The Perfect Scent: A Year Inside the Perfume Industry in Paris and New York

Chandler Burr is definitely knowledgeable about the perfume industry as a whole and, when writing this book, had a tremendous advantage above many other journalists in the same field by being an involved onlooker in the creative process from the very beginning. He got to know the teams at Hermes and at Coty, interviewed Jean-Claude Ellena & Sarah Jessica Parker, and observed the fascinatig process of the creation and marketing of a fragrance from the inside - and in detail; however for me this was not enough.An essential aspect of any book of this nature is the impression one gets of the impartiality of the author however, although I am convinced that Chandler Burr started the process which culminated in this book with a totally impartial approach, it soon appeared to me that he soon developed a closer working relationship with all those involved in the creation of 'Lovely'. To me this was not surprising. Most of the Coty team, SJP and Chandler Burr himself were American, with a shared (and rather more open) approach to publicity; Hermes is a French company with strong family roots and, I suspect, an instinctive wariness concerning the dangers of letting a 'stranger' in on their deliberations. Coty were aware of the advantages of getting CB on side and one of the results was a free bookmark, scented with the perfume they had created and were wanting to sell - so I (and thousands of other people) have smelled 'Lovely' but not 'Un Jardin sur le Nil'.'Lovely' is indeed lovely, a charming, well-constructed feminine fragrance. Maybe 'Nil' is equally lovely but I don't know, I haven't yet had a chance to test it.Buy this book if you want a really good inside look at the workings of the perfume industry, and note the differences between the European (specifically French) and the American way of doing things - all this was quite fascinating - but you will be aware with every sentence that it is written by an American who could not help but be more comfortable working with his compatriots.

Until a few weeks ago I knew nothing about the perfume industry.I have an interest in 'business biographies' ... books that explain the initial concepts, developments, marketing and growth of everyday products. I am not talking text book stuff here, just lively and informative journalistic style that entertains.This book delivered for me. Next time my lady takes me through the 'cosmetics hall' at the front of a department store or we are waiting for our flight to be called as we loiter in the departure lounge perfume shops I shall have more idea of what went on behind the scenes. I never did see Sex in the City but, after reading this book I wish I had as Sarah Jessica Parker sounds an absolute delight.

I've long been interested in fragrance, & I read Luca Turin's 'bible' with great interest (it confirms my thoughts on how many lovely fragrances are 're-formulated'). This is a remarkably open account of a highly secretive industry, and a really fascinating read. Hermes fragrances are now on my wish list (I understand about the exclusivity, but oh how I wish they weren't quite so expensive!)- & while I never usually purchase any 'named star' fragrance, I might make an exception in this instance! One final thought: I am filled with curiosity over those fragrances that didn't make the commercial cut...

This book is a brilliant introduction to the arcane world of perfumery. A must-read for any perfume or cosmetics enthusiast, and very funny and at times shocking. Let down by the godawful style of writing - the author would clearly rather be a novelist and there are acres of self-aggrandising rubbish and hip street talk to wade through. But read it for the information it contains, not the style.

I have had the pleasure, a couple of years ago, to attend a conference within the perfumery industry, where Mr.Burr was one of the speakers. His intervention was sharp, concisive, knowledgeable and utterly spot-on. The same pleasure I have experienced in reading this book which literally draws you into a reality not every perfume lover may be aware of. A very interesting, intelligent snapshot of the current "scented" panorama. We will hopefully be reading more by the same author, of no-nonsense, able journalists we are in need!

Delivery time was longer than expected. Book was fine, as promised.

As described

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