Interesting profile of Claude Ellena, Hermes' head perfumer, in the LA Times, "finally where he wants to be: hidden away in a Provençal pine forest where he can explore his inspiration."
"I have no interest in trying to reproduce nature," he says, explaining his philosophy. From a big wooden desk in the living room, Ellena mulls over his formulas while taking in a view of the forest and the Mediterranean in the distance. "I want to transform it, create olfactory illusions. Perfume isn't only about the scent of flowers. I can add molecules to make a fragrance harsh, soft, dry, fresh, bubbly, light, cool and warm." Sounds like a nice life.
