Friday, August 25, 2017

How I made my first own fragrance @Grasse/Fragonard, my insights!

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Bonjour Grasse, France! 

photo of my desk while doing the apprentice workshop at Fragonards perfumers in Grasse, France.


My experience of an attendance at Fragonards workshop - perfumers apprentice - my insights! 


Hey guys,


never thought I would going back to be an apprentice, but as I was planning on our trip to beautiful Cote d'Azur, France, I was reading about the beautiful town of Grasse. 


Grasse is located in the region called "Alpes-Maritimes", about 30 min drive from Cannes. It is formally known to be the worlds capital when we speak about perfume. Mr. Patrick Süskind wrote also a novel about the town called "the perfume". 


photo of the streets of grasse, France, outside from Fragonards workshop


I don't know how you think about it, but Im really obsessed with perfume. A day without putting on my favorite fragrance is a day lost for me. Over the years I found my "signature" fragrances, which I put on - depending on my mood which one I choose - in the morning. For me it is more to a fragrance then smelling good, it is a way of showing your personality and a perfect tool for again recognition. 


photo of a poster shown in Fragonards entrance history hall

So it was no surprise as I found out a parfumeur called "Fragonard" is offering workshop called "perfumers apprentice". This one was made for me! You can book it easylie on the website of Fragonard, which I linked you here. Reservation through internet only and according the dates open. 

About Fragonard - it is once again all about dedication and passion. The parfumerie was opened in 1926. The name is choosen as the entrepreneur - Eugene Fuchs - was dedicating it to the famous Grasse-born painter, Jean-Honore Fragonard (1732-1806), as a tribute to both the town of Grasse and to the refinement of 18th-century arts. The choice of name expressed the desire to run the business in accordance with traditions. This spirit has been loyally perpetuated by the three succeeding generations who have run and are still running the company. Today , Jean-Francois Costas daughters, run the company continuing to build the company while adapting it to current market needs and desires. 

If you are not visiting the Cote d'Azur - no problem, you can also attend the workshop in Paris. 
One thing to mention for families, children are not accepted under 12 years old. 

As we arrive at Fragonard it was really historical. As you check in you see the Fragonard history and can check the different states of the companies history. We got warm welcomed by our teacher.


photo of history welcome hall at Fragonard Grasse, France



She took us to our "apprentice" room, which provided for every attendance an own desk with different tools, which we would need to use for the perfume process. 


photo of apprentice room for Fragonards workshop to become a parfumer in Grasse, France

After a short introduction from her she gave us a history and information tour of Fragonard and history of perfumery, origins of the raw materials.


photo of my desk at the Fragonard workshop apprentice parfumer with different glasses and smelling products


The workshop started with smelling on the different glasses, provided for us. She was giving us an introduction about the "fragrance pyramid": head, heart and base notes. We got into detail about the sensory and olfactory memory development. She trained us about the essences used by a "nose". 


photo of my workshop handouts from Fragonard workshop apprentice


It was just great to experience where the raw materials come from and how many essences are needed to build a fragrance. 

After we knew about our "raw materials" which we had in glasses for us, we were ready to build up or own customized "Eau de Cologne" with 9 essences.  Which was just great and surprising how you mix up the essences to build a great perfume. 


photo of me mixing up my essences for my own fragrance at the workshop from Fragonard in Grasse, France


After 1, 30 minutes which gone by so quickly we had to say goodbye leaving the great teacher with our own diploma as a "perfumers apprentice" by Fragonard, a lovely pouch to carry our perfume bottle and a Fragonard designed apron. 


photo of my lovely pouch to carry and my perfume bottle from the Fragonard apprentice perfumer workshop in Grasse, France


The workshop costs: 65 Euro / person. 

If you are into fragrances and great activities for your mind and nose, don't miss this place when travel to beautiful French Rivera, France. 


Cheers,
Melaines-Insights
www.melaines-insights.com




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