Born in Toulouse but Italian at heart is the best way to describe the background of Christophe Cervasel, co-creator and founder of Atelier Cologne. Coming from cultures that are tightly linked to the world of perfumery, he used his entrepreneurial skills to establish Atelier Cologne, a brand that has given the fresh Italian cologne a new meaning.
With the opening of their store in the UAE, Azyaamode got the chance to interview Christophe Cervasel to introduce the values of the brand, as well as its offerings for the holiday season.
Tell us more about the idea behind Cologne Absolue.
We invented a new olfactive family, and the idea was to keep the freshness and the subtle element of the cologne, while using an overdose of citruses in our formula and adding a true character and lasting power by combining heavier ingredients like oud, rose, sandalwood…
What makes Atelier Cologne a pioneer in the world of perfumery?
Many things…First, the natural ingredients which constitute 85% to 95% of the perfume. The 100% gender-neutral creative path follows, as well as our Cologne Absolue style which is equally very appealing to both heavy fragrance users and to non-fragrance users. In addition, the experiences in the store are really unique with the real olfactory consultation tailored to each customer in order to meet their personality and lifestyle. And last but not least, the personalization of our travel size leather purse sprays with a gold or silver engraving of your name or initials or those of your loved ones.
How important is it to use natural ingredients in the creation of cologne?
We’ve done that from the start because of the olfactory style that we liked. It is only 2 or 3 years ago that we realized that the percentage of natural ingredients was so high. At the end of the day, the use of natural ingredients really speaks to our customers who very often recognize the key ingredients even if they’re not fragrance experts. And for us, high quality lies in the use of natural ingredients.
We’re celebrating the opening of Atelier Cologne’s boutique in the UAE. How would you describe this new chapter in the journey of the brand?
It’s a dream that is coming true. There is so much knowledge and passion for perfume in the region that it was key for us to be able to offer the full Atelier Cologne experience. We also expect to learn more about fragrance habits here in order to further develop our knowledge of the local perfume culture.
Cologne is the epitome of the Italian art of perfumery. What makes your olfactory creations true to this heritage?
First of all Sylvie and myself, although we are French, have strong Italian roots. Sylvie’s maiden name is Tacchino, a family in Genova and Cervasel is a Venetian name. But more importantly, most of our citrus oils, which are the core of our formula like the Bergamot for example, are sourced in Italy from the oldest and best supplier in the country.
The holiday season is upon us, so what are Atelier Cologne’s gifting options?
Of course, we have a beautiful advent calendar. We released it for the third consecutive year, but we make sure to improve it with every passing holiday season. And then we have a number of gift options, from a discovery mini-set with a personalized purse spray engraved with your name or initials or the ones of your loved ones, to a larger gift set through which you can experience our fuller range including Cologne Absolue, hand creams, candles or body lotions.
Article Written by Mirella Haddad
