What’s that one emotion that you want to feel as soon as you wear your fragrance before leaving for work or any event? When I asked this question to Marc-Antoine Barrois, one of the most sought-after perfumers and creator of TILIA, his new floral fragrance, he said, “happiness, simple happiness.” Isn’t it true? All we want to feel while wearing our favourite perfume is an instant mood lift, a gush of happiness, and moments of joy that last for the whole day. TILIA is an ode to simplicity and optimism and the scent has been launched under Scentido in India. We caught up with its perfumer, Barrois, to know the inspiration behind it, and feelings one may feel upon wearing the scent.
Where do you think your creative sensibilities match with Scentido, the company you’re launching TILIA with?
I met Shishir Mehta six years ago when he fell in love with my perfumes and convinced me to work with him. I believe it is the essence of a good association when it comes to perfume, it’s enthusiasm.
How would you describe the fragrance?
After eight years of creating unique leather fragrances, TILIA is my first floral one. It is a Linden blossom, broom flower, Indian Jasmine and heliotrope notes with a woody base. It is a simple scent, and a luminous one, long lasting and diffusive.
What kind of people will enjoy wearing it the most?
I have never made a fragrance to decide for people if it is for them or not. It is a genderless fragrance for anyone seeking a unique new perfume.
If it can transport the wearer to some other place, where will it be?
As for each of my fragrances, I imagine a fantasy world and this one is as simple as a French or Italian green countryside in summertime. A place where white linen dries on a string and friends enjoy a simple moment hoping it will last forever. It is the fantasy of a happy summer holiday that lasts forever.
According to you, what are the main points to keep in mind while building a fragrance wardrobe?
Do not listen to any advice but to your heart!
What kind of style/ outfit/ fashion you think complements the essence of this fragrance?
A white cloth… but that is with my culture. White is elegant yet an easy to wear color. I always wear white shirts!
What are your thoughts about owning a signature fragrance? That is who I am! I don’t own a fragrance wardrobe. I only wear my first fragrance B683 and I leave my memory with people I meet. If I am not there, they can think of me when they smell B683. It’s like how I feel my grandmother’s presence when I smell her perfume in the street.
If only three emotions could describe this fragrance, what will they be?
One emotion is enough here and it’s happiness.
