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Whispers Of Luxury: Julie Pluchet’s Fragrant Mastery
Merging European finesse with Middle Eastern fragrance traditions and innovation
Julie Pluchet, Senior Perfumer at CPL Aromas, brings her refined ‘quiet luxury’ approach to the Middle East. With a passion for nature, science, and creativity, she crafts exquisite scents that honour tradition while embracing innovation. Part-time in Dubai, she explores new inspirations to redefine fine fragrance with sustainability and elegance.
ParfumPlus: You describe yourself as a ‘quiet luxury’ perfumer. How would you define that aesthetic, and how does it influence your fragrance compositions?
Julie Pluchet: We often define luxury with rarity and expensive monetary value. For me, luxury is synonymous with quality, minimalism, elegance and tranquillity—a space where my mind can breathe and where I can truly appreciate the beauty of simple things without artifice. This is why I describe myself as a ‘quiet luxury’
perfumer and why I strive to reflect this aesthetic in my creations.
PP: As a passionate flamenco dancer and a perfumer with a background in chemistry, how do movement and science influence your creations?
JP: I have been a passionate flamenco dancer for 15 years, though I had to stop due to an injury. Still, flamenco will always remain in my heart! I see perfumes as alive and constantly in motion, much like dancing body moves. Dancing is also a way for me to connect with myself and stay true to who I am—just as I do in my creations.
From my scientific background, I’ve learned that science is knowledge built on facts that have been repeatedly confirmed. Science is not rigid; it is constantly evolving, and there is always more to discover. I see a similarity with perfume creation—the raw materials palette is evolving, trends are changing, and the combinations of ingredients are infinite - I keep learning new things all the time.
PP: What first drew you to fragrance, and do you have a childhood scent memory that left a lasting impression?
JP: I’m not entirely sure what first drew me to fragrance, as my childhood memories are somewhat vague. I grew up in the countryside and I was always very curious about different scents in nature. Also, I remember being fascinated by my grandmother’s Guerlain perfumes and cosmetic products. She used to wear Jardins de Bagatelle and L’Heure Bleue. These fragrant memories definitely left a strong and lasting
impression on me.
PP: We’ve been told a film played a big role in inspiring your career in perfumery. Could you tell us a little bit more about it?
JP: When I was a teenager, I watched Fanfan with Sophie Marceau, where she played a perfumer trainee. That movie was a real turning point for me because I discovered that an entire world of perfumery existed and that being a perfumer was an actual profession.
At that moment, I knew without a doubt that this was exactly what I wanted to do with my life.
PP: Which of your own creations is your favourite? Could you share the story behind this fragrance and what it represents to you?
JP: That’s a difficult question because I don’t like to choose just one, but a fragrance I am particularly proud of is Highgrove Bouquet by Penhaligon’s. It was inspired by the Highgrove Gardens, located on the estate of King
Charles III’s residence.
The fragrance is built around Tilia petiolaris, a silver lime tree that blossoms every summer in the garden, releasing a warm, solar, and narcotic floral scent that everyone on the estate adores. With this creation, I aimed to capture the essence of silver lime blossom and recreate the natural impression of my visit to this beautiful garden.
PP: Having worked extensively in the UK, you are now bringing your expertise to the Middle East, a region deeply rooted in perfumery traditions like oud, incense, and florals. What excites you most about this new chapter, and how do you plan to incorporate these elements into your future creations while staying true to your signature style?
JP: Today, fragrance markets around the world are evolving and influencing one another, giving rise to new, blended unexpected trends—such as the fusion of oud with tropical fruits.
While the Middle Eastern market remains deeply rooted in tradition, it is also evolving, increasingly influenced by Western perfumery.
With my European heritage and expertise, I’m excited to immerse myself in Middle Eastern perfumery, expand my knowledge, and bring fresh creative ideas to the region.
Staying authentic to my personal style is a continuous journey—learning from different cultures, exploring regional ingredients, and gaining new insights.
This knowledge naturally blends with my own creative identity, allowing me to craft fragrances that honour tradition while carrying my unique signature.
PP: With CPL Aromas focusing on innovation and sustainability, how do you see the future of fine fragrance evolving in the coming years?
JP: I see the future of fragrance shaped by innovation and sustainability. Technologies like our AromaSpace are enabling us to create scents with minimal environmental impact, while still pushing creative boundaries.
PP: If you could bottle the essence of your journey as a perfumer into a single fragrance, what would it smell like?
JP: I grew up in the countryside, surrounded by nature, and was always fascinated by trees. That’s why I love working with woods and tree-inspired stories in my creations. As I grew older and lived in modern, cosmopolitan cities, I was exposed to new cultures and flavours.
I discovered cardamom quite late, but it has since become my favourite spice—I use it often, along with saffron and pink pepper, which pair beautifully with woody notes.
I also have a fondness for edible notes, like fruits and gourmand accords, probably because I’m a foodie at heart. These elements add an addictive quality to fragrances, making them all the more captivating.
PP: What message would you like to share with Parfum Plus readers?
JP: I’m excited to blend my European heritage with new traditions and ingredients, crafting scents that are both innovative and mindful of the planet.
Fragrance is a deeply personal journey—a way to connect with memories and emotions. Embrace it as an art that tells your unique story, and always explore with curiosity and joy. Hopefully, my creations will become part of your story in the future.
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