has captured our clients both here in the US and globally. Lola has invested a great deal of time, love, and creativity into this brand and coupled with a sales team that is truly passionate about the brand story. Yin/Yang energy, the Feng Shui story and the fact this is serious perfume. It’s well-made and perfectly designed structure. We talk to the energy but more importantly it’s about the complex well-balanced Parfum.

“We believe that scent has the power to turn an individual’s attention inward, and to encourage them to trust their senses and to be guided by instinct and intuition. Balance is our product’s most important expression. Our scents must be balanced in themselves, both in their creation and their presentation. They must also balance the wearer, so they can begin to discover themselves.”

Tell us what’s new for your brand in 2026, what are you looking forward to this New Year.

This New Year we will focus on our newest launch collection- Nebula – where the stars and the senses are born. This is a collection of two limited distribution fragrances, Oud Nebula which launched in Spring of 2025 and Floare Nebulae which launched in Fall of 2025 and now in all stores for 2026. Both fragrances are complex and range from sweet and resinous to woody and balsamic. They were created to be worn alone or layered to allow the wearer to create a 3^rd fragrance experience.  

And to celebrate The Harmonist 10^th anniversary, we will look back to the roots in which the brand story is based and focus on the Lunar New Year 2026 The Year of the Horse, specifically the Fire Horse, symbolizing energy, freedom, strength, and rapid change. We will relaunch the Hypnotizing Fire EDP which will add to the collection we call Fire and the top selling parfum extrait Hypnotizing Fire Parfum. This fragrance evokes passion, intuition and love …a warm feeling from candle light, a complex but warm hug to the wearer of vanilla and ambers.

The entire team at The Harmonist wishes you all a Lunar New Year filled with happiness, success and harmony.

What does it mean for the House of Dastan to join TFF? 

For the House of Dastan Fragrances, joining The Fragrance Foundation signifies an important moment of recognition, an affirmation of our commitment to craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and the art of scent creation. It validates our mission as a fast-growing fragrance house with a unique narrative, one that seamlessly weaves together the perfume heritage of the United States, France, and Iran. Becoming part of this prestigious community would allow Dastan to learn, grow, and collaborate with industry leaders and passionate fragrance innovators. It offers us the opportunity to continually elevate our artistry, refine our vision, and create perfumes that honor the depth and beauty of the three cultures that inspire us. Most of all, joining The Fragrance Foundation would empower the House of Dastan to share its story on a broader stage, inviting people to experience and fall in love with scents that embody cultural fusion, authenticity, and emotional connection.

Tell us more about your brand, how it embraces TFF’s mission of inspiring the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance, and our pillars such as Representation & Inclusion.

The House of Dastan Fragrances embodies The Fragrance Foundation’s mission by transforming perfumery into a true art of storytelling. Inspired by the elegance of Persian heritage and refined through Parisian craftsmanship, each Dastan fragrance is created as a “dastan”—a story—expressed through intricate compositions that evoke emotion, memory, and cultural depth. Our designs pay homage to the symmetry and artistry of Persian palaces, while our scents unfold like chapters of timeless narratives. Founded by a female founder and her sibling, united by their shared cultural roots and decades of experience in the fragrance industry, Dastan champions representation by bringing the beauty, sophistication, and mythology of Middle Eastern artistry into the global fragrance landscape. With a creative process shaped by community input and a commitment to inclusivity, we strive to make the world of fragrance more diverse, more expressive, and more connected—inviting all to discover the passion, craftsmanship, and cultural richness that define the House of Dastan.

Tell us what’s new for your brand in 2026, what are you looking forward to this New Year. 

In 2026, the House of Dastan entered a dynamic new era of innovation, expansion, and artistic evolution. We are introducing new fragrance narratives inspired by the deeper symbolism of Persian mythology and the striking geometry of its architectural heritage, creations that continue our mission of transforming cultural stories into modern, unforgettable olfactive experiences. This year also marks a significant step in expanding our global presence through strategic partnerships and new market entries, allowing us to bring Dastan’s artistry and authenticity to a broader international audience. We are equally excited to advance our creative collaborations with perfumers, integrate more sustainable practices across design and sourcing, and unveil refined bottle and packaging concepts that further celebrate the symmetry, craftsmanship, and cultural legacy at the heart of our brand. 

Above all, 2026 is a year centered on meaningful connection: deepening engagement with our community, sharing new “dastans,” and continuing to elevate voices and aesthetics that are often underrepresented in the fragrance world. With renewed purpose and vision, the House of Dastan looks forward to making 2026 a defining year one of growth, innovation, and evocative stories told through scent.

What does it mean for House of Iyrah to join TFF?

Joining TFF is an important milestone for House of Iyrah as a values-driven, culturally rooted brand. It allows us to align with a global community that champions innovation, sustainability, and meaningful impact. Through this membership, we hope to build a community with like-minded creatives, gain greater visibility for our story and craftsmanship, and strengthen our commitment to intentional, ethical, and culturally rich creation. Ultimately, TFF will help us grow more with purpose while expanding our reach and deepening our impact.

Tell us more about your brand, how it embraces TFF’s mission of inspiring the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance, and our pillars such as Representation & Inclusion.

House of Iyrah is a brand I created from my lifelong connection to storytelling and scent. As a child, my mother was anosmic, so I learned to describe fragrances to her through touch, emotions, and memories. Those early experiences shaped my belief that fragrance is more than smell; it’s a feeling, a story, and a moment shared.

We embrace TFF’s mission by showcasing the artistry and passion behind our fragrances through narrative. Every scent we create is inspired by my personal memories, allowing people to connect with fragrance on an emotional and sensory level whether or not they can physically smell it.

House of Iyrah exists so that everyone, regardless of sensory ability or background, can experience fragrance through storytelling. By sharing diverse, personal narratives, we hope to broaden the voices reflected in the fragrance world and create a space where more people feel seen, included, and connected.

Tell us what’s new for your brand in 2026, what are you looking forward to this New Year.

In 2026, House of Iyrah is entering a year of intentional growth and creative expansion. We are preparing to release new fragrances that continue to honor our storytelling roots and celebrate cultural artistry. Alongside these launches, we are focused on building meaningful partnerships that align with our values and help us share our vision with a wider community.

We look forward to a year filled with collaboration, innovation, and deeper connections bringing new stories, new scents, and new opportunities to life.

What does it mean for you/your brand to join TFF?

It is an honor to be a member of TFF. It has been a goal that I have had for many years. It is also a privilege to connect with the wide range of Brands, Retailers and Fragrance Houses.  

Tell us more about your brand, how it embraces TFF’s mission of inspiring the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance, and our pillars such as Representation & Inclusion.

I started Laguna Candles in 2003 and have always found joy and peace through the world of fragrance. Candles have become my happy place. With the lighting of one, I could transport to another place or time. I knew I wanted to share this experience with the world, but in a way that felt different. At the time, I couldn’t find any candles that offered a truly clean burn and fragrance, and I knew we could do better. I was also deeply inspired by the natural beauty of the Laguna coast and wanted to encapsulate that essence in a clean, sustainable candle.

Tell us what’s new for your brand in 2026, what are you looking forward to this New Year.

We are excited to introduce our newest Collection and the story behind each fragrance which shares our 20-year journey and rituals that have brought meaning and richness to our Brand and story.

What does it mean for you/your brand to join TFF?

We are thrilled to join TFF. I have been so inspired by the way Linda is leading the foundation and how she and TFF are championing indie fragrance brands like L’Amour Mere. Fragrance is a multi-layered business and TFF helps the public understand the complexity and artistry of fragrance through their leadership, education, and events as well as the high standards they uphold.

Tell us more about your brand, how it embraces TFF’s mission of inspiring the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance, and our pillars such as Representation & Inclusion. 

L’Amour Mere is a multigenerational fragrance brand founded by Natasha Gregson Wagner. L’Amour Mere is driven by the belief that scent connects us to memories, to healing, and to love-the invisible language of perfume, spoken through three generations of women, connecting nostalgia with fresh modernity. My mother Natalie Wood was ahead of her time as far as speaking up and out for equal rights and pay among women, supporting the LGBTQ community and standing for truth and justice. L’Amour Mere carries her legacy forward through our perfumes.

Tell us what’s new for your brand in 2026, what are you looking forward to this New Year. 

We just launched in July of 2025 so our plan for 2026 is to grow our brand awareness. We are collaborating with a lab grown diamond company called GRWN, where we are adding 10 diamonds equal to one carat into a limited amount of Natalie bottles. What’s better than diamonds and perfume? Diamonds In perfume.

I am also working on a fourth scent to add to the collection.

What does it mean for The Laundress to join The Fragrance Foundation?

Joining The Fragrance Foundation marks a defining moment for The Laundress as we continue to highlight our leadership spanning two decades in the evolving fragrance landscape. Fragrance has always been at the heart of our brand, transforming everyday fabric care into elevated rituals of self-expression. This partnership connects us with the most influential voices in the industry, reinforcing our commitment to craftsmanship, elevation, and education in scent. For us, this is not just an affiliation, it’s a statement that The Laundress is shaping the future of fragrance care. We’re proud to bring a unique perspective on how fragrance extends beyond the bottle and into daily life.

Tell us more about your brand and how it embraces TFF’s mission, including pillars like Representation & Inclusion.

The Laundress pioneered the premium laundry category over 20 years ago, redefining what clean smells like by introducing fine fragrance into fabric care and home cleaning. At a time when the category was dominated by conventional brands, we introduced a new standard, pairing exceptionally layered, expressive scent with advanced textile science.

Everyone has dirty laundry and deserves a clean that feels good. Our approach to craftsmanship reflects our belief that fragrance is deeply personal, expressive, and inclusive. We are intentional about the perfumers we collaborate with, focused exclusively on world-class perfumers in the fine fragrance divisions at fragrance houses (rather than home care). This is because we know scent is critical to building powerful memory structures and identities, and fine fragrance perfumers design for emotional nuance. They focus on how a fragrance opens, settles, and lingers, and most importantly how it makes someone feel over time. In addition to that, our high innovation standards require scents that are not only luxurious, but also designed specifically to withstand the harsh conditions of washing and drying to linger beautifully on fabrics. 

We share TFF’s mission to bring fragrance storytelling to life across identities and lifestyles, especially evident through our recent creator partnerships like Briel, Isabel Tan, Fragranceknowledge, Professor Perfume, and Cameron. Through our collections, we empower people to embrace fragrance as part of their daily rituals, whether caring for their favorite white T-shirt, cashmere sweater, or heirloom linens.

What’s new for The Laundress in 2026, and what are you most excited about this year?

Fragrance has evolved far beyond traditional perfume formats and is becoming a lifestyle category, and we’re excited to continue leading the premium laundry space  by being at the forefront of that transformation. We are entering 2026 feeling energized, continuing to build on the momentum of our award-winning and five-time sellout collection Beauty Sleep: a serene sandalwood and lavender scent for bedding and sleepwear, as well as  the recent launch of our Indulgent Collection: a true luxury line of ultra-fine fragrance detergents, each scent designed to linger on fabrics up to seven days and evoke three distinct moods to be worn with the same emotional intent as a signature perfume or cologne.

What does it mean for you/your brand to join TFF?

Joining The Fragrance Foundation is a meaningful milestone for Maison du Roc. TFF represents the highest standards of creativity, excellence, and integrity in perfumery, and we are grateful to be welcomed into that community. It affirms our commitment to elevating the art of fragrance and contributing thoughtfully to the industry’s future. Being part of TFF allows us to amplify our vision while learning from and connecting with leaders we admire.

Tell us more about your brand, how it embraces TFF’s mission, and our pillars such as Representation & Inclusion.

Maison du Roc is a fine fragrance house built on the belief that true luxury stems from patience, craftsmanship, and intentional creation. All of our fragrances are composed in Grasse by world-class perfumers, with an emphasis on emotional storytelling and modern refinement. As a young, female-founded brand, we deeply align with TFF’s commitment to representation and inclusion, working to broaden the perspectives and voices present in niche perfumery. Through genderless compositions and universally resonant narratives, we strive to inspire more people to experience the artistry and humanity of fragrance.

Tell us what’s new for your brand in 2026 and what you are looking forward to.

2026 will be an exciting year of growth for Maison du Roc as we expand into new global markets and introduce our next fragrance release. We are investing in deeper brand storytelling through immersive experiences and elevated in-person moments. Strengthening our retail partnerships and meeting more members of the fragrance community is a key priority. Above all, we look forward to continuing to share our world with a wider audience and contributing meaningfully to the TFF community.

What does it mean for you/your brand to join TFF?

It is a joy and a source of pride to join this beautiful institution, with which we share the same vision of olfactory art and the same values of high standards and creativity. This is an opportunity to share our olfactory imagination and see our concept of perfume shine across the Atlantic!

Tell us more about your brand, how it embraces TFF’s mission of inspiring the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance, and our pillars such as Representation & Inclusion.

Through Memo Paris, our niche perfume house created in 2007, we offer slow, olfactory journeys inspired by places that possess a special aura, a unique grace. We transform destinations into emotions, landscapes into notes. Using the magic of perfumes is our way of celebrating the beauty of the world, of remaining curious and eager to understand the importance of everything that surrounds and transcends us. In a way, we are trying to redraw a world without countries, without borders or continents, but as a sensory and olfactory world map where ingredients, fragrances and people share a common territory. We consider our unisex fragrances to be a gesture of freedom, a testimony to humanity, a form of presence in the world that engages the senses and connects us to ourselves, since they involve our skin, but also a means of connecting us to others. In this sense, we feel close to the idea of representation and inclusion.

Tell us what’s new for your brand in 2026, what are you looking forward to this New Year. 

A new destination will enchant spring and summer with a luminous, maritime spirit. The sun and its light will definitely be our greatest allies in the year ahead, reflected in everything from our packaging to our boutiques: the future evolution of our visual identity resembles a kind of small revolution, like the earth revolving around the sun!

What does it mean for Newell/Yankee Candle to join TFF?

Joining The Fragrance Foundation reinforces that fragrance is truly at the heart of Yankee Candle. It is central to how we spark emotion, tell stories, and bring joy into people’s lives.

As a fragrance first brand, we are proud to stand alongside The Fragrance Foundation in its mission to inspire and educate consumers, nurture creative talent, give back to our communities, and champion meaningful experiences that celebrate and advance the artistry of fragrance.

Tell us more about your brand, how it embraces TFF’s mission of inspiring the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance, and our pillars such as Representation & Inclusion.

Yankee Candle is a brand with more than 50 years of heritage, built on the belief that every scent tells a story and has the power to spark joy, connection, and self-expression. From its beginnings as a hand poured candle to becoming an icon of home fragrance, the brand has consistently made expertly crafted, true to life fragrances accessible, inviting consumers to discover emotion, joy, and meaning through scent. In alignment with The Fragrance Foundation’s mission, we celebrate the artistry and passion of fragrance while fostering creativity, supporting representation and inclusion across our teams and partners, and contributing to a community that uplifts talent and expands how fragrance is experienced and appreciated.

Tell us what’s new for your brand in 2026, what are you looking forward to this New Year.

In 2026, Yankee Candle is focused on building momentum through a strategy that brings together core innovation, seasonal storytelling, and premium expansion. We are excited to introduce new and refreshed fragrances across candles, reeds, and non-candle formats, alongside culturally relevant limited editions and collaborations that invite discovery and spark emotional connection. As we continue our global brand relaunch, we look forward to creating meaningful fragrance experiences that engage new consumers, elevate the category, and celebrate the power of scent in everyday life.

What does it mean for you/your brand to join TFF?

Joining The Fragrance Foundation feels like a full-circle moment—an acknowledgment of years spent building a brand from pure passion, imagination, and grit. For Reisfields, it’s stepping into a room we’ve long admired and finally being seen as part of the story shaping fragrance today.

Tell us more about your brand and how it aligns with TFF’s mission.

Reisfields was born in my home with the belief that scent can hold memory, emotion, and identity all at once. Our sculptural vessels, all made in-house, only amplifies our dedication to craftsmanship.  As a Black-owned brand, our work naturally echoes TFF’s mission by widening the lens of who gets to create, tell stories, and be represented in the world of fragrance—inviting more people to see themselves in this art form.

What’s new for your brand in 2026, and what are you looking forward to?

2026 marks a new chapter, as Reisfields celebrate our 10 year anniversary. New collections are on the horizon that feature pieces that blur the line between object and emotion. I’m looking forward to deeper storytelling, meaningful collaborations, and building spaces where people can experience scent not just as a product—but as a moment they want to return to.

What does it mean for you/your brand to join TFF?

Joining TFF feels like a real moment for SIDIA – our vision for modern scent has found its place within the larger fragrance landscape. I’ve admired this community for years, so being welcomed feels both grounding and electric. It’s an opportunity to be in conversation with the people who are truly shaping fragrance culture, and to bring our own perspective on ritual, home, and heritage into that dialogue.

Tell us more about your brand, how it embraces TFF’s mission of inspiring the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance, and our pillars such as Representation & Inclusion.

SIDIA was born from the belief that the small, daily rituals we inherit, often from the matriarchs in our lives, hold so much meaning. Our approach to fragrance is deeply sensorial and deeply human. Representation is our origin story: a brand built to honor real women, real histories, and the beauty of being seen. If we can help people feel more at home in their bodies and their lives through scent, then we’re doing the work.

Tell us what’s new for your brand in 2026, what are you looking forward to this New Year.

2026 is about expanding the SIDIA universe with new fragrance, new textures, and new ways to deepen ritual. Last year showed us how much people love and trust our fragrances. Through the expansion of the BRALESS collection, we learned what it means to create a movement, to evoke emotion in entirely different ways through each scent. Our fragrance franchises have each carved out their own moment, and we plan on leaning into that energy as we launch our newest scent. This New Year, I’m excited to push that momentum forward with intention, creating unique fragrance experiences that feel personal, grounding, and unmistakably SIDIA.

What does it mean for you and your brand to join TFF?

Joining The Fragrance Foundation means a great deal to me and to everyone behind Tomavicci. We began from a vision and a dream of mine, and have grown into a world-renowned luxury brand. Being welcomed into TFF feels like a moment of true recognition. It is both an honor and a responsibility. It makes me feel grateful, humbled, and motivated to keep pushing our craft forward. Becoming part of this community is something we genuinely value.

Tell us more about your brand, how it embraces TFF’s mission of inspiring the world to discover the artistry and passion of fragrance, and TFF’s pillars such as Representation and Inclusion.

Tomavicci was founded on a simple belief: fragrance is not just worn, it is felt. From the beginning, our mission has naturally aligned with TFF’s values to inspire, educate, and highlight the artistry behind every creation.

We work closely with master perfumers from around the world to craft scents that tell meaningful stories shaped by culture, memory, emotion, and human connection. Inclusivity is at the heart of who we are. Our fragrances are created for everyone, without borders or categories, and are meant for individuals who express themselves through the art of scent.

We are also dedicated to giving visibility to underrepresented markets, emerging talents, and diverse global perspectives. From the Levant to Milan, from Monaco to Dubai, our creative identity is built on multicultural influences and a deep respect for diversity. Within our community, the Tomavicci Familia, every voice is valued and every individual is welcomed.

Tell us what is new for your brand in 2026 and what you are looking forward to in the New Year.

The year 2026 is an exciting chapter for Tomavicci. We are expanding deeper into Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. We are also working to strengthen our production and partnerships in Italy. We have new creations coming that feel very meaningful to me and represent another level of craftsmanship and storytelling for the brand.

We are also focusing on building more personal experiences for our community, whether through events, masterclasses, or collaborations that bring people closer to the art behind each fragrance.

“2026 feels like a year of intention…professionally, it is about deepening my involvement within the fragrance community, staying connected through new chapters and gatherings, continuing to learn, and mentoring the next generation of perfumers as the industry evolves. On a personal note, my resolutions are about channeling that same energy into everyday life: being more physically active outdoors through biking, jogging, tennis, and finally learning pickleball, fostering animals, growing a garden and finding inspiration in new herbs, carving out time to unwind and reset, and staying consciously grateful throughout the journey.”

“For the New Year, I want to keep wandering through New York, letting the city reveal its best and inspire my work: from exhibitions and theatre to ballet and unexpected creative concepts. I want to continue refining my writing in perfumery, searching for ideas that feel more intuitive, innovative, and surprising. Above all, I want to slow down, savor the small moments instead of rushing past them.  And perhaps to learn something entirely new, like salsa.”

“This New Year feels especially meaningful to me, as I moved to New York 4 months ago. I hope this year is guided by love, both professionally and personally.

My first resolution is to do everything I can to help my family feel happy here: to explore and discover as much as possible (New York, the U.S., new people…), to take care of my young children, and to stay connected with the loved ones who remain in France.

Professionally, I want to stay open, to learn as much as I can from this new experience, to embrace this adventure, and, hopefully, to smell the scent of my perfumes in the streets of New York.” 

“As the New Year unfolds, I like to embrace reflection, revival, and redesign. In perfumery, each creation is a chance to surprise and delight — to challenge the norm and awaken new emotions. I look to the New Year as an opportunity to recenter into that mindset where new ideas become sparks for innovation and offer great reminders that beauty often emerges from the unexpected.”

“New Years is one of my favorite times of the year as it provides a great opportunity to pause, evaluate and think about the future. I have big ambitions for 2026, both personally and professionally. As a perfumer, I would like to challenge myself to smell a new ingredient every single day, revisiting forgotten favorites and discovering new notes available to us. This type of discovery is instrumental to our creativity. I would also like to travel more and have some exciting client trips already in the works! On a more personal note, I look forward to reading more, spending time with my family, and enjoying every bit of nature that I can.” 

“In 2026, I am excited to continue to build on the momentum I have gained this year working with a wide range of great customers. I am challenging myself to be more deliberate in my formulations, to use materials with a clear purpose, and simplify where I can. I started learning Russian in 2024 but admittedly lost some momentum this year. In 2026, I plan to set a consistent schedule and make progress in my language learning. 2026 will also be the year I finally set up a home studio so I can record demos and hopefully release some music.”

“I love to read so it’s something I really want to prioritize next year. I have a big pile of books I want to read in 2026, in French, English and Spanish. Professionally, I want to revisit some of the classics in perfumery; we forget how rich our perfume history is. Taking the time to understand how past fragrances were created serves as a big source of inspiration. Something else that has been on my “to do” list for years is to create accords of my travels. Each trip is different and creating fragrances around trips helps me remember those moments and emotions better. They also serve as great inspiration for my projects. I also want to make photo albums of my trips so I can easily look back and relive those moments.”

As December’s countdown to the biggest fragrance shopping days of the year is in the final homestretch, we remain cautiously optimistic as fragrance continues to resonate with an increasingly engaged and expanded consumer base. 2025 saw hundreds of fragrances launch from the big brands to the indies that connected emotionally with consumers across all age groups, driving shoppers in stores and online across the country. 

It has been a stellar year for TFF, starting on a high note with a record number of nominations for The Fragrance Foundation Awards and closing out with a record number of media appearances to showcase our members.

With the holiday shopping season top of mind, TFF’s annual holiday gift-giving media tour reached more TV markets than ever with perfume tips and trends on radio too. Featuring all the year’s newness plus the classics, our TV & Radio tours reached consumers in their homes and in their cars in over 130 markets. TFF also appeared in more digital magazines and newspapers from Harper’s Bazaar and People to The New York Times.

TFF continues to engage our members based on our mission and objectives, expanding initiatives and events.

Engage consumers: TFF’s first-ever pop up shop became a reality and a destination on Madison Avenue for fragrance enthusiasts as we celebrated our 8th anniversary of Fragrance Day. Bringing fragrance to the forefront for consumers to discover and appreciate the perfumer’s craft, has been our mission. We welcomed over 3,000 consumers to experience the season’s exciting scents in an art gallery setting.

Create experiences: Our signature annual awards are epic and first class. The Fragrance Foundation Awards bowed once again at Lincoln Center to a sold out crowd of over 1000 attendees as we honored the very best of our industry. With more media and influencers in attendance, our community continues to grow. Of course, our Awards season kicked off with the Finalists Luncheon in April, always a highly anticipated moment on the fragrance calendar. As a special honor during the luncheon, we presented the inaugural  TFF Leadership Award for 2025 to Dr. Joyce F. Brown for her immeasurable impact in advancing academic programs in fragrance.

Nurture talent:  Scents of Success^® continued reaching the next generation through on campus workshops, career fairs and panels with TFFadding new colleges such as Morehouse College and Fordham University to expand our educational reach. Our commitment to education has been a priority for TFF, launching our online course Fragrance Escentials^® to members this year with an incredibly enthusiastic reception. 2026 will see the rollout to non-members, media and students, as TFF continues to be a resource.

Give Back: Our partnership with God’s Love We Deliver continued through contributions of volunteer time and funds.

Enhance Membership: Core to our mission is enhancing membership and we continue to connect the community for resources and mentoring opportunities as well as expanded media opportunities. TFF proudly added a new role of Brand Ambassador at the TFF offices who will liaise with our members and be a point of contact for all things TFF to support member initiatives.

Grow & Expand our Community: As we look to 2026, we are excited with the new members of all sizes who will be joining us from all parts of the fragrance industry from fragrance houses and manufacturers to  iconic brands and a host of indies plus stores including regional department stores and fragrance boutiques, many whom you will meet in our January issue of Accords.

Throughout our past ten editions, we have covered everything from new members joining to member milestones and new ways our members are elevating the artform of perfumery.

As we look to 2026 which will mark the 250th anniversary of the USA, please enjoy this holiday edition that celebrates iconic seasonal scent notes to a celebration of color and scent that is truly uplifting, capped by a December anniversary.  

Wishing you all joy for the coming New Year.

December, perhaps more than any other month, has a distinctive olfactive imprint. The scents we associate with this time of year are especially evocative and nostalgic — whether they remind us of holiday drinks and desserts spiced with cloves and cinnamon, the warmth of a flickering fireplace, or the enlivening green balsam of fir trees. All of these smells are linked to rituals both secular and religious, personal and universal — they root us in the festive pleasures of the here and now but also connect us to the past.

Frankincense, often cited as the world’s oldest perfumery ingredient, has been treasured for its fresh, luminous scent for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations gathered the resin from Boswellia trees and burned it as incense, believing its smoke to have healing, mystical powers. Now it is used by perfumers to achieve both depth and brightness, to simultaneously lift and anchor a composition, and to imbue a fragrance with a sense of mystery.  Once as valuable as gold, it was — along with myrrh, another resin with rich historical resonance — the most famous Christmas gift ever given. Myrrh was a key ingredient in Egyptian kyphi, an incense burned in temples believed to cross into the realm of the gods, and was also valued by the Greeks and Romans. Its earthy, vibrant scent adds complexity and an amber glow to perfume. No wonder it smells so particularly apropos at this time of year.

The scent of pine and fir takes us back to winter solstice celebrations, when evergreen trees were brought indoors to symbolize the resilience of life and the promise that spring would return. Pine has long symbolized strength and endurance, and the woody, coniferous note brings invigorating freshness and an outdoorsy crispness to fragrances. The signature scent of holiday candles, it reminds us of the power and reassuring presence of the natural world.

By the 1800s, “pomanders” made from whole oranges studded with cloves, had become a part of European Christmas traditions, and the scent of citrus and spice still speaks to us of Yuletide festivities. A descendent of the metalwork pomanders of the Middle Ages, which contained aromatic substances believed to ward off illnesses, these orange balls were a symbol of good luck and prosperity, often given as gifts. There is something inherently jolly and brightening about the scent of fruit and warming spices — perhaps also because it reminds us of mulled wine, ideally sipped fireside.

Vanilla may have been the “it” perfume note of 2025, but the holiday season is when fragrances that evoke sweet treats really come into their own. Hints of cookies baking in the oven, the creamy lure of eggnog, cakes, and crème brulé — who can resist? Vanilla’s warm, comforting swirl transports virtually everyone, regardless of background or culture, to childhood — making it one of the most universally appealing and soothing aromas. Especially when blended with woods, resins, and candied citrus notes in a fragrance, sweet gourmand vanilla helps create an atmosphere of cozy safety: the olfactive equivalent of a cashmere blanket.

Fragrance is as much a part of the holiday experience as food, family, and festive fun — and it is the element that gives everything else an extra layer of memory and meaning. It brings us comfort and a sense of continuity to return to these notes year after year, even as they are reimagined and modernized by perfumers, just as we return to the traditions that we cherish.

The December issue is a fitting edition for the Brooklyn-born brand as The New Savant celebrates its fifth anniversary. Debuting in December of 2020, born out of the pandemic and inspired by a shared love for fragrance, The New Savant has built a cult following with the candle-loving community that has grown well beyond the boroughs. From their recently launched Downtime Collection to Library in a Forest, the indie brand has crossed the intersection of scent and storytelling with a spirited sense of self discovery and self awareness. Taking small batch production and thoughtfully hand poured candles and turning it into a multi-sensory, sustainable narrative, The New Savant has built a successful business on its founder-led brand ethos of family and connection.  

As a self-described brand that’s “curious, original and independent,” The New Savant has transformed the duo’s online personas into an offline narrative that resonates with a community seeking authenticity and individuality.

Brand co-founders Ingrid Nilsen and Erica Anderson reflect on their journey with Accords and talk about this major moment in the brand’s story.

What does the brand’s 5-year anniversary mean to you?

It feels like a significant milestone. We’ve taken our time to breathe our values into the brand — values like creativity, intention, connection, and the joy of being challenged and doing things differently. 

These past five years were super special because we took our time, focused on the craft, the customer and one another. We are both really proud that we’ve achieved this milestone. 

What is the ethos of The New Savant?

The New Savant stands for the self-made, creative path in life. It is about centering, and celebrating, people and ideas that have often been left out. 

The New Savant is also about family. 

As we know, fragrance is often a family business, passed down through generations. In the process, family values become imbued in the product. 

That idea resonates with us — because even though we aren’t part of the traditional fragrance world or its lineage, The New Savant is a family, just not by traditional design. We’ve come together through our individual paths of growth and ambition, found one another, and committed to this creative partnership to build something new. We want to deliver our values to our generation and inspire them to live their best, most authentic lives.

How would you describe the importance of storytelling when it comes to scent?

We both come from storytelling backgrounds — we’ve worked in nearly every medium and at every level — and now we get to work in scent. 

With the unrelenting pressure of productivity culture and overconsumption, we know scent can bring us back into the moment. But as an invisible, ephemeral product, it requires storytelling that is not just authentic, but also resonates. Narrative development and world building is core to The New Savant.

How have you woven storytelling into your scents?

It’s the starting point for everything. A story is the first building block of every fragrance we create. It doesn’t come from an obscure place — it comes from us. And the stories continue to unfold with our customers. We just completed a series of focus groups with our customers, and this came up in every single conversation. They are taking the stories in our scents and making them their own.

What are some of your favorite examples of the way people have responded to your candles?

One of our favorite examples is when people choose our scents for big life milestones, like weddings. It tells us we’ve become part of their daily lives in a meaningful way, and that our work represents a piece of who they are. As artists, the dream is always for people to resonate with your work so deeply that it becomes a part of them, too.

It is the ultimate act of creativity, generosity, and putting beauty into the world — and we’re so honored to have contributed that in our first five years.

What does it mean to be a TFF member and how has it helped in your growth journey?

“I think the community it has offered has been a wealth of inspiration and support for us. Linda is always in our corner and as a small brand, having people who believe in us is the fuel that keeps us going.”  Ingrid Nilsen

“I’m so inspired by the world of fragrance, and being a member of TFF gives me a way to get to know it more deeply. I love meeting other founders, cheering them on, and celebrating their creativity.”  Erica Anderson

Happy Anniversary TNS!

How we see white conjures up many definitions, images and debate, depending on the creative, cultural or historical lens we are looking through. From an artist’s perspective, the palette of white is achromatic – lacking hue, but not presence or character. While color is an expression of light and symbolism, it too is an expression of scent. Symbolic of purity and simplicity, that serenity of white has been instilled through the lens of a perfumer’s perspective for us to smell. 

At a pop-up in NYC, a cross-collaboration by Pura^®, Pantone^® and dsm-firmenich brought color and scent to life in celebration of Cloud Dancer, Pantone’s^® Color of the Year 2026, and transported us to a walk amidst the clouds.

There, Accords caught up with the perfumers of dsm-firmenich and the creative teams at Pura and Pantone who dreamed up the ethereal aesthetic.

Mara Dumski, Pura’s Chief Fragrance Experience Officer who presided over the event and the installation explained that “Fragrance, much like color, can transform how we feel. This reflects Pura’s unique ability to translate color, and the emotions it inspires, into scent. With Cloud Dancer, our goal was to craft a sensory expression of calm, a peaceful pause in the middle of life’s noise. It’s about fresh starts and the simple act of being present.” She achieved that and more as guests passed by an artistically sculpted large-scale model of a cloud that filled Cloud Dancer into the space. As white mists wafted throughout a stark industrial space, Pura infused a warm, calm and welcome respite from the cold, gray sidewalks of the city in early December with an immersive experience that was heaven scent.

Deepening the connection between color and scent, VP Pantone Color Institute™, Laurie Pressman noted that “PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer opens space for creativity, allowing imagination to wander and drift so that new insights and bold ideas can emerge and take shape.” According to Pressman, its airy white hue, allows users to fully immerse themselves in a serene and calming sensory experience through Pura’s creativity and scent expertise that brings Cloud Dancer to another level. The space for the event was fitting with the soaring 17-ft. high ceilings characteristic of the Flatiron district perfectly setting  the scene for creativity to take flight.

Of course, this sensorial experience where color was reimagined through scent was masterfully created by the artistic co-collaboration of dsm-firmenich’s NY based perfumers, Clement Gavarry and Erwan Raguenes. Mingling with guests at the experience and seen on video screens describing the inspiration and creative process, both perfumers mused that Cloud Dancer was inspired not only by the color but also by the motion and softness that the name suggests. They approached the fragrance as something weightless and fluid, a quiet pause in the middle of a hectic day. “Bright bergamot and luminous florals lift the opening, while airy musks and sheer woods add a smooth, modern calm. The result is a serene composition that floats gently and invites you to breathe a little easier.”

In addition to the Pura experience, dsm-firmenich has been integral in translating color into scent, building an olfactive legacy for over twenty-five years as sensory partner to Pantone’s Color of the Year. With their proprietary ingredients, the creative canvas has flourished through the craftsmanship of Paris-based perfumer Coralie Spicher, who created the hero fragrance Cloud Dancer eau de parfum and collection for this year’s edition. Inspired by rhythm, tempo, and emotion, Spicher chose white patchouli and reinterpreted it for its airy and ethereal feel, sharing that “Cloud Dancer is such an inspirational name and color with poetic facets. It is a color in motion — not fast, but slow and delicate, carried by the wind, deeply connected to nature. I wanted something white to reveal patchouli in a softer light. something that quiets the noise yet awakens the imagination.”

Our Circle of Champions event was epic and the headliner for November. Surrounded by friends and family, and supported by the fragrance community, TFF celebrated our very own Board Chair, Jerry Vittoria, as the 2025 Champion. A sold out event with those whose lives and careers were made better by working with Jerry were gathered to cheer a champion of our industry. The evening was filled with tributes, laughter, tears and joy for all the work he has done behind-the-scenes that has touched the lives of countless consumers every day. During the program, we also took time to pay tribute to our first Champion of 2000, Mr. Leonard A. Lauder, announcing plans to donate our new online course, Fragrance Escentials^Ⓡ, in Leonard’s honor. In 2026,TFF will donate the course to colleges and universities where we have strong relationships through our Scents of Success^Ⓡ program.

We are proud to announce that Fragrance Escentials has officially launched to our membership with plans to open registration to the broader fragrance community of enthusiasts, students and more in early 2026. There will be a lot more to come as we begin our rollout of this incredible educational program that has been a passion project for all of us at TFF and led by Sharné Jackson. After taking the course, beauty editor Jamie Wilson talked with Sharné about the curriculum and what she envisions for its future.

At TFF, we always love a great fragrance story and celebrating a milestone, and who better to capture that special moment than Accords editor, April Long? Set against the immersive backdrop of Guerlain’s exhibition for Shalimar’s 100th anniversary in NYC at The Waldorf Astoria, April spoke with Perfumer Delphine Jelk who was entrusted to reimagine the classic and reinterpret it for a new generation of fragrance enthusiasts.

Until our December issue …

Jerry Vittoria, President of Global Fine Fragrance at dsm-firmenich and Chairman of the Fragrance Foundation Board, is one of the industry’s most respected leaders — known for his warmth, his leadership, and his unwavering passion for perfumery. Over his 35-year tenure at dsm-firmenich, he has championed creativity, nurtured generations of talent, and helped shape the global direction of one of the world’s most influential fragrance houses. On November 3rd, TFF honored him with its prestigious Circle of Champions Award, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the industry, and as Chairman of the Board of TFF for 10 years, concluding next June. The evening brought together colleagues, collaborators, and friends whose careers and lives have been touched by his vision and dedication. It was a deeply felt tribute to a man who has spent decades elevating both the art and the people of fragrance. Prior to the event, he met with Accords to reflect on his career and achievements.

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How does it feel to receive The Circle of Champions honor?

I must admit, I was taken aback. When you’re in a fragrance house, you’re used to giving other people the plaudits. But I was very honored and humbled. I’ve been around a long time, and if you stick around long enough, people notice you’ve done some good work. I really appreciate the recognition, and I couldn’t be more delighted.

You’ve been with dsm-firmenich for 35 years. What are the biggest changes you’ve seen?

A lot has happened. When you’ve been somewhere 35 years, it’s not just one generation—it’s two. When I started, women were not at the forefront of our industry. It’s one of the biggest changes. There were very few women perfumers; now they’re a predominant force. They simply weren’t given the same opportunities, and it has changed dramatically in a relatively short time. Bringing strong women into leadership roles—on my team and beyond—has been incredibly gratifying.

Another big change is sustainability. If you’d said “sustainability” to me 35 years ago, I would have asked, “What’s that?” Today, companies like ours put it at the forefront—whether in ingredients, research, or processing—and brands are finally getting it too. Still, we know we can all do better. We strive for progress every year and set ambitious targets.

The consumer has also become central. We were focused almost entirely on the client—the brand. We just wanted to win the project and delivered whatever they asked for. Now it’s about understanding the consumer, having insights, doing something new and relevant. Launching a fragrance no one wants is expensive and damaging. So even though we’re B2B, the B2C component is critical. 

Another shift: when I started, what worked in Europe or the U.S. was all that mattered. Now everything is global. Whether you’re launching a worldwide brand or exploring dynamic regions like Dubai, Brazil, China, or Southeast Asia, there’s an explosion of creativity. These markets aren’t copying Western niche; they’re doing their own thing, often on platforms like TikTok, far ahead of what we see in the West.

What moments or high points of your career are you most proud of?

I still have things I want to accomplish, so I’m looking forward to the next high points. But the best moments are always when we win—seeing the joy on the team’s and the perfumers’ faces. The exuberance and emotion are incredible. And in a fragrance house, you must take the losses and get back up again; that resilience is remarkable.

Personally, a key milestone was being 30 years old when I was given the keys to our London perfumery division—the biggest outside Geneva. That put me on a fast track to senior roles in New Jersey and then New York. Later, after running the North American consumer products business, I took over fine fragrance in 2006. I was the first person to run both consumer brands and fine fragrance simultaneously. I was on an adrenaline high every day.

Then in 2017, I took on the global role—the job I always wanted. It wasn’t easy. I wasn’t French, wasn’t Parisian, and this is still a very Paris-centric business. I think some people wondered how long I would last. But eight years later, I think I did okay. I wanted to prove it’s not the language you speak or which schools you went to—it’s good leadership and understanding the language of perfumery. It was challenging but very rewarding.

What will you miss most?

It’s a cliché, but the people. We have fabulous talent—business people, creatives, marketers, scientists—and we all love perfume. I’ll miss the thrill of the wins. I won’t miss the losses.

I came to love Brazil—the joy and warmth of the people, their passion for fragrance, the deep respect and collaboration. That’s really special. And what’s happening in China—I regret I won’t get to see how that evolves. It’s going to grow massively. We need to stop treating these countries as adversaries; it’s not competition, it’s collaboration. The human element of fragrance is fantastic. That’s what I’ll miss.

When did you first become involved with TFF?

In 2006, when I became President of Firmenich—so almost 20 years. Early on I was impressed, but over time I felt we lost our way. There was a lack of purpose and mission; it became about the events. When we brought in Linda, we needed someone who could put fragrance back at the center and restore meaning to the Foundation. Together we developed a mission we all believe in. What she’s done—consumer traction, media visibility, Give Back—has been extremely impressive. Membership has grown significantly. Fragrance Day has become a major moment for us.

We knew we had a responsibility: supporting niche and independent brands, and encouraging diversity through #FragranceForwardTFF. These were important conversations. We know that our industry is not diverse enough. There’s a lot of work to do. But more people now enter our teams who wouldn’t have known to join this industry before, and TFF played a major role in that.

What have been some of your fondest memories as Chairman?

When I was first nominated, I was very surprised—I tend to be understated. But the board didn’t want someone waving the flag for their company; they wanted someone who spoke for the fragrance houses as a whole. I’ve always advocated for putting perfumers at the center. There was too much focus on brands; celebrating the perfumers was essential.

Watching the winners go onstage—especially the perfumer awards—was incredibly special. We turned those honors into something everyone recognizes as important, something perfumers strive for. I also helped create the Perfume Extraordinaire Award, which highlights the pure perfume—stripped of marketing—and that has been beautiful to see.

What do you foresee for TFF’s future?

Bigger and brighter. Linda is going to keep going, keep building. A few years ago—definitely pre-Covid—skincare was booming, cosmetics were driven by Instagram, and people wondered what happened to fragrance. Now fragrance is a major growth driver, and TFF has played a role in putting it back at the center. That has led to even more fragrances, more successes. The bar has been raised for everyone.

There’s also a stronger role to play with the TikTok generation—young founders who want to understand what’s behind the doors. Twenty years ago, no one knew who the perfumers were. Then perfumers became important. Now we’re peeling back more layers. I love talking about jasmine and rose, but I also want to talk about biotech ingredients and modern molecules that are sustainable, biodegradable, and create “wow” fragrances. There’s so much to learn.

There are also big issues best addressed as an association—dupes, for instance. I don’t love the word, but influencers think they’re fantastic. There’s a lack of understanding of what these fragrances are and the importance of innovation, uniqueness, differentiation. TFF can play a key role where brands might feel it seems self-serving. Sustainability is another area where we can do more together than we can do apart.

Honestly, we’re just getting started. We’ve found a purpose; the mission is clear. The awards matter, but TFF is now so much more than that. We need a strong voice—and not just in the U.S. We need deeper collaboration with international foundations and new ones in places like Dubai and Shanghai to build a cohesive global vision.

To relive some of the exciting moments from this year’s Circle of Champions, please watch here for Jerry’s heartwarming acceptance speech.

Where in the world is vetiver naturally harvested from? What are the seven categories to classify fragrance? When was perfumery modernized? These are just a few of the questions that are answered and explored in depth in The Fragrance Foundation’s newest educational course that tackles the fundamentals of fragrance, Fragrance Escentials^®. 

This two-hour online and on demand platform was designed specifically to give individuals who are new to the fragrance industry as well as fragrance enthusiasts a foundational understanding of perfumery by taking them back to the basics. This new reimagined course was definitely a team effort, from working on the lessons and modules to the course design with developers and industry experts.

“This course is important because it provides a great foundation for the nuances within the fragrance industry and helps to build a level of confidence for people entering this industry as well as fragrance enthusiasts,” says Sharné Jackson, Executive Director, at The Fragrance Foundation. “This knowledge helps to build a solid framework and enhances your skills to be able to apply what you have learned from this course in your role.”

This new course was designed based on feedback given from members on an older course called Fragrance Academy that was geared primarily toward selling associates. 

By making technological updates and incorporating member suggestions, the pieces of the curriculum began to come together creating the outline for the four segments of the course. The end goal with each lesson was to instill valuable take-aways including key terminology for the industry. Jackson worked closely with Cheryl Fried, Ambassador Specialist at TFF, on all aspects from the vibrant imagery to the interactive elements and video content. TFF then enlisted its educational committee chaired by Tricia Butler, President North America at Givenchy and Kenzo Parfums, LVMH, to endorse the core curriculum and the final product.

Participants of this course will have access to exclusive content along with interactive modules and experiences that tap into various senses. Leading experts from the field including higher education institutions and fragrance houses, and The Monell Center along with TFF’s President Linda G. Levy, share their knowledge and expertise throughout the course’s four main lessons spaced out into this 2-hour immersive curriculum. Contributions on the structure of the course and the historical context were provided by educational leaders including Virginia Bonofiglio, Assistant Professor and Associate Chair of Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and Sarah Horowitz-Thran, Owner and Chief Perfumer of Sarah Horowitz Parfums and Former Professor at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, respectively.

The four core lessons are The History of Fragrance, The Scent Journey, The Sense of Smell and The Consumer Landscape that aim to provide the essential knowledge needed to understand and appreciate the world of fragrance. 

Each of the above lessons feature multiple subsections that gradually build knowledge and professional development including a breakdown of the  history of fragrance, the science behind scent, a geographical look at where ingredients used in perfumery are naturally sourced and information fragrance as it relates to the consumer landscape. There are quizzes peppered throughout to test what was learned and engage with the information in these modules before a 25-question final exam is done at the end of the course. Upon completion, participants will earn the official TFF Fragrance Escentials Certification Digital Badge acknowledging their accomplishment that they can proudly display. It’s a badge that’s a testament of their commitment to further enhance their professional education.

However, the learning doesn’t stop once the course is completed. The Fragrance Escentials course also provides access to premium resources such as a downloadable fragrance glossary and exclusive bonus content from The Fashion Institute of Technology with a panel discussion on the Evolution of American Fragrance by renowned fragrance historian Michael Edwards, Fragrance Foundation President Linda G. Levy and Chris Collins, Founder & CEO of The World of Chris Collins.

Learning is an ongoing process, and this new educational course just proves that it’s  never a bad time to brush up on the basics. 
Fragrance Escentials, currently available to TFF members, will be available to the general public beginning in early 2026. For more information, please visit https://fragrance.org/education.

The intersection of scent, sound and storytelling is at the heart of a new creative wave of multi-sensory experiences led by perfumers, musicians and brand founders that takes immersive fragrance exploration to a heightened experiential level. Transporting us through varied senses, the complementary art forms speak a similar language of notes and accords. Our guest beauty editor and writer Jamie Wilson talks to two innovators in the fragrance community pushing the boundaries of fragrance and music via live events.

She also had a discussion with Courtney Somer of Lake & Skye about the brand’s 10th anniversary this year. For the brand to reach a decade milestone is a testament to the power of the people and products behind the brand. It is always a great moment for the entire fragrance community to rally and celebrate as it shows the strength and breadth of our industry. With its foundation in numerology, Lake & Skye was destined to celebrate this moment.

The month draws to a close with another celebration, Diwali, The Festival of Lights. At TFF, we always look forward to celebrating our membership and community, and this joyous occasion shines the light on the Indian and Indian-American perfumers and brands who share their glorious heritage with us through their creations and culture.

Enjoy this celebratory edition.

When Sound Meets Scent: An Exploration of Multisensory Fragrance Experiences 

Written by Jamie Wilson

“Sound and scent are both invisible forms of energy — you can’t see them, yet they move through you completely,” says Ugo Charron, a perfumer at MANE, when speaking about the complementary nature of the two senses. On a similarly ethereal note, musician and Fischersund brand cofounder Jónsi Birgisson muses on capturing the essence of the interconnection – “Music and Scent are invisible, though they are in the air.” Of the five senses, smell is renowned for its ability to evoke vivid, emotional memories because of its direct link to the brain’s emotional centers. Most of us have experienced this phenomenon many times over, but what happens when the olfactive sense is combined with another sense like sound? What emotional messages can be strengthened and what surface experiences can be deepened?  

Charron set out to explore these questions through the formation of Cosmic Gardens, the music duo that he is a part of. However, for the founders of the Icelandic brand Fischersund, siblings Jón Þór “Jónsi” Birgisson (of acclaimed post-rock band Sigur Rós and self-taught nose), Lilja Birgisdóttir, lngibjörg Birgisdóttir, Sigurrós Birgisdóttir, and their partners Sindri and Kjartan, the sensorial connections of sight, scent and sound are brought to life through their own unique fragrance creations and multi-sensory experiences that customers can engage with in their flagship store and through experiential events here in the USA.

At Fischersund’s downtown Reykjavik flagship in Iceland, formerly Jónsi’s music studio, the family-owned brand creates immersive experiences for their customers through music, visual arts and artisan scents with each sibling having their own sensory area of expertise. More gallery than store, Jónsi describes their approach as more artists than perfumers. When it comes to blending everything together each person’s art impacts the other. “Someone might have a sound piece that inspires the artwork and the artwork inspires the scent and the scent inspires a poem so it all becomes this beautiful chaotic creation,” says Lilja, co-founder and brand ambassador. They provide individual customers and small groups with an immersive guided journey through each scent finished off with bespoke schnapps to involve taste as well.

During a recent visit to New York, a glimpse of that immersive experience combining scent and sound was brought to life at an event held at Stele in NoLita for a unique downtown discovery experience. “Sound and scent are so connected. The abstract nature of both have this profound effect on us and combining the two helps people,” says Lilja. 

Throughout the evening Lilja took the audience through a few scent journeys featuring the brand’s collections: ÚTILYKT, No. 8, No. 23 and 4:45. As attendees experienced the scents she read poems that corresponded to each one. “We’re so used to using our eyes, analyzing everything and being critical, but one thing that we actually do when we get people into our store or when I take people on scent journeys is I always ask people to close their eyes,” she explains. “As soon as you close your eyes you go inward and people can focus on the scent and listen to the music and I read a little poem. Music and scent help us to tell a deeper story, but it also makes it easier for people to be transported.”

ÚTILYKT is distinct in the spectrum of perfumery as it was introduced in 2021 with its own musical composition written by Jónsi, taking scent and sound to a new collaborative and nostalgic frontier.

For Charron, blending sound and scent is a concept he’s been thinking about long before he became a perfumer.  He remembers as a child being drawn to the smell of the air after rain and recognizing a shift in tone around him. “I think I sensed the connection between scent and sound long before I could name it.”

That connection stayed with Charron through his teenage years and into adulthood as he latched onto the relationship between scent and sound. “Since my teens, I’ve dreamed of blending perfume and music; two worlds that speak the same language to me: emotion, vibration, sensation,” he says. “Later, when I began composing both perfumes and music, I realized they follow the same structure: notes, rhythm, harmony, tension, silence. I don’t separate the senses when I create. A deep bass can smell like oud; a metallic echo can feel like aldehydes. To me, scent and sound are two frequencies of the same vibration — one you hear, the other you inhale.”

 “On stage, that dream comes alive as the audience doesn’t just hear the music, they breathe it. When I met my bandmate Clément Mercet, the vision expanded. He brought in video mapping and cocktail pairings, turning our shows into immersive, multi-sensory journeys. That’s how Cosmic Gardens was born — a space where sound, scent, visuals, and taste collide.”

The end goal? For the Cosmic Gardens duo, it’s all about creating a moment for people to escape, let go and feel through the “invisible connections between the senses.” 

Each Cosmic Gardens show starts long before audiences can experience it live. Charron explains that it begins with studying the space through sound, light, scent and taste with the acoustics coming first. They then collaborate with VJs to “design a tailor-made video mapping that transforms the architecture into part of the performance” before diving into the world of scent. 

“The scent dimension is handled with precision: we use Bluetooth-connected scent nebulizers and fans, allowing us to diffuse fragrances at key emotional moments in the show,” he says. 

They then prepare bespoke cocktails to mirror each chapter of the journey. The drinks are designed to mirror the music, the visuals, and the scents, creating an experience where every sense is engaged, he explains. 

This connection even informs how Charron creates scents at MANE. “When I create at MANE, music is always part of the palette,” he says. “I approach my work through synesthesia — that mysterious space where senses overlap in the brain. Colors, shapes, textures, tastes, and sounds all become threads I can weave into a fragrance. I create with every sense awake, fully present, letting each note, each vibration, guide me. It’s a way to make scents that don’t just exist on the skin but resonate deeply — a bridge to the moment and to emotion itself.”

Written by: Jamie Wilson

“If these products have helped someone lift their mood, feel beautiful in their own skin or relish in the present moment then they have served their purpose”

Scent has the ability to inspire, comfort, empower and even change the trajectory of someone’s life. This concept is something that Courtney Somer, CEO and founder of Lake & Skye knows on a personal level. A health crisis in her twenties flipped the script on everything she knew, taking her on a journey from the fashion world to the wellness space, studying everything from aromatherapy, reiki, breathwork and meditation. 

This upending of her life, partnered with curiosity and a love for fragrance ultimately led to the creation of her brand Lake & Skye (named after her daughters). Launched 10 years ago this fall, Somer’s goal has always been to make people feel better through scent. “Our first fragrance, 11 11, was inspired by the symbol of hope and synchronicity,” she says. “People often make a wish when they see 11:11 on the clock. The name paired perfectly with the olfactive: minimal, ethereal, and light — what became our original skin scent.” 

While feel good fragrance isn’t a new concept, the association of scent with numerology, the belief in a symbolic relationship between numbers and events, wasn’t a mainstream idea in 2015. However, it was one that made perfect sense to Somer who not only sees numerology as having been a part of the brand’s DNA from the beginning but understands the importance of harnessing and distributing that energy. 

“Numbers carry an energy and vibration that can mirror life’s rhythm,” she explains. “With the Numerology Collection, we wanted to translate that, pairing each number’s essence with a fragrance that embodies its energy. For example, 333 represents alignment and flow, so the scent feels bright, sunlit, and expansive. It’s a way of turning intention into something tangible, a scent that can shift your mood or mindset.” 

In a tumultuous beauty and retail climate that constantly sees the rise and fall of brands, 10 years is a milestone anniversary worth celebrating. This month, I caught up with Somer to talk about the inspiration behind her numerology-driven products, brand journey and what she thinks the future has in store for Lake & Skye. 

An interest in astrology and numerology has only increased since Lake & Skye first launched. How does it feel to be a pioneer when it comes to combining that world with fragrance?

It’s inspiring to see how much people have embraced wellness and mindfulness over the past decade. When I launched in 2015, parts of the wellness world still felt niche, so watching those ideas become part of the cultural conversation feels full circle. Numerology and energy work have always been part of my own life and it’s natural that they became part of the brand. Fragrance feels like the perfect expression of that — something you can’t see, but you can feel.

Do the numbers have anything to reveal when it comes to the success of your brand, and what predictions might they have for where the brand will be in the next 10 years? 

Eleven has always been a powerful number for us. It’s about intuition, new beginnings, and alignment. We launched in 2015, so this year marks our tenth anniversary, which in numerology adds up to a “1” year, the start of a new cycle. That feels symbolic as we enter this next phase of the brand. We’ve spent the last decade building a strong foundation and now it’s about expansion, reaching more people globally, growing our product offerings, and continuing to explore how scent can help people feel like their best self. 

Reflecting on your brand journey over the last 10 years, what surprises you the most?

I never could have imagined how personal this brand would become to so many people. I’ve heard stories of 11 11 being worn for weddings, gifted to celebrate births, and shared across generations, mothers, daughters, even granddaughters all wearing it. I met two girls this week that have been wearing it every day for the last 10 years, I love hearing these stories! That is the most meaningful part of this journey and continues to inspire everything we create.

You consider yourself a life-long student and seeker with a love for fragrance. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in the last 10 years since launching Lake & Skye? 

The biggest lesson has been continuing to trust the process. There’s so much uncertainty when you’re building a business from the ground up and it can be a wild ride. I’ve come to see that challenges have a purpose. My journey into wellness began with a one that changed my perspective — and it showed me that what feels like a detour can be the start of something far greater.

TFF celebrates the contributions of Indian and Indian American perfumers and brand founders during one of the most enlightening times of the calendar year, DIWALI. The colors, the scents and the vibrancy of the Indian heritage is captured through the most sumptuous notes and ingredients that make this one of the most festive holidays of the year.

What does the Diwali celebrations mean for you and/or 5 SENS?

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most joyous celebrations in Indian culture. It marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, and for my family, it’s a time when we come together to celebrate with diyas (oil lamps), sweets, and so much gratitude for new beginnings. Growing up, Diwali was filled with those overwhelming moments of happiness – the kind that brings you to actual happy tears – surrounded by family, light, and pure joy. As a kid, I used to get so excited about all of the Diwali deliveries we would get and the  gifts that I would get from my parents and grandparents. I now get to see that joy and happiness through the eyes of my three children! 

What notes/scents from childhood have you brought into your fragrances? How have you incorporated your heritage into your brand?

This feeling is exactly what Happy Tears captures: joy, bottled. This warm floral fragrance features Orange Blossom, Arabian Jasmine, White Peach, Mandarin, and Creamy Musk – notes that embody the brightness and warmth of Diwali celebrations. It’s a scent that reminds you to embrace life’s most joyful moments, which feels perfectly aligned with the spirit of the festival.

Happy Tears is also our newest launch (May 2025), and like everything at 5 SENS, it’s clean, vegan, cruelty-free, and planet-positive – values that are important to me as a founder.

What does the Diwali celebrations mean for you and/or D.S. & Durga?

Diwali is a time for families to be at home together. It’s beautiful to be surrounded by all the candles, eat delicious fried foods, and reconnect with an ancient holiday. At DSD we love to have a product that can tell the story of Lord Rama in the forest and to participate in the festive lighting of candles.

What notes/scents from childhood have you brought into your fragrances?

I grew up surrounded by scent. India doesn’t really do “unscented.” Everything has a smell, from temple smoke to spice laden households. David loves many aromas of India as well. We have Durga – a narcotic Tuberose. DS – a yellow lotus attar. Radio Bombay – a sandalwood. Indian oils are a pillar of the fragrance palette. 

How have you incorporated your heritage into your brand?

The name. The old logos. We have many perfumes inspired by India – places, materials, and traditions.

What does the Diwali celebrations mean for you and/or Shalini?

Diwali is the Festival of Lights – it embodies light over darkness, a new beginning.  

I have always enjoyed lighting the little candles all over my home and garden – the candles symbolize bringing in light into your life.  

Celebrations with close friends and family – flowers, sweets, music and Gold. Hugs, kisses and love abound on this magical holiday.

What notes/scents from childhood have you brought into your fragrances?

Our eponymous parfum Shalini is an olfactive painting of my soul by Maurice Roucel of Symrise. Maurice is a dear friend and he desired to create a parfum composed of tuberose, the favorite flower of my childhood and other essences that are an intimate part of my being.

My first scent memory was being massaged by my mother in the purest essential oils as a baby. Classic florals like rose and jasmine, sandalwood, olive and ylang ylang entered the recesses of my soul. Many of these notes are part of our symphonic parfum compositions.

Garlands of Jasmine flowers gracing delicate wrists as floral bracelets were a secret passion in my childhood. 

Sandalwood is considered a sacred wood in India. The warm mesmerizing wood brings sensuality to many of our parfums.

Maurice has a great love for India and he has visited the ancient Oud/ Agarwood trees in Assam. Our Oud for Jardin Nocturne is from these ancient trees.  

How have you incorporated your heritage into your brand?

Fragrance is deeply ingrained in the Indian culture. Flowers and resins are an inherent part of the many moments of life – home, celebrations, marriages and prayer.

I was born in Bombay. My father was a physicist and my mom is a beautiful creative soul. My mom’s garden was a place of serenity and peace for her being. My happiest childhood memories are playing in the garden, chasing butterflies, smelling flowers and picking strawberries. The orange and lemon trees were mesmerizing laden with fragrant white blossoms and I would immerse my little face in their intoxicating fragrance. 

From an early age, my mom introduced me to all the flowers in the garden, the way they grew from bud to full bloom and how their fragrance changed through the passage of the time. 

Tuberoses were my favorite flowers in my mom’s garden. As a child I would sneak into the garden at night so I could inhale their nocturnal beauty under the moonlight. I was drawn to the sensual, voluptuous fragrance that emerged in a small little flower at night.

Our monthly magazine is back just in time for fall’s fabulous line-up of fragrance launches. The first few weeks have been the busiest and buzziest with back-to-back fragrance events that coincided with New York Fashion Week and the start of the fall season. The sheer scale, the crowds and a feverish schedule all made this September one of the most memorable months on the calendar, and the celebrations are still going strong. What an exciting moment in time to be in fragrance and part of our growing community. Fueling this excitement is the roster of new members that have joined TFF, making the world of fragrance more dynamic than ever before.

Our spotlight story by our guest beauty writer Jamie Wilson will take us around Manhattan as fragrance news made splashy, bold headlines during NYFW. From campaigns and activations at legacy retailers to redesigned flagships and revivals of legendary discos, fragrance was at the heart of it all. The artistry, the passion and the creative spirit that connected us all together.

At the top of September, we announced our very own Board Chair Jerry Vittoria as the 2025 Circle of Champions Honoree. We cannot wait for November to present him with this prestigious award and spotlight his incredible impact on the fragrance industry in our November edition of Accords.

Over the summer, TFF took time to refresh our office. Reimagining our midtown space, we created a Community Room to welcome our members, host media, influencers and events from seasonal press previews to IG Lives. We look forward to welcoming the brand new season with a renewed spirit and excitement of what’s to come.

Each September as summer winds down, NYFW keeps the city buzzing, drawing international crowds to New York to kick off fashion month. However, while fashion is undoubtedly the reason that brings everyone together, this year the spotlight shone bright on the fragrance world. A packed schedule of launches, events, store openings and late night fêtes saw revelers immersed in the art of perfumery proving that an interest and appreciation for fragrance is a trend with true staying power. 

From the debut of the New York House of Dior and shop openings by Blueme, Kilian, and Frederic Malle to Valentino’s disco revival of the iconic Studio 54 for one night only and star-studded parties by Prada and Miu Miu, fragrance was on everyone’s calendar. On the retail front, Ralph Lauren Fragrances even hosted an exclusive Ralph’s Club celebration with Usher at Macy’s Herald Square while Nordstrom’s flagship moved its fragrances to the main hall, doubling the space for scents and enhancing their fragrance wall with a slew of new brands. 

With all of the commotion surrounding the fragrance world, it was only fitting that for its Fall 2025 Just Imagine campaign, Bloomingdale’s captured the moment with the launch of  Scent Studio at its 59th Street flagship. The month-long immersive pop-up celebrated the art of perfumery. “At Bloomingdale’s, our Fall 2025 Just Imagine campaign celebrates art in all its forms — none more sensorial than the artistry of perfumery,” says Marissa Galante, fashion director, accessories and beauty, Bloomingdale’s. “With the debut of Scent Studio, we invited clients on an immersive fragrance journey, exploring distinct scent profiles designed to capture mood and memory.” 

The space itself is part of a larger series of Open Studios that Bloomingdale’s is creating in partnership with David Stark. The partnership includes a portrait studio and embroidery studio as well, all designed to spotlight creativity and self-expression through the lens of beauty, fashion and art.

The festivities kicked off on Sept. 6 with the very first Scent Studio co-hosted by Linda G. Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation. Each Saturday throughout the month Scent Studio featured curated experiences hosted by industry experts, where clients were able to explore fragrance through guided storytelling, bottle customization, and shopping in an immersive environment. “We were especially thrilled to partner with Linda G. Levy and The Fragrance Foundation, whose expertise helped shape this initiative into a true celebration of fragrance as both art and storytelling,” adds Galante. 

The lineup spanned a mix of luxury and niche brands, focusing on offering a broad range of scent profiles and price points. “I’m a big believer in the education of the consumer, so I’m delighted to share some of the ‘behind the scenes’ art of scent creation that has become the passion of my life,” says Frank Voelkl, principal perfumer at dsm-firmenich. “Let’s find out how to discover a scent that will comfort you and bring joy to your life. Throughout the seasons and with upcoming Fall these can be different, continuously evolving and driven by new trends.”

Additionally, Olivier Cresp hosted a masterclass on Sept. 17 followed by a meet and greet while perfumers including Jérȏme Epinette from Robertet, Frank Voelkl from dsm-firmenich, Mathilde Bijaoui from Mane and Andrew Everett from IFF, made brief appearances and participated in a meet and greet with customers on Sept. 25. 

“It’s pretty rare that we get to talk to consumers unless it’s by chance,” says Mathilde Bijaoui, a perfumer at Mane who spoke to consumers about her creation Miel with Jil Sander. “I love that here I have the opportunity to explain my work, talk to consumers, let them know how a perfume is built and give them a look at the creative process.”

For Andrew Everett, a perfumer at IFF, an event like this helps to break the barrier between the consumer and the perfumer. “I want consumers to see the artistry and beauty behind fragrance creation while getting rid of the smoke and mirrors.” 

Jérȏme Epinette who spoke to consumers about his latest creation from BYREDO, Alto Astral adds, “An event like this brings me back to my childhood. My mom had a perfume store, so I grew up seeing consumers react to perfume. To me, it’s important for perfumers to see that and see the power of their creations and what message, emotion and memories can be created around that.” 

Participating brands included Chloe ADF, Jil Sander, Coty Infiniment Paris, Van Cleef & Arpels, Penhaligon’s, Christian Louboutin Beauty, BYREDO, Akro, Mind Games, Tom Ford, Jo Malone London, Acqua Di Parma, Kilian, and Versace. Additional scents from Aramis’ Intuition and MCM’s Crush were spotlighted during the informal smelling session.

Here’s what some of the perfumers had to say about their latest creations that were showcased as part of the inaugural Bloomingdale’s Scent Studio.

“Perfumery is an artistic expression composed through a fusion of olfactory input, memories and emotion. My creation Miel with Jil Sander is a faceted take of the depth and darkness of the buckwheat honey. On an emotional level it is the smell of home when everything is peaceful and clear. Although the idea behind this scent came from the buckwheat honey, I also wanted to build these floral woody notes. I used upcycled cedarwood, monosourced vetiver from Madagascar and jasmine from a CO2 extract. For the brand it was very important to have transparency in sourcing.”

“For Alto Astral, my travels to Brazil were my starting point—the vibrancy and optimism of its culture have always left a profound impression on me. I wanted the fragrance to carry that same sense of light and vitality, so I turned to coconut water, milky musks, and cashmere woods. Together, these notes build a warm and radiant accord that captures both the energy of the country and the uplifting spirit that continues to inspire me.”

“MCM is particularly close to my heart because it was originally a German brand, and I’ve been working with them quite a bit. MCM Crush is one of the more recent launches, and it’s interesting because it’s something that seems to do extremely well in Germany although they’re sold globally. I like to think that maybe I brought in a little bit of my German spirit when creating that one.”

“Aramis Intuition created by Carlos Benaim is an evolution of the original Aramis that was launched in the mid-60s. The original fragrance story focused on leather and this is a new interpretation of what a leather fragrance is today because a leather fragrance from the 1960s is a lot different. It’s important that we change with the times and adapt to contemporary tastes while still keeping the DNA and spirit of the original Aramis fragrance that Leonard Lauder loved so much.”

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

Building a Foundation for Next Generation Fragrance Brands

By Pia Velasco

It’s prime time for fragrance, and we all know it. The industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom. While fragrance has always been beloved by those attracted to scent, there’s been a palpable shift in the last few years. Now, fragrance isn’t just for those with a sophisticated nose or a signature scent — fragrance has now captivated an enthusiastic and accord-curious audience.

We’ve all seen the stats and the projections, and odds are that if you’re reading this piece you’re more than just a fragrance consumer — you’re an insider as well. It’s clear to those paying attention to numbers that it’s an opportune moment to launch a fragrance brand. However, starting a beauty business is no small feat. And even if you already have one, redirecting and refining it can sometimes feel overwhelming. 

Thankfully, Cosmo Fragrance’s new C3 accelerator is there for those who need it. “With the evolution of how beauty brands are created and how the business model has changed in recent years, we had to evolve our way of thinking to address what these brands and businesses are looking for, hence the creation C3 by Cosmo,” Marc Blaison, President – Cosmo International Fragrances.

Developed in spring 2024, C3 is Cosmo’s internal accelerator that takes a 360° approach to fragrance business development. It covers everything from brand ideation and formulation to in-depth consumer analyses and finding a venture capital partner for your brand — and more. Yes, it is that complete. “We can develop everything for you,” says Dulce Almario, Business Accelerator Lead for Fragrance & Beauty at C3. To her and the Cosmo team, developing an in-house accelerator presented a white space opportunity to foster talent and scale emerging brands.   

Its goal is to act as a brand’s and/or founder’s strategic fragrance house partner from the start. Its team of experts have identified the common hurdles people face during development, and have created a space to help them get ahead with ease, speed, and future-forward vision. 

Apart from working as a fragrance partner, Almario says C3 can provide additional services, such as providing fragrance training for external teams and coordinating consumer testing, to help brands get what they need. She points to their arsenal of contacts and explains that for her team, the most important thing is to help the brands that come to them. “If you come to us and tell us what you’re looking for, you’ll leave [here] with a customized list of who can help you,” she explains. “We really just want you to be successful from the beginning.” 

The beauty industry is often lauded for its camaraderie, and C3 takes it to the next level with its personalized approach to business development. To best understand how it works and what clients can get from it, we visited C3’s Manhattan office and got nose-deep in its three Cs: consumer intelligence, creative olfactive profiles, and ready-to-go concepts. 

The luminous space colorfully displayed the five macro trends that C3’s “Volume One” presentation covered. The idea is to showcase their market knowledge and creative offerings in a digestible and interactive format that works as an inspiration springboard for clients. “You can come here and begin to conceptualize based on what you see — it’s really a place where we can co-collaborate and be creative,” says Almario. 

Perfumer Max Rossa, and C3’s official perfumer-in-charge, liaisons between clients and Cosmo’s other six perfumers to help develop each scent. “We’re very collaborative, which is super helpful from a creative perspective because if there’s a perfumer that has a specialty or something that the client wants, we can deliver faster” says Rossa.

Under each volume there will be five buckets for clients to explore: gourmand, olfactive evolution, multicultural, wellness & sustainability, and consumer insights. Then, within each bucket, consumer insights will be explored, elaborated on, and evolved twice a year. “The idea is to make something that is kind of new but feels familiar in a way. Something not too out-of-the-box, but that has facets that you might not have thought of before,” shares Rossa on the scents developed in each bucket.

The first bucket explores gourmand. Rossa presented Cosmo’s ‘Pistachio Gelato,’ a fragrance sketch containing vanilla, musk, bergamot, and sugared pistachio that resulted in a scent that leans slightly nuttier than what’s currently on the market and can be customized to fit a client’s exact vision. 

Market research is a fundamental part of C3’s services. On one hand, the team analyzes what’s readily available and trending amongst your desired target demographic. If you want to go against the trend cycle in a safe way, another service C3 offers is tailored olfactive mappings. Say, for example, your brand wanted to jump on the pistachio fragrance bandwagon, C3 could analyze the market and map out what types of pistachio scents are currently available to help you and your team determine where there’s a white space opportunity to stand out. If there was a saturation of vanilla pistachios, for example, and an emerging opportunity for a nuttier take that was more untapped, C3 would point it out. 

For this volume’s olfactive evolution category, Modern Green was the focus where C3 explored the color green and took inspiration from it visually and olfactively. Rossa presented three fragrances, including “Secret Forest,” a delicious woody scent with juniper berries, clove, moss, and spruce. “I wanted [to create] the feeling of walking through a deciduous forest with a soft mossy ground,” he explains of this sketch. The other two examples were inspired by the taste of a zesty green juice and a luscious herb garden — both equally delectable. 

Beyond straight-forward scents presented as eau de parfum, C3 also showcases how scents can be formatted into different textures. After all, we know that EDP isn’t the only way consumers integrate scents into their lives so in this ideation space, C3 showcased scents that can be adapted into a plethora of formats by partnering with contract manufacturers and raw materials suppliers.

The next bucket is the multicultural one. For this volume, C3 focused on creating fragrances that would resonate with Black and Hispanic consumers. Considering 140 million multicultural consumers representing 40% of the US population, there’s never been a more opportune time to dive into the ingredients and fragrance notes that resonate with this diverse audience. Apart from that, we’d be remiss to mention that multicultural buying power is worth more than $5 trillion and has been a leading driver of market growth this past decade. With Cosmo’s headquarters in close proximity to Latin America, this gives them a unique capability to deliver authentic products and marketing strategies.

“Nourishing Shea” was one of the five fragrances developed for this category. Inspired by its prominence in personal care products and the nourishment it has provided for generations of people, the fragrance includes notes of grounding sandalwood, soft jasmine Sambac, and Cosmo’s exclusive Peruvian ginger.

For its wellness and sustainability section, “Mother Earth” felt like the most related to volume one’s overarching theme. We know that sustainability in beauty isn’t just about packaging, but rather it’s also linked to wellbeing and big-picture environmental responsibility.  In fact, according to recent McKinsey research, 79% of fragrance consumers consider wellness to be an important factor when shopping for a product. 

With this in mind, C3 leveraged Cosmo’s proprietary upcycled ingredients in this bucket’s sketches. In its “Golden Berry” scent, for example, Rossa used their exclusive Golden Berry CO₂ ingredient, where the oil is extracted from the calyx of the fruit. Then, it is weaved in with a medley of upcycled bergamot, ginger, mate, and orris for a bright scent that tantalizes the senses.

Beyond tangible sustainability efforts, the wellness storytelling also fits in within C3’s read-to-go concepts. In this bucket, adaptogens served as a point of inspiration. Angelica root was used for a sketch, and while its adaptogenic properties don’t have any concrete benefits when blended into an eau de parfum, it’s part of the product story. Rossa speaks to the power of the subconscious mind and marketing material. For a consumer, simply knowing an adaptogen is included can alter their perception and relation to the fragrance which is a positive sign for business as Mintel research projects the adaptogens market will grow to $54B by 2027.  

Lastly, the metaverse is the focus of the consumer insights bucket. As consumers catch up to tech and digital advancements, the metaverse increasingly becomes an important space for beauty brands to be relevant in. For fragrance, this presents a unique challenge. Whereas categories such as color cosmetics can be visually observed on a screen, scent isn’t something consumers can connect with olfactively. However, a handful of brands have concocted “ingredients” that represent emotions and allow for that digital connection.

For perfumers, the opportunities are endless when it comes to thinking about scents that bridge the tactile world to the digital realm. Rossa imagined teleporting consumers to a virtual garden and having their avatars surrounded by mandarin trees and black currant bushes when creating ‘Electric Rhubarb.’ 

“Rhubarb innately has a metallic kind of sour bitterness to it, so highlighting that to make [the fragrance] feel more electrical made sense to us,” he says of the creation. It’s balanced with notes of mandarin, magnolia, and musk, and in the digital space, the fragrance would include a holographic apple as well—further enhancing the augmented world. 

In the tactile world, Cosmos’s ingredient and fragrance technologies are also put front-and-center at C3. Products presented throughout Volume One creatively integrate these advancements to showcase to clients how they can be used. For example, Craftivity® is Cosmo’s exclusive process of selective extraction of raw materials using only bio-sourced and biodegradable solvents, and Scentsilent® its proprietary malodor technology that neutralizes molecules and is both plant-based and biodegradable. 

From the get-go, Cosmo ensures that all formulas are Sephora-, Ulta-, Target-, and Walmart-compliant to reduce unnecessary back and forth with manufacturers. Almario and her team understand the desire for speed, and they’re here to deliver. The results are not just high-quality, but the process itself is also fun.  

Blue Mercury’s Director of Product Development, Kristina Cappuccitti, says that the C3 team has such a deep understanding of the BM brand that it feels like they themselves are extensions of it. C3 has provided them with curated options and scent extensions for Blue Mercury to incorporate in its portfolio, and has called the team true partners. “The fragrance training provided by them was invaluable and helped create a deeper understanding of fragrance,” Cappuccitti says. “I am excited to bring to life what they have created for us.”

As evidenced above, C3 can be tailored to all types of businesses. Anyone from a founder with an idea to a best-selling brand looking for in-depth market research and launch proposals can benefit from partnering with this team. The results speak to the value of this accelerator, but understanding that they’re newly-launched, partnering with them has more incentives than you may initially expect. Namely, short production lead times, flexible credit terms, and lower MOQs.

If C3 sounds almost too good to be true, that’s because it’s a true diamond in the rough. With a team of passionate and experienced experts and top-in-class perfumers, partnering with C3 takes fragrance development and launching a brand into the marketplace to a new level. 

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.