A POETIC NOTE
GQ India|March 2021
As H24 by Hermès Parfums makes its debut, GQ sits down with perfumer-creator Christine Nagel for a look into the French luxury house’s new signature scent
A POETIC NOTE

What has been Hermès' fragrance style over the years? How does that tie into the way you create fragrances?

Hermès is a house that values freedom and diversity. It gives both artisans and artists creative freedom and time, allowing them to set the tone and pace of their work. We don’t do any market research or fragrance focus groups. Marketing supports but doesn’t replace creation. I’d call the Hermès fragrance style subtly elegant and sophisticated, with a real presence that is neither intrusive nor invasive.

What was your original vision for H24? Did it change course during the creation process?

The process was like the fragrance: clear and radiant. From ideation to completion, the project has been astonishingly fluid. What took time was the blending of raw materials. At Hermès, that is at the heart of all the métiers – and, naturally, at the centre of mine. We also have the freedom to choose the raw materials. It’s a luxury that allows me to go where no one else can.

Nature and sustainability play a significant role – both in terms of materials and notes. Give us a little insight into why that was imperative for this fragrance.

This story is from the March 2021 edition of GQ India.

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This story is from the March 2021 edition of GQ India.

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