Creative director Christophe Tollemer takes us through the making of this new scentsation
The art of scents and romance is luxury in its most intimate form. Celebrating this is the new crown jewel of the Henry Jacques Masterpieces series: the Renaissance Collection. Though originally a bespoke fragrance atelier, the creations of this haute parfumerie soon grew too divine not to share. With a renewed passion for romance, this newly released and aptly named Renaissance Collection is the ultimate revival of classicism in the form of fragrance.
Related: Best New Luxury Perfume and Cologne Launches of 2021
True Renaissance
The beauty of this collection can be credited to Henry Jacques’ creative director, Christophe Tollemer. A true devotee of classicism, his previous architectural accolades include designing for the Royal Palace of Versailles, the palace well-known as the embodiment of classical architecture. Though Tollemer has since channelled his passion for beauty into perfumery, he insists that the vast architectural industry and the intimate fragrance field have more in common than one might think.
“Both industries honour splendour from the past and make that past 100 per cent relevant today,” says Tollemer. “Whether it is Versailles or Henry Jacques, they are the same level in my head. Their rare and precious heritages deserve the same respect.”
Intimacy and luxury are refining aspects of perfumery, and Tollemer was sure to keep this in mind when designing the Renaissance Collection. “Henry Jacques is one-of-a-kind in this industry because it is human, intimate and a cherished symbol of savoir-faire.”
Referencing Versailles and Henry Jacques, his deep love for these projects radiates. “I am so proud to have taken part in two of the most delicate French stories.”