Christopher Chong, creative director of Amouage, talks about perfume and the Amouage brand.
There are 4 videos, but they’re all very short. They’re taken from a longer interview, which you can read in Italian at Extrait.
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He seems very modest about his work. I love that he listens to his customers, and the new perfumes they’ll be releasing that are based on perfumes of the 20s and 30s really caught my attention. Those could be really good – not that I haven’t already been impressed with their work!
I also really appreciated that he basically said look, you can’t do anything original any more.
A bit contradictory, though, when he said Amouage “goes against the grain”. Seems like this would mean they ARE trying to be original. That clip where he said everyone’s using the same ingredients seemed weird, like it gave him an “out” if they turn out just another fragrance that isn’t really “original.” Look at CB I Hate Perfumes or Demeter? They’re definitely doing different things with available ingredients. Saying you can’t be original any longer doesn’t mean you can’t turn out beautiful scents, though, and Amouage definitely does…so, I suppose he’s trying to define the brand in some way. But to me, “going against the grain” does not really jive with “you can’t be original.”
(Sorry…this is a total nit, but just struck me.)
I know what you mean…but I took it more as the best you can do is variations on what is already out there, and I think in some ways that’s true at this point. Anyway, they do a lovely job!
I don’t find it contradictory; it’s possible to go against the tidal wave of fruity florals without breaking new ground, for example.
I love seeing people who are passionate about what they do…especially when it’s making perfume.
I have not had the opportunity to try any Amouage scents. I suppose the price range has deterred me…but they sound like very high quality, beautiful fragrances. The Library collection sounds interesting!
They’ve done some really beautiful things…but they’re not cheap.
Thanks for posting those clips, I enjoyed them. I like what Amouage are doing so it’s good to learn more about them and people behind the brand.
I took the “going against the grain” comment to mean that instead of trying to come up with something wildly different and wacky (GdC meteorite hitting a manicure parlour, V&R’s latest scent/stench ideas) OR producing yet another rushed fruity floral to make a quick buck they are simply concentrating on making good quality scents made with top ingredients that their customers will enjoy.
Good points.
I loved watching this interview–thanks for posting! I find it intriguing that he comes from a music opera background, and how he compares perfume to music. I also like it that they listen to customers.
Yes — few brands really do listen, I think.
How can I not chime in when Christopher Chong talks about perfumes in terms of Opera and interpretive art?! Individual voices can be glorious, but when you can match voices together to achieve the correct blend, it’s absolute heaven! Indeed, I like wearing Lyric when I’m at the opera because its source of inspiration. I will plan to wear it to Tosca, one of the ultimate spinto roles. According to the Amouage website, Jubilation was inspired by an aria from the opera Rusalka, another hauntingly beautiful work…. Ahhhh!
I should listen to that opera then…Jubilation is my favorite.