There is a profile of Frédéric Malle in the September edition of French Vanity Fair that has just hit the shelves.  It’s an excellent read if you can get hold of it. You’ll learn about his childhood, family and the brand. Frédéric Malle is of course well known in the niche perfume world. He has created a well edited collection of high quality perfumes and has selected talented perfumers to work on the line. Malle recently sold his company to Estée Lauder for more than 10 million dollars and many start ups these days in the perfume world, are no doubt trying to emulate his success in some shape or form. Expect more Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle stores to open around the globe with the acquisition.

The following quote is from Dominique Ropion the nose behind seven perfumes in the Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle range. These include perfume lover favourites Portrait Of A Lady, Carnal Flower and Vetiver Extraordinaire. Here he remembers what Frédéric Malle said to him about working for his perfume house.

“Je suis éditeur; vous êtes mes auteurs; je vais publier vos oeuvres. Vous êtes libres. Il n y’a aura pas de tests consommateurs,  pas de limites de prix pour les achats de matières”.

Translation : I am an editor, you are my auteurs, I am going to publish your works. You are free. There will be no consumer tests, no limits on price for buying materials.

Pierre Bourdon who signed French Lover and Iris Poudre for Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle had this to say about Malle.

“Malle n’aime pas le mievre. Il veut du dur, du vrai, de l’expressif, de l’outrance …”

Translation : Malle does not like cutesy.  He wants the truth, the real, the expressive, the excessive …”