Meet the world's leading perfumers!
Harrods has always been a paradise for perfumistas, but their new Fragrance Explosion festival is really worth making a date for... They've gathered together many of the world's greatest noses for a series of 'Meet the perfumer' events, to be held throughout September. Truly, this is an extraordinary opportunity to listen to where many of the most notable names from the industry get their inspiration, and hear about their craft.
Today's event is with Crabtree & Evelyn's Fran Brown, and the scent-fest concludes in several weeks' time with our old friend Roja Dove (who of course has his Haute Parfumerie on Harrods's Fifth Floor). Other names include Olivier Creed - from the family which first began perfume-making in 1760 - and Thierry Wasser, Guerlain's in-house 'nose', as well as Christine Nagel, who's created all of Jo Malone's most recent scents.
The full run-down is below - with links to details of the events. Tickets are from £30 to £50 for each session, for what is truly a rare opportunity - and a must, for fragrance-lovers. NB Tickets MUST be booked in advance, from concierge@harrods.com.
28th August - Fran Brown for Crabtree & Evelyn (several sessions, at 2 p.m./4 p.m./6 p.m.)
29th August - Stéphane Humbert Lucas for 777 (3 p.m./6 p.m.) - in addition to creating this oriental-inspired brand, Stéphane's also behind the fantastic Nez à Nez brand, and SoOud.
30th August - Shelagh Foyle for Floris (3 p.m./6 p.m.) - let Shelagh take you behind the scenes of one of Britain's heritage fragrance brands.
2nd September - Thomas Fontaine for Jean Patou (3 p.m./6 p.m.) - when it comes to reworking a vintage fragrance for today, Thomas is a renowned expert, now working his magic for Patou; at this session you can discover the forthcoming Joy Forever.
3rd September - Christine Nagel for Jo Malone (3 p.m./5 p.m.) - this multi-award-winning female 'nose' has been creating for the brand since 2009 (we're big fans!)
4th September - Linda Pilkington for Ormonde Jayne (3 p.m./5 p.m.) - learn how to create a Cologne, with this talented name in British perfumery.
5th September - Thierry Wasser for Guerlain (8 p.m.) - a very rare opportunity to hear the stories of this in-house perfumer's creations for the legendary fragrance house, in conversation with Harrods's Chief Merchant Marigay McKee.
6th September - Michel Almairac for Chloé (2 p.m./4.30 p.m.) - hear the inspirations behind Chloé's signature scent.
9th September - Camille Goutal for Annick Goutal (3 p.m./6 p.m.) - now at the reins of her mother's company, Camille shares her passion for flowers at this session.
10th September - Bertrand Duchaufour for L'Artisan Parfumeur (3 p.m./6 p.m.) - unstopper the latest collection from L'Artisan - Explosions d'Emotions - with this legend in the perfumery world.
11th September - Victoria Christian for Clive Christian (3 p.m./6 p.m.) - put your senses to the test with Victoria, at this sensory event.
12th September - Aurélian Guichard for Robert Piguet (1 p.m.) - a special lunch, with a menu inspired by ingredients used in Piguet's iconic fragrances.
13th September - Fabrice Pellegrin and James Sherwood for Atkinsons (3 p.m./6 p.m.) - learn about fragrance creation from two experts from this heritage British brand, just revived for the 21st Century.
16th September - Joanna Norman for Chanel (11 a.m./12.30 p.m./2.30 p.m./4 p.m. and 6 p.m.) - champagne and macarons and insider info from Joanna, echoing the flavours of No. 5 and Coco.
17th September - Olivier Creed for Creed (3 p.m./6 p.m.) - Creed is one of the oldest names in perfumery: listen to Olivier talk about his family's scented heritage, and his creations.
18th September - Christophe Raynaud for Lancôme (3 p.m./4.30 p.m./6 p.m.) - face-to-face with the creator of the brand's new and daring L'Autre Oud.
19th September - cue drumroll, cue fanfare: Roja Dove closes the event with his Perfume Masterclass (3 p.m./6 p.m.), when you can discover your perfect scent at an interactive consultation (and take home a Roja Parfums creation - which is why tickets for this very special event are priced at £295...)
Frankly, we wish we could take the next three weeks off just to listen. (Though happy to say we'll be at quite a few sessions.) And if you can't get there...? Enjoy this little taster film for the Fragrance Explosion event - it's amazing how they burst the bottles! Click here to view...