A Sense Of Scent

One of the best compliments you can give a woman is that a scent is so her. We sit with Anne-Lise Cremona, CEO of bespoke perfume house Henry Jacques as she tells us how perfumery is a real art and why not to follow trends

- Georgie Bradley

You were born into perfumery. What was the first perfume you received as a gift, which became your signature scent?

My first love, which has now become my perfume of choice, is ‘Janice’ – it’s very warm and very French. The second is called ‘Datcha’; my mother wore it for a very long time. Again, I have a special version of this incredible perfume, with a bouquet that I adore to make it more personal. My mother also offered me a composition of roses when I was very young, called ‘Rose Suprème’. I like to wear this by itself, but also to add it on top of other perfumes.

What smells do you love?

My tastes vary according to the seasons and my daily style. Just like my wardrobe, I change my perfumes instinctively. I love perfume that represents French elegance but this cannot be narrowed down to a single olfactive family. In summer, I wear colognes based on citrus and natural woods. In winter, I love complex and very feminine blends, like the two perfumes I’ve already mentioned. What counts for me above all, is for the perfume to be ‘noble’ and define my personality without being imposed on others. I also love more than anything else to apply a few drops of perfumes before going to sleep. A home without perfume cannot be refined.

Was there ever a time where you perhaps weren’t going to follow the family fold into perfumery?