Did You Know That There Are More Astronauts In The World Than There Are Perfumers?

Did you know that there are more astronauts in the world than there are perfumers? Few and far between, little is known about this small industry that Dior describes as ‘the most secret job in the world’. Revealing all in a new documentary film, entitled Nose, Dior lifts the curtain on their master perfumer François Demachy as he travels the world in search of raw materials for a new signature scent. While you may not recognise him by name, you’ll definitely be familiar with his perfumes. Miss Dior, J’adore and Sauvage are just a few of Demachy’s iconic creations.

Directors Arthur de Kersauson and Clément Beauvais followed Demachy for two years to uncover the mystery of how fragrances are produced. Along the way, the documentary showcases the unique places and passionate people who help cultivate the raw materials that bring a scent to life. ‘In my opinion, the beauty of a perfume is related to the quality of its raw materials,’ says Demachy, in an interview for the film release. ‘I consider that a Grasse jasmine or a Calabrian bergamot will always provide the rare nuances and incomparable colours that I seek above all, in order to set Dior perfumes apart.’ When joining Dior back in 2006, Demachy was keen to identify these industries and to meet the men and women who keep them going. ‘This took me to extraordinary places, such as Madagascar for ylang ylang, or India for jasmine sambac.’

The documentary begins in Grasse, France, the home of Demachy’s creative laboratory at the Fontaines Parfumée, before journeying around the world to over 14 different countries. During these travels, Demachy was able to fulfil one of his oldest dreams, which was to visit the patchouli plantations in Sulawesi, Indonesia. ‘We took a small plane, then a four-wheel drive, followed by a hike through a few isolated villages in the middle of nowhere. That in itself was already an enjoyable adventure, but then there was this magnificent reward at the end, and I finally got to see my favourite ingredient in its natural environment, on these steep slopes,’ he says. ‘Even after so many years of creating perfume, I was still absolutely amazed, and I’ll never forget the joy I felt at meeting the local growers.’

‘I really appreciated taking Arthur de Kersauson and Clément Beauvais to these places, so that they could film all the people who work to cultivate the flowers and the noble raw materials that are indispensable to our perfumes. Without this shared desire, nothing would be possible. With them, we are supporting a job well done, high quality, slow time and mutual trust.’

A real insight into the mysterious world of perfumery, Nose will take you on a sensorial journey that highlights the importance of human bonds and nature in creating a scent. ‘It’s the perfume, more than anything, that is mysterious,’ explains Demachy. ‘We persist in trying to explain it, describe it and dissect it, but it is never completely defined. I believe that a scent is like love – you can’t explain it.’

Nose is now available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play.

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