SCENTS AND THEIR EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS 101: IN CONVERSATION WITH MAISON TRUDON’S CREATIVE DIRECTOR.

Meet Julien Pruvost.
Dive into the world of scents with BURO as we chat with the creative maestro, Julien Pruvost! Discover how fragrances can tug at our heartstrings and evoke memories that linger long after the scent fades. Get ready to unlock the emotional magic behind the aromas!

IF YOU HAD TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL FRAGRANCE STYLE IN ONE WORD, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

Family. It was through my family roots in Provence that I was first introudced to perfume. The plants and landscapes that surrounded me as a child, lavender, fig trees, orange and lemon trees, rosemary, thyme, cypress, eucalyptus, shaped my understanding and love for fragrance. This deep connection to nautre and family is what defines my fragrance style.

WHAT’S A SCENT THAT ALWAYS BRINGS BACK GREAT MEMORIES FOR YOU, AND WHY IS IT SO SPECIAL?

Eucalyptus seeds hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of my grandmother. She used to craft necklaces for me out of them, and I still remember the distinct smell of the seeds on her fingers. There’s something deeply nostalgic and comforting about that specific smell. That’s why Dada, one of the very first Trudon scented candles, feels so personal – it really captures those precious memories and transports me back to those moments with her.

HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT FINDING YOUR SIGNATUR SCENT? IS IT MORE ABOUT THE MOOD YOU’RE IN OR THE OCCASION?

A mix of both – perfume can be a very intimate experience – sometimes it’s something you wear for yourself, other times it’s for others. For me, it’s all about the stories and the memories that the scent evokes. When I choose a scent, I’m not just picking something that suits the moment, I’m selecting one that reflects an emotion, or a memory that’s meaningful to me.

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR A FRAGRANCE TO INTERACT WITH YOUR BODY CHEMISTRY? CAN YOU SHARE AN EXAMPLE OF A SCENT THAT CHANGED DRAMATICALLY ONCE YOU WORE IT?

Of course you want it to interact positively. When a fragrance reveals itself on your skin, when it rounds out, it’s an incredibly satisfying experience. For example, Trudon’s Révolution starts off strong – smoky, rough, and somewhat masculine. But as it blends with your skin and its warmth, it evolves, becoming warmer, deeper, and more sensual. It’s almost like the scent has a wild energy that soothes as it adapts to you. That transformation is something truly beautiful to witness.

DO YOU BELIEVE THAT CERTAIN SCENTS CAN REFLECT OR ENHANCE SOMEONE’S PERSONALITY? IF SO, HOW?

Absolutely, scent memory is one of the most powerful aspects of being human. If you select a fragrance based on specific memories or experiences, you’re sharing something deeply personal with the world. In that way, a perfume becomes a reflection of your personality, making a statement about who you are.

WHAT’S THE MOST UNEXPECTED COMBINATION OF SCENTS YOU’VE TRIED THAT SURPRISINGLY WORKED WELL?

Recently, perfumer Antoine Lie (Bruma, Aphélie for Trudon) created Absolu for Trudon, incorporating a Panettone note in the formula. At first, I wasn’t sure how this note would work in the formula, but once blended, it was gorgeous. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected combinations can create the most beautiful results.

ARE THERE CURRENT FRAGRANCE TRENDS YOU’RE PARTICULARLY EXCITED ABOUT OR FIND INTRIGUING?

I’m intrigued by the new approach to fruits and even vegetables in perfumery. It’s exciting to see how these unconventional ingredients are being incorporated into modern fragrances, pushing the boundaries of traditional scent creation.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE RETURN OF VINTAGE OR CLASSIC FRAGRANCES? DO THEY HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN YOUR SCENT WARDROBE?

I believe they never really return exactly as they were. Fragrances that come from classic traditions have often been adapted to suit modern consumers. Even some of the great perfumes from the past that are still available today have been altered or modified. Nonetheless, there’s a demand for fragrances that are inspired by the great traditions of perfumery. At Trudon, we aim to create compositions that feel modern yet still carry a sense of the romanticized past.

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