If the world were to lose its vocabulary for emotion, Christian Dior’s perfumer-creator François Demachy describes to Jessica Liew how fragrances can communicate better than words.
WE’RE IN A Parisian apartment, sitting down to tea with Christian Dior perfumer-creator, François Demachy. Moments ago, we had stepped from the garden-city of Singapore into this It-Girl-worthy apartment, in all its floodlit chic decor peppered with prized pieces of objet d’art, books and quivering scented candles. This is the 4,000 sqft pop-up penthouse atop ION Orchard mall, that the region’s media were flocking into town for. François had brought with him a piece of French savoir-faire for the opening of Singapore’s Maison Christian Dior boutique, some floors down.
François has the endearing appeal of a beloved grandfather and once the conversation flows, his wisecracks and spontaneity reveal the sensitivity that won over the Parfums Christian Dior group in 2006. The main nose of the prestigious Maison, he is a native to France’s perfume capital, Grasse, making him a natural at all things fragrance. His upbringing has ingrained a reverence for tradition and a perceptive originality in approaching his trade.
Funnily, the creator of iconic Dior perfumes like Dior Poison Girl and Dior J’Adore did not set out for this career path. “My calling to be a perfumer is almost a case of failing on everything else,” he admitted, ruefully. “I was meant to be a doctor or medical professional. In my days, whatever your father decided was what you’re supposed to become.”
Denne historien er fra Malaysia Tatler July 2017-utgaven av Malaysia Tatler.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra Malaysia Tatler July 2017-utgaven av Malaysia Tatler.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Waves of Wonder
Chaumet's Ondes & Merveilles high jewellery collection invents a unique language of the sea, capturing the colours and joy of life within and around the expansive depths
Bright, Light, Bella
Bella Hadid's star shines brighter as the new face of Chopard's iconic Ice Cube collection
Beauty Playbook
We tapped the British make-up extraordinaire Pat McGrath to talk all things beauty as she takes us through her early beginnings, creative process, make-up tips and more
The Chloé Woman, Reborn
As we head into fall-winter 2024, let's unpack one of the most anticipated collections of the season-Chemena Kamali's homecoming collection for Chloé
To the Mun and Back
Korean actress Mun Ka-young opens up about her dream destinations and her non-negotiable in-flight skincare essentials
One Step at Time
We speak to Edgardo Osorio, founder of luxury footwear brand Aquazzura, on his vision of comfort and glamour, from weddings to world stages
Seams Like Art
Eleen Tan, a fashion illustrator and art lecturer, talks about finding success and fulfilment in the fast-paced fashion industry without sewing a single stitch
POWERFUL LITTLE PERFORMER
In both her wardrobe choices and acting roles, Eyka Farhana demonstrates remarkable range
HOT DAME!
Meet the chic 89-year-old great-grandmother whose story of family and romantic reunion is as awe-inspiring as her timeless elegance
Digital Transformation
Newly appointed managing director of Microsoft Malaysia Laurence Si brings 30 years of experience to the role