In this exclusive interview with ParfumPlus Magazine, Vanessa Prudent, a perfumer from Argeville, shares how travel, tradition and taste influence her creations. Each fragrance is a story waiting to be told.
ParfumPlus: Your journey began in the serene countryside of French Normandy. How did those early experiences with nature ignite your passion for scent creation?
Vanessa Prudent: As a child, I often went for walks in the woods with my family. My grandparents had a garden filled with flowers and vegetables. The humid climate of Normandy intensified the scents of nature—I could smell the damp ground, dewy leaves, blooming flowers and ripe red fruits.
I enjoyed horse-riding in the forest and still remember the fragrant mix of mud, horse sweat and leather saddle. The olfactory environment has always been important to me. So, when I discovered there was a job dedicated to creating scents, it felt obvious.
ParfumPlus: You studied perfumery at ISIPCA in Paris, then later worked in Brazil. How have these diverse environments shaped your creative perspective?
Vanessa Prudent: I discovered a variety of smells: the Parisian subway, roasted chestnuts on the boulevards, exotic markets in São Paulo filled with fruits and spices, and the sparkling freshness of Brazilian lime.
Adapting to new surroundings, city life, and new encounters brought fresh emotions. I landed my dream job, and suddenly, everything felt possible. I’ve come to realise that curiosity is a powerful driver of personal growth. My dedication not only helped me gain experience but also sharpened my ability to interpret briefs with precision.
ParfumPlus: Travel is often a catalyst for inspiration. Is there a destination that has profoundly influenced your olfactory imagination or creative process?
Vanessa Prudent: It’s difficult to choose just one—every place and travel memory lingers.
The most recent, and by no means least, was my journey to Scotland, a place that transported me through scent and continues to inspire me.
In the Highlands, heather carpets the misty moors, and marine fragrances mingle with wildflowers to create a heady atmosphere. Just as powerful is the malty scent of whisky drifting from distilleries, spreading across the country from west to east.
Whenever a client brief stirs a memory, I draw on it to create sensory fragrances that tell a story—one I always hope will resonate as deeply with others as it does with me. Beyond the places I’ve been, I also love to imagine those I’ve yet to explore. They, too, are a source of inspiration.
ParfumPlus: Do you try to discover new raw materials during your travels?
Vanessa Prudent: Visiting Grasse for the first time, I discovered the beauty of local raw materials: rose, jasmine, tuberose, everlasting, mimosa, lavender, and sage.
In Sri Lanka, I walked through lush cinnamon and tea plantations, learning about each stage—from harvest to oil extraction—before the materials become suitable for the perfume industry. In India, I visited an oud production unit and witnessed the entire process, gaining a deep appreciation for the patience and expertise required to obtain this precious raw material.
ParfumPlus: The Middle East has a rich heritage of fragrances. What elements from the region have found their way into your work, whether in terms of ingredients or storytelling?
Vanessa Prudent: The Middle East’s olfactory heritage is incredibly rich and deeply rooted in history. I’ve learned to understand local preferences by going out into the field and working closely with our dedicated team at Argeville’s office in Sharjah, near Dubai.
I enjoy creating opulent fragrances—blending spices, flowers, woods, and intense trails of leather or oud. I always pay close attention to intensity and longevity. Over time, I’ve learned to precisely balance saffron, dry woods and frankincense to align with the region’s distinctive aesthetic.
ParfumPlus: Have you discovered scent rituals or customs that inspired you in a surprising way?
Vanessa Prudent: Olfactory rituals vary widely across regions, reflecting local preferences. Every place on earth has its own way of drinking tea, which has inspired me to explore countless variations. An herbal facet might evoke tea leaves, a milky vanilla nuance recalls a matcha latte, while a smoky note transports us to black tea. I recently expanded this exploration with a taro bubble tea note, carrying hints of cereal and sweetness, distinct from the others.
In Brazil, the hot climate encourages frequent showers and perfume reapplication, favouring lighter scents. In the Middle East, strong fragrances are essential, deeply tied to culture, religion, and social norms.
In Europe, perfume is like a fashion accessory—an expression of personal style—so olfactive profiles are diverse. In Asia, where fragrances are more subtle, scented hair products play a key role in daily routines and are expected to last all day.
ParfumPlus: Gastronomy and perfumery share a deep sensory bond. Has a culinary experience during your travels ever inspired a gourmand or emotional note in your work?
Vanessa Prudent: As a curious foodie, local tastes strongly influence my creations. I discovered various ways to enjoy coconut in Brazil and different uses for saffron in Middle Eastern recipes. These experiences inspired me to recreate those flavours in fragrance, experimenting to highlight different facets of an accord.
For example, I can work with coconut in its watery, hydrating form, its milky, creamy side, or transform it into a toasted, caramelised dessert with grated coconut. I know a fragrance is just right when it feels so real, I can almost taste it.
Sometimes I translate other people’s taste memories, like when I recreated the nostalgic pleasure of an Argeville client who had tasted his first crêpe suzette in Paris. Notes of orange liqueur and caramelised butter captured the lasting impression it left on him.
ParfumPlus: Are there any Argeville creations that hold a special connection to a place you’ve visited, where a memory or landscape directly shaped the final scent?
Vanessa Prudent: For House of Noya’s Prima Collection, I created “Winter Sun” and “Midnight Melody” with total creative freedom, both inspired by personal travel memories.
One evokes the warmth of India with tuberose, coconut milk, and sandalwood; while the other captures the cosy elegance of a London club, with notes of wood, leather, and tobacco. My guiding thread was to share special moments I experienced while travelling.
ParfumPlus: With Argeville expanding globally, how do international markets—especially fragrance-sensitive regions like the Middle East and Asia—shape your creative direction?
Vanessa Prudent: Internal regional reports, regular exchanges with teams at our global centres, and occasional trips have helped me gain solid experience. Our local contacts in Dubai, Bangkok, and, more recently, Vietnam, frequently introduce us to their flagship products and new launches, allowing us to expand our knowledge and guide our creative projects.
ParfumPlus: What message would you like to share with ParfumPlus readers?
Vanessa Prudent: Travelling is the nicest way to experience life, broaden one’s horizon, and discover new perspectives. By meeting people, one has unforgettable and enriching experiences. But it is also very important to know where one comes from to embrace one’s cultural heritage and make the most of it.
Add Comment