On the SCENT

Antonin Khalifé, the grandson of Henry Jacques and now the Maison's in-house perfumer, dives into the brand's past, present and future.

- By JOAN KONG

Working in the family business comes with its fair share of pressure, but Antonin Khalifé is taking it all in stride. As the third generation of Henry Jacques and its in-house perfumer, he is helping to shape a new chapter in its storied legacy — 50 years, to be exact. After launching his first fragrance, Rose Azur, as part of the 2024 Collection de l'Atelier, earlier this year, he arrived in Malaysia as part of his Asia tour for the debut of the Il Y Avait Un Jardin..., the brand's fresh, cologne-inspired line. During the trip, he sat down with us to talk all things Henry Jacques — from his early beginnings to the future of fragrance.

L'OFFICIEL: What are some of your earliest memories connected to the world of perfumery?

ANTONIN KHALIFÉ: My first memory in the laboratory was when I was eight years old. In France, on Wednesday afternoons, we don't have school. At the time, my grandmother was still working in the lab, and she used to look after me. She knew I didn't want to play in the park or play football with my friends — all I wanted was to spend time with her in the lab. For me, it wasn't just a workplace — it was a room full of treasures, filled with things to see, touch and, most importantly, smell.

My first memory of making perfume was at that age. It wasn't complex or refined, but my grandmother gave me ylang-ylang, rose and jasmine, a small beaker and a little scale, and I would just play with the ingredients — no formula, just instinct. I still have those early blends today. That planted the seed in me very early on, and over the years, my passion for perfume just grew.

LO: Henry Jacques is known for its artisanal approach to perfumery. Can you walk us through your creative process when crafting a new scent?