La madeleine de Proust by Jérôme Epinette

What's the key ingredient in 1900 L'Heure de Proust?

I'd say black tea for the smoky aspect and bergamot for a fresh, cheerful touch.

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How many ingredients did you use in this formula and how do the dominant notes interact with each other?

There are around 20 ingredients. Each has a specific role. The key ingredients give the perfume its olfactory signature, while the others add facets to the main idea.

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What makes 1900 L'Heure de Proust so unique? What moves you in particular?

First there's the signature black tea. Then the earthy notes of vetiver and finally the smoky, intriguing aspect that palo santo gives the fragrance. Bergamot and blueberry add an unexpected twist to the fragrance. A smile with every spray.

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How do you know when the perfect balance has been reached and the fragrance is finished?

I reach the perfect balance when I can distinguish all the facets of the fragrance, and they work together perfectly.

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Where and how did you learn to become a Nez?

I learned perfumery in Grasse at the Grasse Institute of Perfumery, then a year later I joined Robertet under the wing of Michel Almairac.

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What does a typical day in the perfume development process look like?

When I'm not responding to specific customer briefs, I take time out for myself, to come up with new agreements and ideas.

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Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I draw my inspiration from everything around me. It can come from nature, smelling a perfume in the street, food...

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What do you think makes a fragrance iconic and timeless?

An iconic fragrance is never forgotten. A high-quality fragrance is timeless.

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Many thanks to Jérôme Epinette and the Robertet teams for this interview!