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Back To Beautyworld: Celebrating The 2023 Signature Scent
Parfex’s Master Perfumer Jean-François Thizon’s take on winning the prestigious Signature Scent award
Last year at Beautyworld Middle East 2023, I, Jean-François Thizon, had the honour of receiving the prestigious Signature Scent award, a milestone in my career that remains deeply cherished. This recognition marked a pivotal moment, and as I look back, I am filled with gratitude and inspiration.
Fragrance has always been my passion, a journey shaped by creativity, innovation, and a desire to evoke emotion through scent. As I move forward, I remain committed to pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons in perfumery, with exciting projects and ideas on the horizon.
A Journey Through Fragrance
My journey as a perfumer began in the late 1990s, following my graduation from Isipca, the esteemed fragrance school in France. With a heart full of passion for fragrance creation, I immersed myself in the rich history of perfumery in Grasse, the historical capital of this art.
There, I had the privilege of learning from independent perfumers who generously imparted their knowledge and techniques. These early experiences shaped my approach to fragrance, allowing me to develop a unique style that embraces elegance, refinement, and contrast—qualities that define both my perfumes and my persona.
Over the years, I have ventured into various fragrance categories, including fine fragrance, home care, and personal care. Each category presents its own set of challenges and opportunities, pushing me to explore new dimensions of creativity. As I honed my craft,
I became more attuned to the emotional impact that a fragrance can have on an individual. It is this understanding that fuels my dedication to crafting scents that evoke feelings, memories, and experiences.
For the past twelve years, my focus has been on the GCC market, where I regularly travel to cities like Dubai and Riyadh. This region's unique cultural tapestry has profoundly influenced my work. Today, I am proud to lead the creative team at Parfex, where my mission is to share my passion for perfumery and deliver tailor-made services to our clients.
A Moment of Triumph: The Signature Scent Award
Winning the Signature Scent trophy at the Beautyworld exhibition was not only a personal triumph but also a reflection of the hard work and creativity that our team embodies. Competing against 15 international perfume houses, I presented “Golden Light,” a fragrance inspired by the very essence of the Middle East.
The process was unique; exhibition visitors experienced a blind scent evaluation, allowing them to select the fragrance that left the most emotional impact without any preconceived notions.
“Golden Light” is a creation that I hold close to my heart. It embodies the pillars of the GCC fragrance market—musk, amber, white flowers, and vanilla. The interplay of softness and contrast, combined with an attractive top note, captivated the audience, leading to its success. This seductive, warm, and comfortable perfume reflects my olfactory vision of the region, evoking a sense of nostalgia and comfort.
The Shifting Landscape of Fragrance
As I reflect on my journey, I cannot ignore the evolution of fragrance trends, particularly in the Middle East. The globalisation of brands and the influence of social media have blurred the lines between European and Middle Eastern trends. Today, we are witnessing a shift as French-oriental perfumes take the lead. Gen Z is moving away from the classic oud and powerful oriental fragrances, opting instead for fresher interpretations that retain a sense of cultural identity.
Despite the timeless allure of oud—the storyteller of Arabian culture—there is a growing desire for fragrances that reflect modern sensibilities. As a perfumer, I embrace this change, continually exploring new avenues to create scents that resonate with the next generation of fragrance enthusiasts.
Co-Creation: A New Strategy for Success
At Parfex, we recognise that the future lies in collaboration. As part of our new strategy in the Middle East, we believe that engaging directly with our customers and co-creating fragrances is essential for success in the competitive Gulf market. By brainstorming ideas, sharing passion, and harnessing the creativity of our partners, we can craft fragrances that truly resonate with the preferences of our clientele.
Yann Mabille, Fragrance Director at Parfex, emphasises this philosophy as he speaks about me “Today, Jean-François is a key person in our new Parfex strategy in the Middle East that is, for creators, visiting directly the customers, brainstorming ideas, sharing passion and energy. We deeply believe that co-creating fragrances closer with our partners is our future and the source of shared success in the demanding and competitive Gulf market.”
Enchantment at Beautyworld 2024
As we look ahead to the next Beautyworld exhibition, we are excited to unveil our new fragrance collection, where entertainment meets enchantment. Picture vibrant neon lights, rich colours, and an atmosphere charged with excitement against a backdrop of mystery and elegance.
Our creative team has crafted six unique fragrances, each inspired by the essence of fun and designed to capture the spirit of the night.
These “scentastic” creations reflect our interpretation of having fun after dark. We invite you to discover these captivating fragrances that promise to elevate your senses and bring joy to every moment. In a world where the night is always exciting, the possibilities are truly endless.
Winning the Signature Scent award was a significant milestone in my career, but it is just the beginning of a much larger journey. The world of fragrance is alive with opportunities for innovation and creativity, and I am thrilled to be a part of it. As I continue to explore the depths of perfumery, I remain committed to crafting scents that not only embody the essence of a moment but also tell a story—one that connects with the hearts of those who wear them.
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