The Noses

We all have a nose.  But some ‘noses’ are very special indeed: that’s industry-speak for perfumer. In reality, being a ‘nose’ is a challenging job that takes up to seven years of study – and (mostly) qualifications in Chemistry…

Francis Kurkdijan (Click photo to enlarge).

I’m always fascinated by noses.  And by the ‘Creative Directors’ and ‘evaluators’ who work in this field, too: almost ‘go-betweens’ between brands and fashion designers, and those noses, a little-known, but most important role.

Aimé Guerlain (Click photo to enlarge)

Oliver Polge (Click photo to enlarge).

These men and (increasingly) women, have the talent and skills to whisk us through time and space – bringing back memories of people and places we’ve known and loved.  Through their artistry, we can feel more romantic, more powerful, more beautiful, more creative…

Jean-Claude Ellena (Click photo to enlarge).

François Demachy

Christine Nagel (Click photo to enlarge).

Thierry Wasser

Jean-François Latty (Click photo to enlarge)

I believe their talents should be recognised and celebrated – just as composers, artists and (more recently) chefs are acknowledged for their gifts, and the enormous pleasure they bring us.  Until lately, almost all perfumers worked behind the scenes, anonymously.  Now, noses are emerging from their laboratories, starting to talk about their creations, and what goes into them….

 

Starting soon……. here on Yakymour: The Noses!

by Jean Amr