Master Nose Captures Europe In a Bottle

Ever wondered what goes into a perfume? Now, you can get a behind-the-bottle glimpse. Master Perfumer Christophe Laudamiel (shown at left) has released a complete fragrance formula to demonstrate the complex Trade Secrets of the industry.

The scent, called "Community," is designed to capture Europe in a bottle, using ingredients that represent countries and regions throughout the EU. The rich, citrus-based fragrance features bergamot and mandarin developing into a fresh and elegant sensual heart.

"It features European environments, from crisp Nordic air, off-shore sea breeze, wet stones and moss, majestic forests and sculpted woods combined with essences of Mediterranean uplifting and colorful feelings," Laudamiel explained in the notes to his precious formula.

Community was commissioned by the International Fragrance Association for an event at European Parliament last month. According to Stephen Weller, Director of Communications for Brussels-based IFRA, the scent and its accompanying formula were handed out to politicians as a tangible symbol of the importance of unified Trade Secrets laws to the fragrance industry.

"If Trade Secrets are weakened, our industry would be extremely vulnerable to counterfeiters and competitors from around the world," Weller said. "We would like to see Trade Secrets legislation harmonized across the the European Union."

European commissioners have agreed to study the issue further, Weller said, and for now, their exclusive bottles of Community will serve as continued inspiration.

The scent contains 57 ingredients, both natural and synthetic, and was made in an extremely limited edition.

"Christophe told me if this was a commercial product it would never see the light of day, it uses such fine ingredients it would be too expensive," Weller said. "I wish I could spray it for you right now."

Even if you can't indulge in the fragrance, you can imagine what it might smell like from reading the formula, which includes Laudamiel's notes on each ingredient. "He's cleverly described the materials within it and what role they play within the formulation, how they interact with others and what they represent," Weller said.

Click to view and download Christophe Laudamiel's "Community" formula.