Editions de Parfum Frédéric Malle

Frédéric Malle, grandson of Serge Heftler, the legendary founder of Dior Perfumes, invented his own fragrance career as a perfume “editor”, “publishing” the enticingly complex personal creations of some of the world’s top noses, considered too difficult or too expensive for the mass market. The parfumeurs, given carte blanche to create the scent of their dreams, have come up with some unforgettable fragrances. Dans Tes Bras, created by Maurice Roucel, the famous nose behind Gucci’s Envy, Guerlain’s Insolence and Malle’s own best-seller Musc Ravageur, is a sensual mix of the woody synthetic cashmeran, clove, sandalwood and patchouli, with notes of violet and jasmine. Among the other gorgeous scents: Dominique Ropion’s Portrait of a Lady, an amazing fragrance that blends Turkish rose with patchouli, incense and other essences; the intriguing citrus Bigarrade, in cologne and concentrated versions, by Jean-Claude Ellena; Olivia Giacobetti’s En Passant, with notes of white lilac and orange blossoms; and Michel Roudnitska’s spicy, sexy Noir Epices.

Once found only at Malle’s original Paris boutique in the 7th arrondissement, his fragrances are now available at several other locations in Paris and in select outlets around the world, including Barney’s in the US. A limited choice is also available online.

Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle 37 rue de Grenelle, 7th, 01.42.22.76.40;  21 rue du Mont Thabor, 1st; 140 ave Victor Hugo, 16th.  website

Originally published in the January 2009 issue of France Today; updated in March 2012