This is my city
THE SCENT OF PARIS
We meet fragrance aficionado Frederic Malle to find out his favourite Parisian haunts and the inspiration behind his evocative scents.
What part of Paris inspires you?
Every quarter of the city has always inspired me, as a teenager I would walk from my home in Saint Germain des Prés to every nook and cranny of Paris. The diversity of the city and the different atmosphere of its neighbourhoods has always been my muse. My childhood in Paris has been an endless source of inspiration.
What are your must-see museums in Paris?
I grew up going to the Louvre and the Centre Georges Pompidou, but I also love the smaller and quirkier museums in Paris like Musée Gustave Moreau or the Musée des Arts et Métiers.
What makes Paris special?
The mix of grandeur and fun, the art of conversation on a Parisian terrace and the fact that everything around you is beautiful.

Frederic Malle
Portrait Of A Lady Parfum 50ml Spray, €170

Frederic Malle
Portrait Of A Lady Body Butter 200ml, €145
If Paris was a scent what would it be?
I was home sick after moving to New York in 2006, so I worked with Pierre Bourdon on a perfume for men called “French Lover” that reminded me of the heroes of my childhood, from the men I saw going to Café de Flore to the characters in my uncle’s film [Louis Malle] “Le Feu Follet.”
Who or what has inspired the names for your fragrances?
The personality of the perfume themselves. Each scent has an inherent personality, which becomes very obvious to me. I then find names that are simple descriptions of these personalities.

Each scent has an inherent personality, which becomes very obvious to me. I then find names that are simple descriptions of these personalities.
Frederic Malle
How should your fragrances be worn?
I like the idea of applying fragrance around the neck not only is it an attractive gesture there is also the advantage of it being near your hair, which is a fabulous fragrance diffuser.

Frederic Malle
French Lover Parfum 50ml Spray, €125

Frederic Malle
Superstitious 50ml, €180
What are you superstitious about?
I was brought up by a very superstitious father and I am afraid it rubbed off on me! The idea behind the perfume Superstitious is less about a specific superstition, and more trying to capture that there are things that are bigger and stronger than us all. Not everything has be so organized or logical, there’s more to life and the word “superstitious” symbolized this belief that Alber and I found we shared.
3 scents that evoke Paris?
- The unique scent of the Métro.
- The aroma of cold incense in the churches.
- Oud on Avenue Montaigne, I remember smelling the rich scent from stylish Middle Eastern visitors.
Discover the Frederic Malle collection in Brown Thomas, Dublin and online.