Weathering With You

Petrichor the sweet, damp smell of green and asphalt after the rain now has anew name christened by Christine Nagel of Hermes, H24 Herbes Vives.

- Bryan Goh

HELLO CHRISTINE, WHAT A PLEASURE IT IS TO INTERVIEW YOU AGAIN. TO START WITH, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE H24 HERBES VIVES? 

To keep it brief and to the point, I would choose these three words: powerful, fresh and lively.

THE WORD CONTEMPORARY — USED IN THE PRESS RELEASE — IS OFTEN USED IN FASHION OR FOOD. WHAT DOES IT MEAN THROUGH THE LENS OF A FRAGRANCE? WHAT MAKES A FRAGRANCE CONTEMPORARY? 

You might consider the term overused, but I think it perfectly expresses the modernity of perfumery. In terms of imagination, a contemporary fragrance reflects today’s cultural, artistic and social influences and the spirit of the times. Its composition is also characterised by innovative compositions and unique ingredients. The fragrance industry constantly evolves to meet changing consumer preferences and explore new creative ideas.

IN OUR INTERVIEW ABOUT H24, YOU MENTIONED THAT IT WAS “LIKE WHEN YOU SEE A MAN WALKING ON AN HERMÈS RUNWAY SHOW — THE MATERIALS ARE SO SOFT THAT YOU’D WANT TO TOUCH AND CARESS THEM.” WHAT WOULD THE IMAGERY BE FOR THE H24 HERBES VIVES MAN? 

He’s the same man; he hasn’t changed, but it’s so satisfying to work on a formula over and over again, to extend it, to make it say something else. I have everything I need when the initial structure is beautiful and strong. It’s a fascinating exercise that I never tire of.