EXCLUSIVE - Dior Reveals Its “Quest for Essences” in Three Videos
Creating a fragrance demands a search for the world’s most beautiful flowers and finest raw materials, and Dior’s perfumes are undoubtedly a quintessential proof of this quest.
The house’s legendary perfumer-creator François Demachy takes us on a 3-stop journey: It begins in Grasse, moves to Calabria, and ends in India. He gives us insight into the origins of Rose de Mai, Bergamot and Jasmine in three episodes of “Quest for Essences”, where he ensures that each of these encounters is part of his adventure to support and revitalize exceptional sectors that are now rare and vulnerable. Aiming at obtaining unique raw materials, all of these details make for the ultimate luxury and depict the true identity of a Dior fragrance.
"When you go to Calabria, you feel the reality of a terroir brought to life, and draw inspiration from the beauty of the plantations,” says François Demachy. This region in southwest Italy is known for its iconic Bergamot used in all Dior fragrances. It is a raw material that is essential to Dior’s olfactory structure.
François Demachy knows all its facets and celebrates its vital force in his creations. Several thousand organically grown one-of-a-kind bergamot trees are harvested annually for the house of Dior.
“Bergamot in Calabria” video
"May Rose is the queen of flowers from Grasse, the cradle of perfumery. We have to make sure this know-how does not disappear,” says François Demachy. He knows that May Rose from Grasse in incomparable. Having grown up there, he is aware of the rarity of this invaluable queen gifted with powerful accents.
The history of Dior finds its roots in the Grasse terroir, for the founder himself has lived in the region, where he restored the Château de la Colle Noire. Strengthened by this attachment, the Dior Maison de Parfums has decided to take action and revive the production of these flowers. The "Domaine de Manon" under the direction of Carole Biancalana and the "Clos de Callian" headed by Armelle Janody devote their entire May Rose harvest to the house.
“Rose de Mai in Grasse” video
"You cannot understand India if you do not understand the people's passion for flowers,” says François Demachy. In the south of India, Jasmine fields stretch as far as the eye can see. Known as the “flower of the gods”, beautiful and unique Jasmine Sambac and Jasmine Grandiflorum blossom there. The first is powerful, sensual and was used for the first time 20 years ago by the house of Dior in the iconic J’adore fragrance. The second is more classic, solar and releases its delicate scent in the composition of Miss Dior perfume. On this journey with Demachy, you are captivated by the magic of the landscapes.
“Jasmine in India” video
Mirella Haddad
Creating a fragrance demands a search for the world’s most beautiful flowers and finest raw materials, and Dior’s perfumes are undoubtedly a quintessential proof of this quest.
The house’s legendary perfumer-creator François Demachy takes us on a 3-stop journey: It begins in Grasse, moves to Calabria, and ends in India. He gives us insight into the origins of Rose de Mai, Bergamot and Jasmine in three episodes of “Quest for Essences”, where he ensures that each of these encounters is part of his adventure to support and revitalize exceptional sectors that are now rare and vulnerable. Aiming at obtaining unique raw materials, all of these details make for the ultimate luxury and depict the true identity of a Dior fragrance.
"When you go to Calabria, you feel the reality of a terroir brought to life, and draw inspiration from the beauty of the plantations,” says François Demachy. This region in southwest Italy is known for its iconic Bergamot used in all Dior fragrances. It is a raw material that is essential to Dior’s olfactory structure.
François Demachy knows all its facets and celebrates its vital force in his creations. Several thousand organically grown one-of-a-kind bergamot trees are harvested annually for the house of Dior.
“Bergamot in Calabria” video
"May Rose is the queen of flowers from Grasse, the cradle of perfumery. We have to make sure this know-how does not disappear,” says François Demachy. He knows that May Rose from Grasse in incomparable. Having grown up there, he is aware of the rarity of this invaluable queen gifted with powerful accents.
The history of Dior finds its roots in the Grasse terroir, for the founder himself has lived in the region, where he restored the Château de la Colle Noire. Strengthened by this attachment, the Dior Maison de Parfums has decided to take action and revive the production of these flowers. The "Domaine de Manon" under the direction of Carole Biancalana and the "Clos de Callian" headed by Armelle Janody devote their entire May Rose harvest to the house.
“Rose de Mai in Grasse” video
"You cannot understand India if you do not understand the people's passion for flowers,” says François Demachy. In the south of India, Jasmine fields stretch as far as the eye can see. Known as the “flower of the gods”, beautiful and unique Jasmine Sambac and Jasmine Grandiflorum blossom there. The first is powerful, sensual and was used for the first time 20 years ago by the house of Dior in the iconic J’adore fragrance. The second is more classic, solar and releases its delicate scent in the composition of Miss Dior perfume. On this journey with Demachy, you are captivated by the magic of the landscapes.
“Jasmine in India” video
Mirella Haddad
