image by Steven
What an impossible task! Recommending only three Bertrand Duchaufour fragrances? Before we get to Steven’s video, I will share excerpts from my interviews, as well as more about his career.
A postcard to Michelyn that says “With all my best and to the next time we meet in New York. Big Kiss, Bertrand”
Bertrand Duchaufour who grew up in Nancy, France, is one of the most prolific and talented perfumers of the last 20 years. He is best known for L’Artisan Parfumeur, Penhaligon’s, as well as for his work for Eau d’Italie, Neela Vermeire Creations, Comme des Garcons, Amouage, The Different Company, Aedes de Venustas, Naomi Goodsir, MDCI and too many more to name. I met Bertrand Duchaufour four times. The first in 2008 at Henri Bendel’s (since closed) for the launch of Fleur de Liane, just after he joined L’Artisan Parfumeur as “perfumer in residence.” The second was two years later, also at Henri Bendel’s for Traversee du Bosophere. I wrote in my interview, “The first thing you notice about this man, unarguably one of the world’s greatest contemporary perfumers, is his composure, his unpretentious manner and individualism no matter his surroundings. Throughout the interview you will see a recurring theme of his perfumery as his challenge and the exploration of duality in order to amplify a concept or an accord. I have called Bertrand the ‘Rockstar’ of Perfumery on several occasions; I amend that statement… he is the fragrance world’s most intrepid explorer, always his own man, requiring no entourage, flattery or handlers as he pushes the boundaries of 21st century perfumery.”
In 2010, he composed Sartorial, which is my favorite Penhaligon’s. It’s difficult to choose a favorite among Bertrand Duchaufour Fragrances. In our series Modern Masterpieces we chose L’Artisan Parfumeur Timbuktu from 2004 where he worked with former Creative Director Nick Steward now of Gallivant) to compose a perfume inspired by the intense scents of West Africa and was added in 2019 to the revised Michael Edwards Perfume Legends II: French Feminine Fragrances. 2011’s Trayee for Neela Vermeire Creations was also included as a CaFleureBon Modern Masterpiece.
Here is Michelyn with Bertrand Duchaufour, Geza Schoen (who is squishing her hair) and Mark Buxton (photo Darryl Do)
The next two times I met Bertrand Duchaufour it was Esxence 2015 for the launch of I Miss Violet from the Different Company and later in 2016 also at Esxence for Project Renegades, along with Mark Buxton and Geza Schoen and I believe it was the first under his own signature.
I once asked M. Duchaufour what makes a great perfume…his answer, “I am sure of one thing; time is the best judge of a fragrance”. –Michelyn Camen, Editor-in -Chief
Three Bertrand Duchaufour Fragrances (chosen by Steven)
Amouage Jubilation XXV for Men: On its 25th anniversary in 2007, Amouage launched two celebratory eau de parfums created by Bertrand Duchaufour. Jubilation 25 for Women and Jubilation XXV for Men. Frankincense weaves throughout and orange and a trio of spices including coriander, cinnamon and clove finish the opening stages of Jubilation XXV. Rose and sweet guaiac wood are precisely balanced so that each enhances the trail of incense. A resinous amber at the base is joined myrrh, opoponax, real ambergris, and musk which take Jubilation XXV into its deep rich dry down. –Michelyn
Incense Avignon by Comme Des Garcons is one of the finest ecclesiastical expressions of the note of incense. This frankincense-based perfume is grounding and meditative. It wafts generously off the skin, and it is sure to induce a calming and pensive state of mind. This fragrance is meant to evoke the feeling of being in a Roman Catholic church, and perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour for has recreated the experience with absolute perfection. –Steven
Ambrosia Imperiale by Navitus Parfums is truly unique and beguiling combining a ripe banana note with spicy rum and whipped cream. Vanilla in the base is delicious and smooth while the gourmand texture overtakes our senses in the most positive way. (it was one of Steven’s top ten of 2023)-Steven
Steven Gavrielatos recommends the three Bertrand Duchaufour Fragrances should be wearing
Thanks to Nativus we have a bottle of Ambrosia Imperiale for one registered ÇaFleureBon reader and Redolessence subscriber in the USA ONLY. To be eligible, YOU MUST REGISTER. Please leave a comment with what you enjoyed knowing or learning based on BOTH Michelyn’s introduction to Bertrand Duchaufour and Steven’s reviews of the three Bertrand Duchaufour Fragrances. What is your favorite of Bertrand Duchaufour Fragrances? If you like @cafleurebonofficial your comment will count twice. Leave that in your comment and your insta name. Draw closes January 23, 2024
Disclosure: Steven works with the Navitus brand
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