US Vogue Article on Jean-Claude Ellena

November issue of US Vogue is featuring an interesting article by Vicki Woods on Jean-Claude Ellena. In the article, the author talks about the link Ellena sees between perfumery and cuisine, as well as about his inspirations. About upcoming Hermessence Osmanthe Yunnan, Ellena mentions that his trip to China was an important influence.

“Ellena caught on the breeze that blew from the imperial palace in Beijing, when he was there on a scent searching mission last fall. ‘At the end of October, the garden is blooming with osmanthus, white flower, pale white, creamy and you have this really beautiful smell, a very strong smell between tea and apricot,’” says Ellena in the article. The new fragrance for Hermès became inspired by this wonderful scent encountered in China.

Comments

[Laura]

Interestinger and interestinger ;D. I hope this will live up to our expectations!

[Marina]

My expections for Osmanthe Yunnan are now so high that I have no doubt at all that I will be disappointed :-))

[Tania]

What, another fragrance inspired by travels? It makes you think that JCE has told Hermès, "Yes, of course, I must travel all over the world, you see, to get inspiration for the unique fragrances I will make for you," so the sly old guy could get Hermès to pick up the tab for his vacations. ;-)

I'm of course looking forward to it immensely. I'll have to sneak a peek at the US Vogue in a local newsstand.

[BoisdeJasmin]

L, I hope so too!

[BoisdeJasmin]

M, that is usually the danger. However, my track record with Ellena's creations have been excellent, and the probability of me being disappointed is rather low.

[BoisdeJasmin]

T, this is really funny. I am now planning to ask my department to send me on dissertation topic searching mission. I would not mind locations of Paris, Rome, Prague, Tokyo. You never know where one might find some inspiration! Well, actually I spent last summer in Poland, therefore I cannot complain.

Yes, the article is quite interesting, although of course, it does not touch on a whole set of questions I would have loved to ask.

[mreenymo]

Dang! I can't believe I have not opened up my November Vogue yet to find what looks like a great article.

I'll read it tonight.

Hugs, darling!

[BoisdeJasmin]

R, it is a really nice article. I think that you will enjoy it.

[Tania]

What would you ask Ellena?

[Katie]

This scent sounds much more exciting to me than most that have been recently or are sceduled to be released soon. Should be fun to try out once it's released into the world.

And another remodel! Wow! You're really giving the blog a great distinctive look here, V. Although, I must admit, I miss the little curly scroll you had at the top near you post headers. I thought it was such a nice touch you came up with :) Also, didn't mention it earlier, but I dig how you made those drop down menus on the top. Really cool, V, and handy.

[BoisdeJasmin]

What would I ask...

about changes that his style of creation underwent, what was the catalyst, etc. (from complex like First to minimalist like the TDC fragrances)

what type of fragrance would he still have liked to create

Which of his fragrances did he enjoy creating in particular? How did the idea for Cartier Declaration come about?

Does he wear fragrances created by other perfumers? If so, which ones?

What his training with Maurice Thiboud, his professor in Geneva, and Edmond Roudnitska was like?

What relation he sees between perfumery and other arts (painting, music, poetry, etc.)

Those are only some of the questions. I am sure I can think of more, if I give it more thought.

[BoisdeJasmin]

Katie, thank you. Once again you have such a sharp eye in noticing these details. :) Not that I can take full credit for all of the work.

The scroll was very cute, but now I feel that it is a bit out of place. I will just use a different colour to separate the date for now. I think that it is less obtrusive. However, thank you for your kind comments. It is very nice to hear.

[Tania]

Ah, those are questions too advanced for Vogue but which I would love to see answered. Hope you eventually score an interview with him—it would be excellent to read.

[BoisdeJasmin]

T, yes, I hope so too!
What would you have liked to know about JCE?

[Tania]

Now that you ask me, I have no idea. I'm sure I could think of something. Hmm.