The uncompromising standards of the French perfume company Diptyque do not allow it to produce just perfume or just toilet water. Each of her works is a unique adventure, perfect for both men and women, a trip to those countries where the ingredients seem so familiar. Charm is born from contradictions. So the perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin considers, having presented in Dubai a novelty from Diptyque - "EAU DUELLE" ("DUEL"). Not to ask the author about everything that relates to his creation would be wrong. At least.
Fabrice, what makes your new perfume so recognizable?
By the fact that they annoy with something and trigger a mechanism for recognizing the difference between calm and insolence, giving its owner a full and rich aroma.
Owner or possessor?
I attribute the Duel perfume to unisex scents, so both man and woman can make them their choice. This fragrance is very mild and evocative. It reminds me personally of the story of the famous Madeleine Proust. It touches the most tender strings of your soul and returns to childhood with the help of warm notes of creme brulee and other favorite treats.
Then why does such a delicate perfume have such a peculiar name?
It seems to me that "Eau Duelle" reflects different aspects of the human essence, the confrontation with oneself. They are the quintessential cult creations of high perfumery. I consider them a journey to the brink of light and shadow. Perhaps that’s why it’s a duel. Even the very first notes take you to distant lands, to a world of fantasies and magical dreams. Surrounding you are creepers, ovoid giant trees of the rainforests of Madagascar, Tahiti, Mexico or Indonesia. You smell the sweet reed aroma. By the way, Chinese shamans believed that sugarcane is the key to a long life, Ayurveda doctors prescribe it for insomnia and stress, and Tibetans use it for meditation.
Does this mean that the whole bouquet of "Eau Duelle" is composed around sweet cane notes?
No, the main ingredient of the composition is an elegant and mysterious vanilla of three different varieties, which is emphasized by notes of black incense. To this core I added “cold” spices - cardamom, pink pepper and saffron, as well as the freshness of cypress, a little vetiver and white musk. It turned out an amazing combination that makes your trip to the world of my perfumery a little strange, memorable and priceless.
Fabrice, are you in favor of preserving the perfumery traditions of France or are you trying to find new concepts in creating fragrances?
France is my homeland and the recognized capital of world perfumery. I hold sacred the traditions of our perfumers. And when creating new spirits, I try to introduce modern features into formulas based on classic recipes.
Is this your first collaboration with Diptyque?
Not. These are the second perfumes that I created for Diptyque. I like to work with this company. Moreover, it seems to me that the black-and-white design concept for all boutiques and all Diptyque products is in full agreement with my new Eau Duelle fragrance, balancing on the brink of light and shadow.
Good luck to you in the future. Thanks for the conversation, Fabrice.
