Interview with Martine Micallef of Parfums M.Micallef: Love and Happiness + Love Story Draw

 

 

It is a great honor to 'meet' Martine Micallef who has been creating some of my favorite fragrances for over a decade. In this exclusive CaFleureBon interview (and one that is rarely granted) we are introduced to a woman, an artist, a wife and a mother who embodies the expression love and happiness.  

 

 

For the readers who aren’t familiar with you  or your background, please introduce yourself 

MM: I am Martine Micallef, and I live with my Husband Geoffrey Nejman, in GRASSE. I was born in NICE in 1961. We have 4 daughters and one boy.

I co-founded the company PARFUMS M MICALLEF with my husband in 1997, and since the very first day, it has been a “ joint venture” of love and passion in all we do and how we live .

When did you meet Geoffrey?

MM: When I met my husband in 1992, I owned two beauty salons in Cannes and Geoffrey was a banker and worked in a lab in Grasse (where he was managing the finance department). We both spoke a lot about perfumes and what he experienced in the Lab in Grasse and we decided to start our own company; that is when Parfum M Micallef was born.

 You are both intimately involved in every aspect of the business. Is it difficult to being part of a perfume couple?

 MM: When I met Geoffrey, it felt like it was written across the sky that we would always be together. You cannot avoid your destiny. And if I had to do it again ,  nothing would be different.

 

How difficult is it to work together?

MM: Not at all. We are complementary ….I create and design bottles, packagings; I am the 'idea' person and Geoffrey helps develop the fragrances together with famous Jean Claude Astier.

Describe yourself in 25 words.

MM: I am an artist and I love to work with my hands. I love creating, designing , painting, combining  many elements of Art . I am an optimist and a romantic.

Geoffrey once told me that  you were using oud in fragrances since the beginning (and may I add) long before it  became almost ubiquitous.

 MM: Yes, all the way back in 1997 when few companies even knew about this ingredient. Since I always was attracted by the Oriental world and culture,  (because of my personal Maltese origins), I discovered the mystery of AOUD and developed perfumes with it … mixing  both French and Middle Eastern Cultures

   

Martine was raised with all brothers in Nice, France  (property of CaFleureBon)

Your childhood?

 MM: I was raised in happiness with all  my brothers. It was because of them that I developed  my strong and dynamic character

 

 Which scent did your mother wear?

MM: My mother always fancied powerful perfumes with volume  and sillage, often  with with rose. Her favourites were amongst  GUERLAIN

What is  your creative process 

MM: Creating a perfume starts with a mood and a flash in my mind. It often happens when  Geoffrey and I  travel and are in changing environments. It is either Geoffrey or myself coming up with the “idea”. Then, Geoffrey goes to the lab and starts to mix with our senior nose the first ingredients. It is a long process. It can take six months and more. And sometime it is done in “no time“. We use the finest ingredients and we do not skimp on ingredients and pay premium costs. It is always a mix of  the best natural ingredients and some synthetics which are at highest quality of olfactive values and quality.

 

Your gorgeous flacons … many are opulent and breathtaking

MM: From the start, we decided to target the high end of the consumer market and we decided to produce “luxury”  perfumes in  magnificent flacons that are collectibles. I think it was the right choice since these consumers are connoisseurs and enjoy high quality.

Your line has changed over the years some  of my favorites are still in production and there are many new  fragrances that sound enticing. Why did you scale back. 

 

 MM:  We had about 35 scents. We recently reduced the collection and have kept our favorites,what you may call the core of the line  and are planning to  slowly  discontinue those which we feel it is time to say goodbye to. Currently, we are developing new perfumes and want to build a collection that will  be around for many years to come.

 Secret vice?

 MM: I don t have any vices ….. I 'm perfect ! O.K.  Let 's say I love food.

 

Favorite  foods?

MM: I prefer simple dishes and  always with tomatos. For example, Pasta  with Tomato Sauce and Eggplants and fresh  Parmesan Cheese. I always seem to go  “ back  to the market with memories of my mother; I love a fresh Baguette with olive oil, a slice of Tomato and a dash of  salt. Yes it is simple, but always the ingredients are the most fresh and aromatic.

 

There must be a connection in  wanting the best ingredients and foods to your perfumes. What is the common link in your brand 's DNA?

MM:  Yes, now that I think of it there is. There is a signature to all our fragrances; always there is sensuality, warmth and a softness.  I don't like straight cut angles.

Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

Editor's note: Did you know an oud is an ancient instrument as well as a natural ingredient. For those of you who are Oud adverse- I would recommend Auod Gourmet.

We have a draw for your choice of any current  Parf ums M.Micallef .  

 

In order to be eligible: Please leave a comment about something you found fascinating in this interview along with your choice of fragrance. Please use our ad banner which is located on the left hand side of the site.

Good Luck! Draw ends January 5, 2011

 We announce the winners only on site, our new www.cafleurebon.com page and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and www. cafleurebon.com use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilt perfume

 

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56 comments

  • I’m fascinated by the idea of a couple working together in any creative endeavor. I’d love that! Thank you for the drawing. If I win, I would be thrilled to own a bottle of Ananda.

  • I like the references to food: “always the ingredients are the most fresh and aromatic.” Scent is so important to taste.
    I would be delighted with Gaiac, which smells good enough to drink.

  • I love the common link in the brand, warmth, sensuality and softness. The idea of that thread is very enticing. I know already I will love these perfumes. I am very very fond of Aoud so my choice would be the Aoud Gourmet

  • taffynfontana says:

    i find it fascinating that their perfume creations start with a mood and a flash in her mind such a creative and dynamic woman is the moving force in M. Micallef Perfumes. I would love to try Jewel for her it sounds magestic.

  • I find it amazing that Martine Micallef felt that her husband was the one she was meant to be with for the rest of their lives. Its a wonderful thing when you as a couple can be creative and passionate about something together and make it work for you. They truly sound like a lovely couple. If i had to choose a fragrance it wold be the Micallef For Her. Wonderful draw, thank you so much.

  • Dan Mickers says:

    I loved to hear about how long she has been using oud. There were many things in the article that was a great read. My favorite one of her creations so far is Aoud 1. Absolutely delicious fragrance!

  • I’m with Haunani – I am always intrigued by couples who can work together so closely and still stay on track. I also liked that she has been using oud for a long time.

    I would probably want Gaiac but not completely sure, maybe one of the Seas…

  • Nice interview! I’m a big fan of M. Micallef. I found it interesting to learn that Martine is of Maltese background. If I won, I would love Red Sea, as it’s an amazing fragrance (and I hope not one that will be discontinued!).

  • I don’t know why I thought that Martine was born in the States and is American. OK, good to know she is from Nice. I love hers cents and bottles, they are perfect decoration objects as well, not speaking of the juices, these are master of the arts. I would choose Red Sea. Thanks.

  • This line was a great discovery for me. Not only are they excellent, distinctive fragrances with a unique yet approachable style – they just say “France” to me! I have not smell Gaiac, but that would be the one for me. Why? Because I see so many fragrances where gaiac is too strong or too light – but I suspect that Micallef would do it just right.

  • Nice interview! Great to see a couple working together so closely. From their range I particularly like Gaiac but should I win it would be lovely to get Jewel For Him.

  • Very interesting interview I love the fact, as she states, that they used aoud form the beginning of their creations, therefore I would like the bottle of Aoud if I won. Thank you!!

  • I liked the interview and mostly the part where she describes herself. A touch of romance when you create something will be a work of a master for love is the strongest ingredient. An unseen and scentless presence but very easy to feel.

    If I were to win I would like Printemps for the flowers, as love, bloom during Printemps (Spring).

  • It is fascinating to wonder how much her childhood of smelling her mother’s fragrances inspired her. I love Printemps most from Micaleff.

  • I really like her food choices – going back to basics.
    If I were to choose a perfume, I believe I’d go with Aoud.

  • Very interesting. For some reason I had assumed that MM was a man… So the biggest surprise was the photo! But I was also impressed by her in general: the partnershipbwith her husband, the taste in food… I’ve never tried any of the perfumes, but they’re now high in my must try list.

  • I love this interview where I read about the story of her life. I am glad that she does everything together with her soul-mate and that they understand each other so well. When their love is sparkling, stars fill their fragrance bottles.

    I have not tried any of Martine’s perfume but I would love to try Avant-Garde.

  • Having worked a business with my husband successfully I know it takes much passion and patience. I love that they have found their successful balance. I would love to try Imperial Santal.

  • This was a great interview and my favorite part of it, hands down, was reading about the husband & wife partnership and their true love affair. Such a rare thing and beautiful.

    I have only worn the Rose Aoud and it’s wonderful, but I think I would choose the Aoud Gourmet if I am so fortunate to win! The notes sound amazing. Thanks for the opportunity!

  • I loved this article, the love story, a perfume line that you adore, the fabulous flacons. You have peaked my interest to explore M. Micallef Perfumes, even though they are expensive. Maybe I’ll buy some samples and nurse them slowly

  • Great Interview, I love to hear the backstory of creatives and what inspires them. I can relate that it all starts with a “Flash” of inspiration especially while traveling. I found M. Micallef when in France and would love to try Avant Garde.

  • I would love to try the new oud fragrance. I think it is interesting that a couple still so complimentary after many years of working together.

  • I found fascinating that making some perfumes can take half a year, while other scents are made in a day!

    I’d love to try Gaiac. Thanks!

  • “When I met Geoffrey, it felt like it was written across the sky that we would always be together.”

    Such a perfectly apt description of how it feels to finally meet your soul mate.

    I’ve seen the perfume blog ads for M Micallef and at a glance they seemed too high-end for plebeian me to tempt getting a hankering for the unobtainable. This interview brought them a little closer to earth and now I’d like to know what the citrus & white florals of the curiously named “Black” are all about.

  • I also love the food reference”pasta with tomatoe sauce,eggplant and parmesan cheese and bread yum!
    I learned quite a bit M. Micaller she has 5 brothers and her mother loved Guerlain. She is an optimist and a romantic.
    I love her bottles they are gorgeous. I think she really is in touch with her consumersknowing that they love fine scents and luxurious bottles to house the scents.
    If I were chosen I would love to try Black.
    Thanks to Cafleurebon and M.Micallef for your generosity:)

  • what a lucky lady, mme micallef: being a perfumer living in grasse (!!!), having a beloved husband, 5 children, and a profession she loves — *and* knowing that this is extraordinary and extraordinarily wonderfurful!

    i wish her many many more years of this happiness!

    as for the perfume i want to try: i’d say it’s a toss up bewtween gaiac and patchouli — both unsiffed and soley going by the names.

    but since that is so (that i have not tried anything by micallef other than her mon parfum — and that i love) — if i win, i leave it to michelyn to chose something from the line-up. i know she won’t steer me wrong, 🙂

  • What a great interview, I love getting to know the perfumers better this way. There were so many things I didn’t know; that Martine Micallef was the artist behind the bottles and designs and to learn about their work together as a couple. I love many of the Micallef perfumes: Mon Parfum, Black Sea, Note Vanille and Gaiac, and am glad that some of those stay in production, and can’t wait to sniff the new perfumed paths she and Geoffry Neijman will take.
    Thank you for the interview and the wonderful draw.

  • I find it fascinating that they have 5 children! As a mother of two little ones I know how hard that must be. And to have their own business. They obviously thrive on a challenge!
    I would love to try Black I think but goodness it’s hard to choose! Thanks for the opportunity and the great interview.

  • Hi everyone
    The Micallef line is one of my favorites and I own several
    It was a delightful experience interviewing Martine
    I would ask that you please choose your fragrance and be specific
    It must be part of the current line which is featured http://www.mmicallef.com
    Good luck

  • Interesting comment: ” Creating a perfume starts with a mood and a flash in my mind”.

    I am so tempted by Ananda and Black Ananda. I will have to think hard and decide. Do I have to decide now? 🙂 Probably Black.

    Thank you!

  • in that case, i choose gaiac.
    (spicy sounds lovely, too.
    but gaiac it is.)

    and michelyn, these interviews you’re conducting are great — introducing the perfumers to us as real people, not just anonymous entities.

  • This is a great interview, and I had a tingle when I read that Martine had that feeling about her husband. I know exactly how it feels, because I had one about my husband. It sure makes everything easier, because you know an important thing for sure.

    I also did not realize that Martine designes the bottles. I took a closer look — they are absolutely gorgeous!

    I am really interested in Royal Amber. How is it different from a one that’s not available on the site anymore which is called Note Ambree?

    But if I am a lucky lucky very lucky winner, Aoud Gourmet for me. Michelyn rec is worth a lot, and the notes list for this one is just about irresistible!

  • I was interested that Martine came from a different career before starting a perfume company with her husband. I am always impressed when people follow their dreams. I am not familiar with this line but I think I would choose Mon Parfum. Thank you for the draw!

  • I found the decision to “curate” the M. Micallef line by reducing the number of fragrances and focusing on the company’s core very interesting. In an era of over-saturation of the perfume market and countless, derivative (in every sense of the word) flankers, it is refreshing to see such care and thoughtfulness given not just to individual perfumes but the quality of the line overall.

    That said, given the high quality of the M. Micallef perfumes, I’m sure there are a few perfumistas mourning the loss of a favorite perfume. I was happy to see Rose Aoud is still in the line, though I am sad to see Shanaan is no more, as I never had a chance to try it. 🙁

    If I were to win, I would love a bottle of Rose Aoud. I tried it once in Switzerland and the memory has stayed strong with me. I think it is a wonderful, techni-color beauty of a rose. 🙂

  • Something I didn’t find so much fascinating as heart touching and wonderful is that Martine Micallef and her husband work as a team in their creations. It’s very hard for couples to have a career together and I think it’s wonderful that they complement each other so well and create such beautiful perfumes together.
    I have only tried Gaiac but If I won I would like to try the Gourmet Aoud.
    Thanks for the draw.

  • It is interesting to find out Micallef has been using OUDH as long as they have. Also that Martine and Geoffrey are more than just husband and wife; but business partners and a creative duo on everything! How wonderful.

    On many occasions I have said M. Micallef? It should be MMMMMMMMM Micallef as each and every scent of theirs that I have sniffed has made me sigh deeply with pleasure!

  • What a wonderful interview. The partnership Martine and her husband have, with her working on the bottle design and her husband focusing on the fragrance is an example of teamwork at its best. How lucky she is to feel that she would not change a thing. If I were to win, I would like to try Aoud Gourmet. Thank you for the draw!

  • I loved hearing how she knew immediately that she and her husband were meant to be together “it was written across the sky…you can not avoid destiny….”. She is a quintessential romantic!

    In the past I have worn Agarwood (Oud) essential oil as a perfume but have never owned a perfume with oud as a note so I would love to try Aoud Gourmet.

  • Interesting fact is that they were one of the first houses to start using oud in their creations, also is pretty cool that they are a husband/wife team behind, and they are involved from scratch in their creative effort for each fragrance. I only tried from them Le Seducteur and Gaiac and bothe are really good.
    If I win I’d love to get Jewel for Him. Thanks for another great draw.

  • I love, love, love these interviews! Thanks so much for these. I have not had the opportunity to try any M. Micallef scents, but this article makes me want to try all of them. 🙂 I am fascinated by any artist who ventures out on their own and follows their dream and passion. Martine, you are an inspiration!!!! All the best to you and your husband for continued success and gratification with your art.

    If I win the draw, I would love a bottle of Mon Parfum. Thank you!

  • Ricardo Villagran says:

    The idea of pursuing excellence while doing what we love is for me the core part of the interview… I would lo ve to try them all, specially Gourmet and Aoud 1!!

  • I find the Micallef creative process very interesting! The whole interview was wonderful, though. I would love to try Aoud Gourmet. Thanks for the draw!

  • I actually was surprised to read that Martine and Geoffrey didn’t start the company until 1997. It looks much more established. Ever since I smelled Gaiac I fell in love with her perfumes, and recently I tried Aoud Homme, which is mindblowing, and which would also be my pick, were I to win…

  • It’s fascinating that when love comes together wonderful things come out of it. The magic of their relationship translates into private and personal perfumes. With their perfumes they share a part of their joy. I would like to try Aoud Gourmet.

  • I thought her choice of foods and her love of tomatoes and her favorite snack was a very simple dish based on a baguette, fresh tomatoes and olive oil.. I could almost taste this.. it’s the way throughout the interview that the brand’s creative philosophy started to permeate her replies and by the end.. the innate visual of that simple dish.. became almost tangible.

    Aoud.. sounds like an amazing scent.

  • Great piece! thanks to all for the draw.
    I noticed right off the bat that Martine Micallef is an established artist in addition to her perfumery-related work. It seems like creativity crosses media!

    One tidbit I noticed was her ‘Maltese origins’– I just caught up with some friends who visited there months ago. Maltese is a semitic language written in roman letters, which I didn’t know before my friends told me about the island’s rich history.
    I like the connection drawn to the melding of French perfumery and Middle Eastern elements.

    The decision to trim down the line and refocus is interesting–many lines sprawl and never contract. Although, many of their past ragrances are lamented….

    I liked learning about their partnership; it sounds romantic and intense, to have not only a marriage and family together but also a creative business parnership. And I didn’t know she designed the bottles–they’re beautiful! Especially Jewel for Him and Micallef for Her.

    Used the side banner thingy. If I won, I would love Gaiac.

  • Was recently in her new store in Cannes (as they were unpacking) and while I did not have enough time to smell everything, I was struck by the variety and quality of the flacons. A unique approach where you can see the care and effort placed into each design. Since I didn’t get to smell Guaiac and I heard it was beautiful, that’s my wish!

  • I think M. Micallef’s “Une Note Vanille” is simply one of the BEST oriental vanillas of all time – a true masterpiece. And i know many others in the fragrance community feel the same. I was so sad to hear that it was discontinued. I still cling to hope that it will one day be re-launched.. Would a petition do the trick?? : ) 🙂

  • im Maltese and horrified about this interview she has Maltese roots and doesnt even know where Malta is!!!!
    She could at least google it and see where it is, we are NOT in the middle east!!!!Didnt your mother tell you anything about Malta???Surely she would never say we where oriental, we are in the middle of the mediterranean near Sicily!!!!
    and answering to one of the stupid comments.. we dont have any red sea here!!!!

    Im surely am indignated!!!