CaFleureBon Creative Directors in Perfumery: Christopher Chong of Amouage + Reader’s Choice Draw

Two years ago, I asked Master Perfumer Maurice Roucel what he thought the fragrance industry needed the most and he said better briefs and creative direction.  Unless they are independent and own their own brand, perfumers are fulfilling the vision of someone else. A creative director is a person who oversees the creative image and presentation of a company or brand. They are a facilitator of ideas. What makes great creative directors is that they envisage more than perfume and  create a "lifestyle" brand that resonates with us on every level.  In this series, CaFleureBon Creative Directors in Perfumery, you will meet many influentital creative directors. The series begins with Christopher Chong of the House of Amouage which was founded in 1983. It has been through Christopher Chong's life experience and leadership that Amouage retains its core values of consummate luxury and has evolved into one of the most pre-eminent niche fragrance brands in the world. – Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

 

Christopher Chong, Creative Director of Amouage Perfumes

  

I believe perfumery is an Art. Scent plays not only a vital part in our memory, but also in the social level and our environment. Like any artist my role as a Creative Director is to ensure my vision lives up to the perfection I envision. I see myself as a nurturer, from conception to end. I am ingrained in all aspects of the process. I choose the perfumer; create the narrative; choose ingredients; and create concept. The overall life of the scent rests purely on my shoulders. It's a task I never take lightly. I know how important fragrance is to one's overall well-being, and with every creation I ensure it comes from my heart and soul.


Photo: Amouage 

Before I entered the world of perfumery I studied many different disciplines. You could say I have had an unconventional career before Amouage, many diverse pieces all sewn together in unexpected ways – fashion, editorial and of course Music, Opera to be exact. Music is an Art form I most frequently reference to develop my perfume visions. I spent many years being trained and tutored by the world’s leaders in Opera. Opera truly is a disciplined and emotional pursuit that taught me the true understanding of creating a masterpiece.

Jubilation was Christopher's first creation in 2007

Many people aren't aware music and  fragrance share many common attributes: both share a similar language, top notes, heart notes and base notes; both tell a narrative, which for me has been a non-linear story I have told since I first began at Amouage in 2007. My first creation for Amouage was Jubilation, which celebrated the company’s 25 years as a leader in artistic and luxury perfumery.


 

Photo: Amouage


Creating a fragrance is like telling a story, like the way how I like my narrative to improvise without any structure and boundary. Each of my fragrances evolves in unexpected and unconventional ways. This is all about creative freedom. I love how my fragrances are unpredictable and beyond categorization. For me,  structure and conventional beauty are boring. I embrace the flaws, the mistakes and the trials and tribulations of humanity. I structure and develop my briefs around a feeling. When creating a brief I take the time to observe my surroundings, human interactions, society beliefs and reactions  to world occurrences. One of my favorite things to do is sit on public transport examining all the different individual characters, how they dress, converse and  interact with each other on a whole. This analogy assists me in creating my brief with an understanding not only on the story I want to tell, but how fragrance is all about a personal emotion on an interactive level.

 

Photography: Charlotte Lurot

  
A perfumer's fame and popularity are not important to me. Actually, I avoid them if I could. In my creations, it is important to remove my and the perfumer's egos from the fragrance. It is about working together as a team and partnership in which our beliefs and styles melt together.
For me, it is very important to have fun during this process. I always select someone who is daring and understands me without any restrictions. The result is truly amazing when this energy is  formed between the perfumer and me. In short, I can't describe step by step with how I select a perfumer. All I could say is that I go with my feeling and gut instinct rather than the fame and prestige of a perfumer.


  

 Photo: Amouage

My role as Creative Director is not just creating and dreaming about fragrances. I have ther complementary collections to look after – Bath and Body; Home (candles and room sprays) and leather goods. I oversee the brand's DNA and developments as well. Since Amouage promotes creativity in all of their marketing and PR strategies, I also oversee that function and act as the brand's spokesperson. Most days are spent reviewing sales reports and spreadsheets. In short, I'm not delusional that my role is purely artistic. I am a mutated realist and fantasist.

Christopher Chong, Creativer Director House of Amouage

  

 Photo:  Library Collection Amouage Perfumes

 Thanks to Christopher Chong and Amouage USA we have a reader's choice draw of 100 ml of any of the six fragrances in the Library Collection:  Opus I, Opus II, Opus III (MC's personal scent), Opus IV, Opus V or Opus VI. To be eligible: please leave a QUALITY comment on what you found fascinating about  Christopher and his role as a Creative Director of Amouage and your choice of Amouage's Opus perfume. Draw closes November 8, 2012.

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Editor's Note: All images are used with permission of Amouage

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92 comments

  • I was most interested in the parallel between perfumery and non-linear, non-structured narrative(s). I think is potentially quite a productive way of thinking about the experiential nature of fragrances. I would be curious to know how this idea could be developed.
    If I won I would choose Opus IV. Thank you- as always- for another great draw!

  • I like his take on being the Creative director that a perfumer’s fame and popularity are not important to him. He feels its important to remove egos from the fragrance. That it is about working together as a team and partnership in which their beliefs and styles melt together. I believe it is important to start with a clean canvas which makes the partnership between a Creative Director and Perfumer successful. My choice would be Opus III. Thank you for he generosity.

  • I am fortunate to have many of the Amouages so I will abstain from entering in the draw, though it breaks my po’ custard heart to say that:((

    I just wanted to say that I love that Christopher Chong melds the disciplines of music and perfumery. His approach to the art and craft of perfumery is lyrical (no pun intended). I would love the opportunity to hear him sing, wouldn’t you?

    Best of luck to everyone – the Opus collection is gorgeous!

    xoA

  • I would say Christopher helped Amouage step into the spotlight, make the house acquire a more international -as opposed to strictly Mid Eastern- profile and always surprise the customer with new offerings. With Amouage there is always room for surprise.

    As a fragrance blogger, I find Christopher incredibly supportive and generous. I am sure every blogger will have the same opinion about him. I have gotten some of the best fragrance advice from him.

    My choice would be Opus VI, which I find sumptuous and light, modern and primitive at the same time.

  • Where to begin?
    I tested his work and one can truly tell that it is an artist behind these wonderful creations. I had no idea that he was trained in opera though it does make perfect sense that such a personality would be involved in that sort of an art. I’m also impressed by his somewhat sombre approach to perfume creation, I think it’s rather apparent in his accomplishments.
    In the unlikely chance of winning this wonderful draw, I’d love to win opus VI. Thank you!

  • I found it interesting that he takes the time to observe his surroundings and the personal interactions of people…and structures his brief around a feeling. My choice would be Opus I. Thanks!

  • Christopher represents true creativity and its remarkable how he balances the artistic and commercial side of his job. I am usually always curious to know who the perfumer is when a new fragrance is launched but Amouage is one of the few brands where it never is important to me because I know there is going to be a consistency of quality.
    It’s really wonderful that you are doing the series as it will raise the profile of these artists the way your American indie series did
    If I was the lucky reader I would want Opus VI

  • I find Christopher’s background in opera and music an interesting element in his creative direction.Obviously it has had a great influence on his vision.This desire to create scents which have an emotional element and pathos much as opera and music do is refreshing it today’s test market driven world of perfume.That element shows through in his creations.He’s not afraid to take a risk and won’t stray from his artistic vision.As a result Amouage has some of the most daring and interesting perfumes out there.I’m a big fan.I would love to win Opus VI.Thanks for the draw!

  • The most interesting part for me was how Christopher creates his briefs – around feelings. How he takes it upon himself to observe humanity, society and the world’s narrative before he creates one for a perfume. And that he takes public transit to get in touch with the masses – not necessarily his target, but characters and interactions that will inform his vision. He sounds like a smart man.

    My choice would be the same as his: Opus III. Thank you for the generous draw!

  • It’s nice to see creative directors who usually take a backseat to the more well known perfumers as a subject especially because most of us don’t really think about how important their job is and how much passion and intellect goes into what they do. It’s not like ok I am done with this perfume so what’s next…they are involved in every aspect from the first idea to in store appearances Christopher Chong stands out because he embraces his role as an emissary as well as the driving force of Amouage.
    His background in music and fashion was something new to me
    I would love to win opus III

  • Lorraine L
    Opus III is my favorite of the library collection , Christopher didn’t give a favorite although I would bet he is wearing Amouage Interlude these days

  • I, too, find the comparison between music and perfume to be apt. However, my reasons are different. To me, pure music and perfume are both nonrepresentational. There is no narrative plot, as in literature, and in instrumental music (not choral) there are no referents, as in representational visual art. Nonetheless, I appreciate Christopher’s perspective. Commencing as he does from a background in opera, it makes a lot of sense, since words are an integral part of opera. I am a pianist, so that is my personal bias… (-;

    I have been impressed with the quality coming out of this house, and I’d love to win Amouage Opus III (which I have yet try…). Violet, orange blossom, jasmine, ylang? Yes!

    Thank you for so much for this generous draw and for sharing your insights with us.

  • What I found fascinating is the connection that he makes between perfumery and music. They share many common attributes: both share a similar language, top notes, heart notes and base notes; both tell a narrative, which for me has been a non-linear story I have told. Also is interesting that his background is music/ opera.

    My choice is Opus Vi and I hope I win this one. Soooo expensive and out of my range. And it is an awesome fragrance.

  • Wow, thanks for this series and the draw opportunity. I found it kind of fascinating and funny that Chong enjoys sitting and observing people on public transporation. I understand the appeal of this, but I think many people hate it. Nice insight into the work of a Creative Director in this piece. I’d choose Opus III if I were drawn. Thanks again.

  • I thought it was fascinating that Christopher Chong uses his background in music in his creative direction. It is not surprising, though, because as Christopher noted, fragrance and music share many elements. Just as music can stir the mind and emotions, so can a wonderful, well-done fragrance.

    It’s so difficult to chose, but I would go with Opus I.
    Thank you for a most generous draw!

  • God, I love this line. Although the creations of the pre-Chong era are noteworthy, it’s my opinion that Amouage didn’t come into its own as a creative force until he arrived. Basically, you had traditional French perfumery with fantastic raw materials with a heavy emphasis on frankincense and a dash of Middle Eastern influence thrown in for interest. Chong stood the house on its ear.

    Both of the Interludes, Memoir Woman and Epic Woman are unlike anything else out there and just fantastic fragrances that challenge the wearer. Just read the review of Memoir Woman over at the Muse in Wooden Shoes to get a taste of the depth and evocative quality found in the newer Amouages.

    It’s interesting that Chong is such an opera buff. To be honest, I thought the whole Madame Butterfly inspiration for the Honours was just a gimmick, and never got the connection. Now that I know he was really in earnest, I feel a little like a jerk. I’m going to have to listen to that aria intently and try to figure out what olfactory message he was trying to convey.

    The Library Collection scent that interests me the most is II, the one that is supposed to conjure up old books, leather chairs and wooden shelves, but any one of them would be lovely! Thank you for a phenomenal draw!

  • I enjoyed reading about the process Christopher takes in creating a fragrance. I appreciate that he turns to taking inspiration from his emotions and conceptions regarding the world around him. I have not yet had the chance to try an Amouage fragrance, and as I look at his website and read about the inspirations behind each of the Opus creations, I wonder whether I would be able to understand or recognize the link between the scent and the concepts Christopher had intended to portray with his work.

    I am particularly interested in trying Opus IV, as I can appreciate his use of citrus notes as part of his effort to relay a feeling of empowerment on the topic of AIDS/HIV awareness.

  • Forgot to mention in my last comment that I follow Cafleurebon Creative Directors in Perfumery on facebook under the name Lean Sa

  • I remember reading an earlier story you did on Christopher Chong and thinking he must have the best job in the world. I had never really considered creative direction in perfume, but now it seems obvious that it creates a cohesiveness and solidifies the brand. I find it interesting that he has a strong music background. In fact, he seems to be the true Renaissance man, a very interesting guy! It is interesting that he was able to take all his various background experiences andnpull them together to frame what he does today.
    I would pick Opus III.

  • What an amazing draw. I would love Opus VI. And I love the comparison between perfume and music, particularly opera. It suggests a synesthetic blending (or perhaps a conversation) between art forms that is so fascinating and seems so often to lead to more interesting work. I love the idea of Amouage’s newer works as operatic, too, it dramatizes and narrativizes them as well as setting them to music…I’ll definitely keep that in mind the next time I’m wearing Interlude!

  • marcopietro says:

    I appreciate very much the work of Chong at Amouage, I like his creative approach with attentions to pragmatic issues.
    I find the last works really well done and I love especially Memoir and Interlude.
    I think is committed to take that eastern tone and a little picturesque in the image of Amouage, making it more international style without diminishing its quality and prestige.
    Unfortunately I do not know all the volumes of the Library Opus, but the ones I’ve tried are really complex and fascinating. My choice is Opus VI.
    Thanks for the draw!

  • I am very impressed about Christopher Chong’s diverse career before joining Amouage, most of all his yearlong training in opera music. I fully see the link of the art of music and perfumery and the benefit of such an education for a successful and inspired career as a creative director. No wonder I am so much in love with Lyric Woman (Extrait in particular), which is a milestone in the art of perfumery. Should I be the lucky winner of the draw I would love to win Opus I by perfumer Daniel Maurel (also responsible for Lyric Woman).

  • I had read before that Mr Chong draws inspiration for many of his perfumes from opera (such as Honour, which is inspired by Madame Butterfly), but I didn’t know that he was actually trained in opera before his work at Amouage.
    I like how he traces a similarity between perfume composition and musical composition, and also how he realizes that mistakes are human, which I believe is one of the key qualities of Amouage perfumes: they are not badly trying to please, but tell a story instead that some will understand and others will not.
    Were I to win, I’d choose the magnificent Opus IV.

  • Christopher Chong’s role as Creative Director is well-known to me, but I didn’t realize he was professionally trained in music, as well. The connection he drew between music and fragrance is one that I can relate to, though only as an amateur appreciating both arts. What I notice is that scent makes me “feel,” in the same way that music does. Both operate on a different level than logic and reason, and I think both have extraordinary capabilities, beyond what the eye can see. In my experience, both music and perfume can actually heal, in different ways. Truly amazing. If I would be so lucky to win, I would choose Opus VI.

  • I have always felt that opera is the most complete form of artistic expression, as it combines the elements of drama, music, pageantry, passion; a feast for all the senses, except scent. The scents of Amouage that I have been fortunate to experience provide that key ingredient, so it’s quite fascinating to see the elements of Mr. Chong’s diverse background brought together in the creation of masterful perfumes. This indeed does transcend egos and popularity of perfumers, while encouraging imaginative scope on all sides. I’m most impressed that Mr. Chong mentions that among all this visionary collaboration, fun and enjoyment is vital to the process; after all, isn’t that why we all love perfume? I would be most interested in Opus V.

  • Great interview. I always associate music and perfumes. That’s how I understand perfumes. I always look to discover the melody and understand the harmony. I was surprised to read Mr. Chong’s take on both of them. I have never thought to associate them in that way but it does make sense.

    Also, studying people. One of my favorites, sitting in a coffee shop and watching people and life moving on. Snapshots of life.
    For me that was a very reveling comment. That tells me Mr Chong is very attentive to details, emotions, feelings. Profound and unique.
    That explains his creations.

    I would love to have a bottle of Opus III, my fav of all of them.

  • I like this quote: “music and fragrance share many common attributes: both share a similar language, top notes, heart notes and base notes”.
    Great. I think that creative process for perfumes and for music is the same: using different ingredients to obtain one result, a symphony…. immortal…

    I love Amouage and I love chypre so I choose Opus I

  • “One of my favorite things to do is sit on public transport examining all the different individual characters, how they dress, converse and interact with each other on a whole. This analogy assists me in creating my brief with an understanding not only on the story I want to tell, but how fragrance is all about a personal emotion on an interactive level” Was my favorite quote from the interview. As someone who is on the subway and buses way too often, I am going to be thinking about his quote the next time I am on one (tomorrow) and think of the people in a whole new way. It’s fascinating where some people draw inspiration from.

  • I love that he correlates scent and art – they are so intertwined! My choice would be Opus I although they all sound beautiful. Thank you for the great draw!

  • The role of creative director is mysterious to those of us not in the perfume industry. Thank you for this inside look at the role Mr. Chong plays in the Amouge line. He has brought Amouge to the front of fragrance.

  • Oh darn I forgot to mark my choice >< is there anyway to merge comments? I wasn't able to figure out how to edit it and realized right after I pressed submit. I got all caught up in the commenting.

    I would love some Opus IV if my entry still counts.

  • I was surprised at all the responsibilities that are Mr. Chong’s responsibility. What an amazingly rewarding-sounding job! That he chooses the perfumer, “narritive”, the ingredients, and concept for the perfume does directly reflect other forms of art, like painting and music. Jealous. 🙂 Thanks for the draw. I would love to try Opus IV.

  • I think the human experience is by definition one of creativity. The question is how aware we are of this. I love reading/hearing creative people talk about their processes. Those who are professionally creative can be quite articulate about their process and I learn so much from them. Mr Chong’s marriage of the practical and the artistic, his reflections on struture vs non-structure and his musings on the need to push fame away were all instructive. But probably what I most resonated with is the idea of story telling – especially of non-linear story telling. Truly inspiring. Please do enter me in this draw. Thank you to you and Amouage for your generosity in making this available to readers. I am torn between Opus III, which reflects the creative process and Opus V which has all the notes I favour – rose and rum. I would love to receive Opus V.

  • The connection with the world of opera is interesting. Opera tends to go for big effects rather than subtle ones, and something similar seems to be true about Amouage’s offerings. Perhaps because they are so expensive, they need to speak loudly and clearly, just as in opera the villain must be really villainous and the romantic lead must be very romantic.

    On the other hand, Mr. Chong’s claim that he ignores the fame and reputation of the perfumer is, I think, almost certainly not true. He needs the best perfumers, and the best perfumers will be famous. Certainly egos will be involved, but a good creative director, which he is, knows how to tame big egos.

    My choice would be Opus VI.

  • I recently discovered Amouage scents and have much, much respect for the house. I already have a few loves so far: Ubar, Lyric and Memoir:). So nice to find scents that are original and different in every good way.

    One can tell the Amouage house takes their perfumes seriously and they truly are works of art. Makes sense to me that Mr. Chong loves other art forms, perfume is just another expression of that love of art. I love art as well, however, mine is more in the visual realm but do love music as well. I would love to hear Mr. Chong’s voice, would absolutely love it if he could share! I agree, art such as perfume, is creative freedom and I like very much that Amouage perfumes are very creative and aren’t formulations that are ‘mainstream’ if I could use that word or perhaps boring?! Not mainstream in the sense that, yes, just as he said, Amouage formulations are unpredictable and beyond categorization. Unlike many perfumes I’ve sniffed. I sniff an Amouage scent and I can’t put it down. I have to re-sniff over and over because there’s nothing like Amouage out there. These are the reasons why I have much respect for the Amouage house and Mr. Chong:).

    Can I just say I totally agree with this quote? “Structure and conventional beauty are boring” Yes! I totally agree! Those are the things that can make art boring to me. Whether it be painting, perfume or any other medium. Emotion is what I think makes art interesting for sure. Therefore, I don’t like still life or fruit paintings, just don’t! Lol. Or portraits that have no emotion behind them..just plain and boring!

    I also enjoy sitting on public transport examining all the different individual characters, how they dress, converse and interact with each other on a whole. I thought many times to perhaps write a log of all my experiences riding public transit. I have written a couple of observations while riding. So many different characters, so many faces I would like to photograph(I do photography).

    Another quote I like by Mr. Chong: “A perfumer’s fame and popularity are not important to me”. I can totally tell this from his creations! That’s how I would describe Amouage..as created by an artist who’s not trying to do the popular thing(popular is so boring!).

    Now I have even more respect for Amouage and Mr. Chong, a person I wouldn’t mind meeting and chat art with it sounds like!:). Thank you for not making boring, predictable perfumes! Thank you! That’s why Amouage has really been a gem house to find, as the creations are serious creations, creative and not bound by anything!

    Thank you for the opportunity to obtain one of these works of art. My choice would be Opus V.

  • oh, wonderful- several times I caught myself day dreaming of a perfume that could render the ” feeling” of quest in Wagner’s music
    Perfume and music- both challenging our minds and souls , converging, from different directions, to the fleeting moment of deep understanding of beauty
    great draw- I would choose Opus III- thanks

  • Christopher Chong sounds like a very cool guy and someone I would very much like to meet! I totally agree with him that music and perfume share many attributes and I found it interesting that he has studied opera so intensely.

    Thank you for the draw. If I was the lucky winner, I would choose Opus VI.

  • Dubaiscents says:

    I love how Amouage, thanks to the direction of Christopher Chong, has brought such fame to a country like Oman. By not making this a purely, “Arab or Middle Eastern” brand but, still keeping the essence of Oman through the use of Frankincense, he has does a wonderful service for such an amazing country. My favorite Opus (that I do not already own) is IV.

  • Lynne Marie says:

    I really was not at all surprised to learn that Christopher Chang’s background included Opera. The profile of Amouage is so BIG – opulent, luxurious and yes, lyrical. It is full of lush emotion and is very much in your face. I’ve always been drawn to the brand, when I’m not typically swayed by “more expensive is better.” But opera is my salvation, my place to work out whatever I’m feeling, just as perfume is where I set my intention for the day – by choosing how to smell. Mr Chang’s creative direction brings those two pieces together flawlessly. Opus I would be my choice

  • well, i find the comparison of music and fragrance very apt.

    but while i agree that it is a non-linear dynamic this is evoked in both cases — i do *not* believe it has anything to do with a narrative.

    in fact, i feel that both music and fragrance *bypass* higher order functioning (and hence any narrative)
    and immediately impact us — unmediated, as it were — on a primary process level, i.e. they immediately evoke *feeling* — not thought.

    this feeling can, of course, be then further elaborated into thought (a narrative. and god, do i love those narratives!)

    anyway, i babble.
    but there you have it.

    and i would love to try opus iv.

  • lovethescents says:

    How true what Christopher Chang says about how fragrance plays a role in our social environment. It tells a story and is closely linked to music. I love how he describes that relationship. It makes perfect sense to me! We’re all wrist sniffers here, but now we can better understand that story 🙂

    I would adore Opus III, like all the other Opuses, it’s pure genius.

  • Crikey, what a draw! Thank you for the opportunity! I was fortunate to sniff some of the Amouage fragrances and I remained entranced by their beauty and quality! I nearly like them all:Jubilation 25(sublime), Lyric, Memoir, Epic, Opus III all they are truly works of art and craftsmanship.What can I say about Mr. Chong? He’s an inspiration, the way he embraces his profession mind, soul and heart. It was very interesting to find out he has a background in opera:his fragrances are indeed symphonies!Should I be so lucky to win the draw I would choose Opus III!

  • What a great series, I’m certainly looking forward to future installments.
    It was fascinating reading about Christopher Chong’s involvement in the opera world, and the way he feels that fragrance and opera compares. I liked that he mentions the discipline necessary in both lines of work, and how that discipline prepared him to become the highly successful art director for Amouage, that he is today.
    Reading that he even uses operas in his briefs, makes me very curious, and I wish I knew which ones he thought about for which fragrances. I’m sure I’ll be thinking that whenever I wear Amouage in the future.
    I would love to win Michelyn’s favourite Opus III- a violet beauty-, since is one of my favourite Amouages.
    Thank you so much for this wonderful portrait and a magnificent draw

  • I adore the Amouage fragrances, it’s difficult to chose a favorite! I admire the way Christopher Chong creates such a unity between the fragrance, the accompaning story/idea and the visuals like the packaging. No suprise he has a background in Opera!
    I would love to win Opus III, it’s such a beauty.

  • Christopher Chong is one fascinating man and has transformed Amouage during his tenure
    I found his comment about how he is not only an artist but a mutated realist to be quite humorous in an otherwise serious article
    This is a great idea for a series and I agree that Christopher is the perfect pick to kick it off…Chong represents a very 21st century sensibility , and that is what resonates me the most
    He is always on twitter and interacts with his customers whether they be humble readers like me or royalty
    My choice is Opus III which seems to be popular

  • I believe perfumery is an Art. Scent plays not only a vital part in our memory, I feel same as him, it’s so magical how some fragrances can take you to our past, make your remember people and differents events, I really like how he feels his work.
    I think that I’ll choose Opus III it seems very interesting, I’m sure that it’s beautiful 🙂

  • It’s interesting to hear Christopher Chong comment on the fact that he is more than an artist and then talk about his business responsibilities — too often, whether it’s celebrity spokespersons or perfumers, the people behind the fragrances seem to think that it will sound more appealing to claim that their isn’t ‘business’ behind the perfumes, and that instead, their art just jumps out of them without any censorship or business goals… when in fact, if they weren’t considering the entire business the way Mr. Chong does, the company would go bankrupt (which certainly would be terrible for us perfume addict— er, hobbyists). And indeed, there’s something beautiful in how he brings it all together: the juice, the packaging, the interviews, the bottles— there’s more than just perfume. There’s films! Have you WATCHED the Amouage films? They’re really good. They are ‘films’ and not just commercials, and they create a sort of ambiance that really matches the perfumes, with great attention to detail and MOOD (and MOOD is what the Amouage perfumes are all about, in my mind). Opus is a great example, though I admit that Interlude’s film really is the one that GOT me and made me want to own all the Amouage frags.

    To me, this is another kind of artistry: building a line that can project such a seemless vision. Putting together a great business is also art, in my mind. And apparently, also in Mr. Chong’s, according to his comments…

  • PS – I hit submit too quickly! I would pick Opus V. Orris, rum, wood and rose… there’s not much more of a perfect mix.

  • This is no way is a quality comment so no need to enter me in the draw, but…

    He looks so YOUNG! and to have accomplished so much… Amazing! I am ashamed of myself! Here I was thinking I was way ahead of the game because I got my kitchen floor mopped after I got home from work today! Sheesh! What a loser I am! 😉

  • Like many of your other readers, I find the parallels between classical music and perfume interesting.
    The way the various parts combine and flow to make a whole much more than the sum of its parts.
    I choose both music and perfume to reflect my mood, emotions and occasion.
    Amouage perfumes are works of art, and I would love to try Opus V.

  • Many people connect perfume and music but Chong’s interest in opera seems especially apropos because Amouage scents are so opulent and luxurious and complex! I would choose Opus VI

  • Michelyn,
    You are very kind! Thank you! I would choose Opus VI because:
    a) I LOVE ambers
    b) I like that this scent was inspired “by the destruction
    and reinvention of knowledge and memories.”
    c) I have some “knowledge and memories” I would like
    to offload and would like to try Christopher’s method
    of “reinventing” them.
    Thanks to you and Amouage for this generous draw!

  • What a quote Christopher! “I am a mutated realist and fantasist.” He seems to do such a great job of balancing both the business and artistic part of his job and has really brought forth Amouage as a leading niche perfume company. After this interview I have much more respect for people that are creative directors and also for the independent perfumers who try to do it all! Off the top of my head I can’t seem to remember which OPUS I loved more, but I think it is OPUS V =)

  • I find that Christopher’s diverse artistic background interesting and non-linear. I can see it has broadened his horizons and because of those experiences he is able to flourish as the creative director of Amouage and I really love how he balances realism with creativity. for me my choice would be Opus III because I love mimosa scents. Thanks for another generous draw

  • After reading Christopher’s comments, I’m more curious than ever about the relationships between creativity and ego; between composition and artistry; between art and performer. I’d love to sit down with Christopher and ask him to explain his thoughts on these relationships more fully. Alas! The closest I could hope for would be to wear one of his scent visions. Opus I would be my choice. Thanks for the opportunity.

  • I have read many interviews with Christopher Chong over the past few years( including the one you did last year) but nothing really compares with this article written in his own voice. It’s not surprising that he has a background in editorial because its such a well written creative piece
    My first Amouage fragrance was Lyric for Woman and I bought Honour as well .
    I would love to win Opus III

  • I find it fascinating when he talks about the energy that is formed when he works with a perfumer who is daring and understands him without any restriction,this comes across in many of his perfumes,there is a tremendous energy in Memoir or Lyric,and their many layers and richness allows you to discover something new all the time,even after having worn Lyric for a long time,I am still surprised by it-the same with Butterfly or La Traviata, or all the great operas,even after years of listening to them,they present themselves ever anew-chapeau.Mr.Chong,these perfumes are great works of art!

  • I really like how he started out in Opera, and yet sees the connections between scent and music! In his interview he seemed to have a very unique way of looking at the world.

    I would love to win Opus VI (6)

  • I am intrigued by the fact that Mr. Chong studied opera on a professional level and having first hand experience I can attest to the fact that such an endeavor requires discipline and hard work as well as an artistic flair. So it comes as no surprise to me that he segued into becoming the artistic director of one of the most astonishing perfume houses of today. I have only tried Epic Woman, but I treasure that decant for there is nothing quite like it in my perfume collection. I would choose Opus IV as I am curious how Amouage does citrus. Thanks for the draw!

  • I found myself nodding to everything Mr. Chong said. I also think it’s a good strategy to remove all “egos” from the creation of a perfume in order to make the perfume speak for itself. Although I don’t think that is an easy process.

  • just breathe says:

    I am a perfume “newbie” so everything about Christopher Chong fascinates me because I am becoming more aware that Amouage is a fabulous perfume house. I love when he says ” I am a mutated realist and fanatasist” 🙂
    I would love to try MC’s choice- Opus III
    Thank you for this draw.

  • just breathe says:

    OOPS! meant to type “fantasist” (although he probably is quite fanatical about perfume 🙂 !!)

  • David Ecker says:

    Christopher Chong understands and represents fragrance storytelling better than others. I enjoy watching the films for each scent as the marketing for the brand has true depth that goes beyond your standard woman in a dress marketing. The fragrances are as Mark B put it are like grad school, very high level and complex. Opus II would be my choice.

  • It is very interesting to discover yet another bit of the real process behind fragrance creation. Up until recently we only thought of the brand or the designer name. No one knew the perfumer. The internet really was what elevated the perfumer to the level of artist or creator. His name became known and the perfume is now regarded as his brain child. Now we see that this is not the whole story. I like the complicity that is required in order for the perfume to come into existence. The role of creative director is truly an obscure one and this article made it graspable for me. A very informative read! Thank you.

    Opus V would be my choice from the Library collection.

  • I LOVE OPUS I! How many samples of this have I used up…Opus I speaks of potential, of what Mr. Chong envisioned for the line. Magnificently created! I would love a full bottle, for once. Thank you, Christopher Chong.

  • I found fascinating that music and fragrance share some attributes. I had never thought about it but it’s true: different phases of notes, a story or background behind them, the signature of an artist… And I add that both make us feel things, relax, or be full of energy.

    And I can see why Mr. Chong loves watching people in public transports. Sometimes I have found myself thinking about the lives of people sitting in front on me on the bus.

    If I won, I would pick Opus V or Opus VI, I haven’t made up my mind yet. Both seem wonderful.

    (Some minutes later)

    Well, I think I would pick Opus VI because I prefer amber to oud, and Opus VI seems to be the holy grail of amber fragrances. It contains incense too, so it’s perfect!

  • I like that Amouage has given him the creative freedom to use feelings as the basis for the scents, and that he selects perfumers based on his instincts as opposed to the celebrity of the perfumer.

    Although III and V are looking at me, I think Opus VI is calling me the loudest.

    Thanks for the draw!

  • I had read before but forgotten about his background in opera, which is arguably the world’s greatest art form. The multifaceted complexity of the genre of opera–with its many layers of story, music, set, staging, instrumentation, voice…–is, I think, reflected in his scents: each tells an elaborate story! I have a FB of Jubilation 25, but would love a bottle of Opus III, which sounds like a tale I’d love to share every single time I sprayed it on.

  • Mr. Chong is a very gifted personality!! I love his backgound especially the opera related one and his comparison of music with perfume.
    I haven’t tried any Amouage perfumes they do sound very very lovely and Mr. Chong although he has been from 2007 with the company he has done amazing work! Thank you for the opportunity to win such a lovely gift! Opus III would be my choice. Also he looks amazing!

  • Christopher’s background in opera is fascinating, but if ever a musical form could represent the extravagant beauty of Amouage it would be opera. I totally see the parallels between making music and making perfume art. After perfumes, music is one of my greatest pleasures and ways to enhance or even set the mood of my environment for a little while. I don’t know exactly what “mutated realist” means but I like the sound of it. Opus III if I’m the lucky one, please.

  • Olga (Warum) says:

    What is fascinating to me is the strong connection to the world of music throughout the entire story of Mr. Chong of Amouage and his creative leadership.

    On one level, of course, he did mention in the story that he studied opera and drew quite a bit of inspiration from it (both structurally and in terms of the inspirations for specific fragrances; Honor comes to mind – it is wonderful to meet a fellow Puccini lover!)

    On the other level, the first time I became intimately familiar with a concept of a creative director was through music, symphonic music this time. After then-principal conductor of Saint Louis symphony passed away mourned by all music lovers in the community, for a while the Symphony stayed without one. A slew of guest conductors were coming for performances and interviews. None other but legendary Itzhak Perlman held the post of creative director of St. Louis symphony then, and he was able to create a vision for the institution, bring together the multiple conductors, soloists, and musicians, and was able to ensure that the great music was played within the walls of the Symphony Hall.

    Amouage is one of my favorite perfume houses and I am always anxious at experiencing their newest orchestrations.

    My choice would be Opus I. I’ve been quite in love with it.

  • I view perfume as one of the most beautiful of the arts, capable of touching the senses at the deepest of levels. The comparison to music is, to me, extremely accurate- and I appreciated the reference to perfume telling a story- it takes me on the most wonderful journeys! Thank you so much for this draw- I would be thrilled with a bottle of Opus III.

  • I’m having a bad time choosing between I and III, both are great scents. I’m always curious about the figure of the “creative director”, and mr. Chong always comes to my mind as the best example, he reached a new level in Amouage’s fragances.
    I like so much the idea of eliminate the Ego of the perfumer (and his own) in order to work together, perfumers tend so often to stuck into his own style, in the comfort zone (in the LAZY zone) and this is what is an endemic disease in every creative activity.
    I would like to win Opus III
    Thank your for the draw!!

  • Christopher Chong sounds like the perfect creative director, and I am so thrilled to read his views. I love how he takes his own training as an opera singer and compares it to the process of perfumery. I also love this quote, “I embrace the flaws, the mistakes and the trials and tribulations of humanity”.

    I would love to win Opus II as I adore lavender fragrances. Thanks for the draw!

  • I love the artistic musical background Mr. Chong comes from and the fact that he takes he compares music and fragrance stating that they are similar in the fact that they have structured notes. I would not have connected the two.
    As for a choice, I would choose Opus IV. Thanks you for the lovely draw and the wonderful article.

  • I like his approach to the collections reminds me of Montblanc’s writer series . Id be very grateful to own any of the Opus bit id pick VI if i win. Thank you

  • I was pleased to read more about CC’s involvement in the worlds of music and opera. I had read references to it in the press materials for Honour and Interlude, but it is nice to get more background.

    I am not familiar with any of the Opus fragrances but I will pick VI because I love amber.

  • The commonality that he mentions between music and fragrance is fascinating. The sum of many small (insignificant pieces) which can come together to create such emotion in people. I can also appreciate how he strives to take the attitude of ego out of the equation and generate team synergy during the creative process.

  • Fragrance and art go hand and hand. Music is art. Mr. Chong’s background will layer perfectly with the brand.

    Thanks for the draw.

  • I found the whole article interesting because I never thought about what a Creative Director does before. You read about the “noses” all the time but not about someone like Mr. Chong, who describes himself as a nurturer.

    Have never tried an Amouage, Opus III would be a great introduction!

  • I love Mr. Chong’s thoughts on mistakes, so many times this is the source of true innovation. He seems fearless and this is encouraging.

    “For me, structure and conventional beauty are boring. I embrace the flaws, the mistakes and the trials and tribulations of humanity.”

    Thanks for the article, the new series, and the draw-most excited about-Opus III

  • I’m astownded by the work of Christopher Chong whatever I say about him wouldn’t be greater than his work.
    Music and fragrances are universal languages and mr Chong uses them telling different stories in uncoventional way.
    I’m amazed by the way he muse about everything around and use it to create a whole strucute containing emotions,human relations,memoiries.Building a non-linear narrative impress emotions and telling stories by scent.
    Mostly people rely on their vision and the vision is the leading sense.The sense of smell can be used as a powerful tool to code information,things you’ve been,places you’ve seen.Chong success in building a whole story with every new release.
    He keep writing the great story of my favourite perfumery brand.

    Thank you for this interview I’m very excited.I appretiate every aspect of Christopher Chong’s work.
    I would love to be the first put my hands on the VIIth opus :).Few months before its release
    this interview makes me more impatioante again as before the release of Interlude.
    From the released 6 opuses I would pick the 5th It’s amazing neoclassic and I LOVE IT!

  • This was one of the most insightful articles I’ve read about the perfume industry. I am an outsider, perfume is not my realm, just my (relatively new) hobby, but these insights were glorious. I never realized that a perfume creative director works like a film director, involved in the nuances of the creative process. I expected them to be more financial and removed. Christopher Chong is obviously an artist and so young (!). His vision is clear and it’s easy to understand why Amouage is so successful.
    Any Amouage would be a gift but I will choose Opus I.
    I am a writer and it was through this article that I realized why I love certain perfumes and not others. I need them to have an arc, like a story; linear perfumes bore me. I need to be taken me on a journey.
    Great article, thank you.

  • Tanya Pinkerton says:

    I am fascinated by Christopher’s apparent lack of ego yet his self-assurance shines through in the interview! It is interesting that his creative side seems well-balanced with his pragmatic sense of realistic priorities and goals. I loved his discussion of connecting the narrative effect of music and the creation and relation of that with perfume. A very fascinating man!

    I heartily support the cause of AIDS education & research. Over 100 of my gay friends and colleagues passed away at the height of the epidemic in 1980’s San Francisco. Therefore I would select Opus IV. Thanks for such an intriguing read!

  • I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support. Creativity doesn’t end with the final product on the shelf in the store. It involves and evolves with the wearer’s interpretations. In short, it’s an ongoing dialogue.

  • I like how Mr. Chong talked about Art as being both disciplined and emotional. That specific connection between his opera experience and his creative direction of the development of perfumes for Amouage is quite valuable–great art needs both the discipline to master technique and the emotional resonance to justify its existence, as it were. To show *why* mastering the technical side was important at all, to express and to provoke….

    I also liked how he talked about scent playing ” not only a vital part in our memory, but also in the social level and our environment….. I know how important fragrance is to one’s overall well-being, and with every creation I ensure it comes from my heart and soul.”

    There is a lot of soul in his art! Although, that punchline rings true for most artists as well: “In short, I’m not delusional that my role is purely artistic. I am a mutated realist and fantasist.”
    heh. I like it. Also LOVE Jubilation 25 and XXV and just learned that they were his debut with the house!

    Hard to choose, have been meaning to sample the Library line but have not sniffed at all– I was afraid to fall in love with an unattainable Beauty. V and VI are calling loudest from their official descriptions; Opus III also intrigues me…
    I would choose VI

  • Whoa, Hi Christopher Chong! I love your work!

    Also, than you all so much for the draw.
    PPS Liked fb page

  • I find it fascinating the article exposes the creative directive director function and the important aspects it play.

    Music is something which is dispersed and with wonderful crescendo that soothe the ears.

    wherever we walked there is always music whether in our mind an ears from the surrounding. Creating memories for the ears..

    Incorporation of arts and musics with same nuances and silage create memories for the nose . The way amouage is composed is such that it disperses around as music does with the wonderful crest of up and down arranged pleasantly.

    this is what Christopher Chong has done, dispersing the smell with sublime nuance around thus making it the food for the nose as music is the food for the ears.

    i always love all the amouage perfume…it is an Homage to the nose…thank you Chris…