20-Year Anniversary:
Brand Lovers Pay Tribute
In 2020, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle celebrated its twentieth anniversary. At the invitation of Frédéric Malle, the house’s star perfumers gathered in Paris in September to meet with their publisher, an opportunity to “talk perfume” together and to discuss the challenges of contemporary perfumery. This being said, and in spite of the talent of these extraordinary artists, their masterpieces wouldn’t live if it wasn’t for the individuals that are wearing them. To close the year, we have decided to publish the words of a few of our clients who wanted to pay tribute to Editions de Parfums, founded in 2000 by Frédéric Malle. Not out of vanity, but because we are touched by these words, and because we are so proud of them.
From Paris to New York via London, the extreme quality of the perfumes is praised by the connoisseurs of Editions de Parfums:
“Every time I put on a fragrance from his line, the quality takes my breath away, and it never fails to generate a strong reaction: ‘this smells so good!’ Anyone who appreciates fine fragrances can immediately tell that striking the right balance and using the best raw materials is key to Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle.”
Many feel that wearing one of the house’s fragrances is a privilege, an incomparable and intimate experience:
“I don’t feel that I am “wearing” Portrait of a Lady anymore. In fact, it has become an integral part of who I am.”
“Choosing my fragrance of the day is a daily morning ritual that helps me face life, or at least getting up.”
“These are my Proust madeleines that summon recollections, real or imaginary, to mind. With a Frédéric Malle perfume, you are always in good company.”
“They are my jewels.”
“The chemistry from a few fragrances in the collection has become part of my psyche, living on my skin, and filling my lungs with hope and beauty. They are the creative force that inspires many of my decisions, my processes and my interactions.”
“Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle’s fragrances evoke a symphony of emotions and feelings. They reconnect us and remind us of particular moments in our lives.”
It is a sign of their singularity that the power of the creations in the Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle range develops over time:
“These profoundly singular scents evolve with the wearer throughout the day, reacting to his skin to create a unique, harmonious, and personal perfume identity.”
“Unlike most perfumes whose scents dissipate or sour as the day progresses, Frederic Malle’s perfumes grow to reveal more depth the longer they are worn.”
“Each perfume tells a story. This story is very much alive and evolves over time.”
Many highlight how their perfume becomes a talking point, and even an icebreaker with strangers:
Portrait of a Lady by Dominique Ropion
“Sharing the name of the fragrance and that it is from Frédéric Malle is like sharing a delightful secret!”
“I’ve been asked what I’m wearing so many times over the years, by men and women. It’s been the opener to countless conversations.”
“To share the name of these elixirs with others brings me sheer joy. Whether it is family or complete strangers, I am always thrilled to be able to share.”
A particular quality of Editions de Parfums is that, because it offers total creative freedom to its authors, each and every perfume makes its own unique contribution to the collection. Which means that everyone can discover more than one masterpiece they feel in harmony with:
“I don't have a ‘signature perfume’; I wear what suits my mood, the weather, the company, or the moment. The wealth and diversity of the Editions de Parfums collection always provides the right scent. A scent that is totally me and that makes me happy and alive throughout the day.”
“Each fragrance evokes different feelings and fills me with beauty and elegance, whatever the occasion. The different characters and esthetics help me express each facet of my personality and make the best of each moment.”
Musc Ravageur by Maurice Roucel
The connoisseurs of Editions de Parfums salute the unique character of our house:
“The EDPFM perfumes are unique in their quality, their elegance, their mystery and their originality. They strip away everything inessential so as to get back to the essence of things, while at the same time producing something new.”
“Your approach is non-conventional in a very conventional field. This sets you apart from the rest... Your collection is special.”
“EDPFM fragrances are radically different from others because they’re not trying to please the masses, they reach into the complex world of unique human beings.”
“Twenty years ago, Monsieur Malle decided to launch Editions de Parfums, the first self-proclaimed ‘Perfume Publisher.’ His idea of showcasing the perfumers behind his fragrances is in my opinion the most pivotal decision in perfumery. This was to me the beginning of the Perfume Renaissance.”
“Truly, the whole experience of Frédéric Malle is different. The fragrances are, of course, extraordinary—without a doubt the most transporting, intoxicating, and life-affirming scents I've ever had the pleasure to know. They are at once classic and contemporary.”
Some want to point out how EDPFM has changed the landscape of contemporary luxury perfumery—
“There is undoubtedly a before and an after Frédéric Malle.”
—while emphasizing the exceptional, non-standard character of the editions:
“If we were to compare this house to one of the all-time on-stage icons, it would have to be the great Maria Callas!”
“This is not perfumery, it is olfactory high-wire performance.”
“Each bottle and its content is a precious work of art.”
Some, particularly moved to pay tribute, wished to thank the founder of Editions de Parfums for his unique contribution to their lives—
“It’s amazing to be able to touch people in such a powerful and intimate way.”
“Thank you so much for adding so much to our lives.”
—a contribution that goes beyond perfumery, embracing an entire contemporary vision of luxury:
