Today, we celebrate Honorine Blanc, a master perfumer at Firmenich, renowned for crafting fragrances that are imperfectly addictive, filled with new ideas, tensions, and emotions. For Honorine, creating perfumes is a way to express her artistic vision and personal strength.
From Beirut to the World
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Honorine’s character was shaped by the city’s dynamic neighbourhoods. Her early years were spent under the magical spell of its Ambrée culture. The political situation in Lebanon led her to Paris at the age of 16, where she later continued her studies.
Before entering the world of perfumery, she earned a master’s degree in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Honorine’s journey continued when she moved to New York City to be mentored by Master Perfumer Sophia Grojsman. She has remained in New York ever since.
Style and Philosophy
Honorine describes herself as a perfectionist who strives to create fragrances that are beautifully intoxicating, often playing with imperfections. She doesn’t simply smell her fragrances, instead she lets them shine in all their chaos.
Honorine finds solace and inspiration in books, sailing, and art. Her favourite authors include Stefan Zweig and Khalil Gibran, and she is moved by Gerhard Richter’s work, appreciating its imperfections. She believes in creating without boundaries, embracing the opportunity to take risks and make new statements. As Honorine herself puts it, “Be original. I would never betray myself. My creations are part of me”.
Notable Creations
Honorine Blanc has created fragrances for numerous famous brands, including Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and Yves Saint Laurent. Here are some of her notable creations:
Cacharel Yes I Am EDP
Cacharel Yes I Am is a bold, sensual fragrance that celebrates feminine independence. Launched in 2018, this perfume is a sweet and spicy blend. It opens with top notes of raspberry, mandarin, bergamot, and lemon, leading to a heart of ginger blossom, gardenia, jasmine, amber, orange blossom, and rose. The base is warm and sweet, featuring notes of cardamom, milk, sandalwood, amberwood, benzoin, caramel, coumarin, liquorice, and vanilla.
Hugo Boss Bottled EDP
Hugo Boss Bottled EDP, launched in 2020, is a woodyspicy fragrance for men. This fragrance features top notes of apple, black pepper, and bergamot, followed by middle notes of cinnamon, chestnut, and cardamom. The base notes are musk and vetiver. This warm and spicy scent is perfect for everyday wear for individuals residing in big cities.
YSL Black Opium EDP
YSL Black Opium is a bold take on the amber-floral fragrance and was unique for its time. Launched in 2014, Black Opium was created by Nathalie Lorson, Marie Salamagne, Olivier Cresp, and Honorine Blanc. The fragrance features top notes of pear, pink pepper, and orange blossom, followed by middle notes of coffee, jasmine, bitter almond, and liquorice. The base notes are vanilla, patchouli, cashmere wood, and cedar. Honorine Blanc has also helped create flankers for the iconic Black Opium.
Find Honorine Blanc’s fragrance creations and more at V Perfumes, your go-to perfume shop in Dubai. Shop at the best prices in the UAE and Gulf region and don’t miss out on exclusive offers online and in-store.
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