A Year in the Life of Master Parfumeur Jean-Claude Ellena

Jean-Claude Ellena

"Smell is a word, perfume is literature."

Jean-Claude Ellena describes himself as a "writer" of fragrances. He is also a lovely composer of prose, which is not lost in the translation of his book The Diary of a Nose: A Year in the Life of a Parfumeur.

First published in Ellena's native French, the book became available in English this month (Rizzoli ExLibris, $24.95). It's worth a read not only if you are enamored with the fragrance industry, but if you appreciate reading about artistic process, which Ellena experiences through the unique medium of molecules. 

The Diary of a Nose
by Jean-Claude Ellena,
Rizzoli ExLibris, 2013.

Ellena has been the exclusive perfumer to the house of Hermes since 2004. Over the course of his career he has created some of the world's bestselling fragrances including First from Van Cleef & Arpels, Eau Parfumee au The Vert from Bulgari, and Declaration from Cartier. 

Ellena wrote his book based on observations he jotted in his beloved moleskin notebook throughout 2009. Entries chronicle perfume launches, speaking engagements and dinner parties around the world, balanced by quiet times in his studio in Cabris. 

Ellena offers poetic insight into the concepts and process behind his perfumes as he strives to evoke phrases, compositions and themes. He also shares his inspirations — from bergamot, pear, fresh mint and limes, to his favorite authors and Japanese calligraphy.

Ellena's beloved moleskin notebook and fountain pen.

"... I deliberately leave gaps, 'spaces,' in perfumes for each individual to fill with their own imagination," he writes.

At the back of the book is "A Summary of Smells" in which Ellena shares DIY formulae for such scents as sugared almond, olive and gardenia. 


Ellena was born in Grasse, France, considered the world's capital of perfume and the location of the International Museum of Perfumery. His father, brother and daughter are also perfumers. 

"I went into perfumery as if into a religion," he writes.

Jean-Claude Ellena smells blotters at the IKEA table which doubles as a desk, in his studio in Cabris, France.

Get TAKEN with designer's new scent

Clothing designer Jane Booke has created a fragrance that is capturing the hearts of celebrities like Dakota Johnson, Kirstie Alley, Melanie Griffith, and Kimberly Stewart. Taken is a heady, sultry vanilla-based fragrance that is perfect for Valentine's Day. 

Taken's deep vanillas and soft patchouli blends are offset by sweet, sexy notes of mango, peach, bergamot, and subtle whiffs of jasmine and muguet. All of these elements come together to create an enchanting, velvety blend that is both captivating and addictive.

Taken eau de parfum can be purchased as a 1 oz spray ($84) or a 1/3 oz roll-on ($54). The scent is also available as a 9 oz candle ($42).

Sweet Scents for Valentine's Day

While most of us are still recovering from the Christmas season, it's easy to forget that Valentine's Day is coming up fast. According to Business Insider, the average U.S. consumer spent an estimated $166.21 on Valentine's Day last year between gifts, meals, and entertainment. In the last minute scramble to find that perfect gift with the perfect price tag, why not skip the flowers and go for something that still smells sweet, but lasts longer?

Crabtree & Evelyn's Gift Boxes

These adorable heart shaped boxes were exclusively designed for Crabtree & Evelyn by BA Textile Design students at Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design. They are limited edition, created specially for Valentine's Day, and available for purchase in-store. The boxes come in a few different varieties and include pampering products such as hand therapy, lip glosses, fragrance, and nail polish. There is even one box that is catered toward men and features Crabtree & Evelyn's West Indian Lime cologne. Prices range from $25 to $60. 

Red Sin by Christina Aguilera

Since it's recent debut in 2012, Red Sin has been daring women to express their sultry, seductive side. The sensual perfume captures the lingering temptation of the color red by infusing top notes of apple and cinnamon with a cyclamen core that dissolves into a musk and sandalwood base. Even the lacy red and pink bottle is perfect for Valentine's Day. Red Sin eau de parfum can be purchased from Kohl's in 1 oz ($37) and 1.6 oz ($47) bottles.  



BCBGMAXAZRIA

Don't let the name catch you off guard...this fragrance by BCBG's Max Azria isn't as confusing as it sounds! The perfume opens up with a sugary sweet medley of wild strawberry and cherry before settling down into jasmine, violet, and sandalwood. The end result is fresh, fruity, and long-lasting, but light enough for everyday wear. The perfume comes in a beautiful pink bottle with a floral cap that would fit perfectly into any fragrance collection. BCBG Max Azria eau de parfum is available at Macy's in sizes of 1.7 oz ($55) or 3.4 oz ($75). 

Coach Love

This perfume by Coach puts a modern, chic twist on traditional floral fragrances, and is meant to remind the wearer of the moment she fell in love. Coach Love pairs soft, enticing whiffs of flower petals and fresh greens with frothy, luxurious caramel and warm musk to create a unique, enveloping experience. The champagne bottle, which is adorned with a subtle heart and toole ribbon, can be purchased from Macy's in sizes of 1.7 oz ($72) and 3.4 oz ($94). The scent is also available as a body lotion and shower cream.