Nathalie Lorson, a renowned perfumer known for creating iconic fragrances like Yves Saint Laurent's Black Opium, which won the International Perfume Award in 2015, recently shared insights into the art of crafting successful perfumes. The interview took place in the courtyard of the Victor Hugo house on Place des Vosges in Paris, where journalists, videographers, and experts in design and perfumery gathered. Lorson, originally from Grasse—a town in southern France known as the perfume capital—has created over 200 fragrances, including Flora for Gucci and L'impératrice for Dolce & Gabbana. According to Lorson, a fragrance that stands out in the market must offer something unique, whether through new scents, unexpected combinations, or fresh perspectives. She emphasized the importance of a strong, identifiable "signature" that makes a fragrance memorable. When asked about creating variations of a successful fragrance, she explained that it helps keep the original idea alive while introducing new elements. For example, Black Opium, originally based on coffee, white flowers, and vanilla, has seen several variations that add new layers while preserving its core identity. Lorson acknowledged the challenge of updating a famous fragrance without losing its essence. She noted that while some elements must remain consistent, they can be reimagined or paired with new ingredients. A recent variation, Pink Glaze of Black Opium, introduced a natural strawberry note, adding a fresh, indulgent twist to the fragrance. On the topic of natural versus synthetic materials, Lorson said that perfumers should not see them as opposites. She often uses both types of ingredients, pointing out that some synthetic materials are not only beautiful but also costly. She believes that the best fragrances are created by combining natural and synthetic components, which enhance each other rather than compete. Lorson has a preference for smooth, rich materials like vanilla, benzoin, and rose, but she also enjoys exploring less familiar ingredients to discover new possibilities. She stressed that each fragrance project has its own unique story and requirements, and the choice of materials depends on what best serves the fragrance's purpose, even if it’s not her personal favorite. Despite having tested thousands of scents, Lorson still finds surprises in her work, which keeps her curious and motivated to experiment with new combinations. She said she doesn’t take special measures to protect her sense of smell, but she rarely gets sick or congested, which is crucial for her profession. She also expressed admiration for other perfumers, such as Alberto Morillas, who created Flower by Kenzo, and praised the beauty of many fragrances across the industry.