Chabaud’s French Charm

When it comes to composing a perfume in the classic French tradition there are strict rules to follow. You will find opening, heart and base notes assembled in a pyramid-style format that slowly reveal their character over several hours as the scent interacts with the wearer’s unique skin chemistry. These traditions and rules have been followed for centuries and continue to be the hallmark for Master Perfumers. Citrus and fruit notes create a burst of freshness off the top. Then you discover the floral and spice ingredients that give the scent its character and personality. Several hours later the base notes appear providing longevity. These traditions are still taught today at perfume schools throughout Paris.

But what happens when you take a creative soul who wants to reimagine classic French perfume? That was the case of Sophie Chabaud who having established her eponymous fragrance house in 2002, reimagined classic scents in a modern and unexpected way. She took ingredients synonymous with French culture, baking and traditions and gave them a fresh twist for a new generation. Funnily enough, it is a similar practice with young chefs reworking traditional recipes and cuisine. Sophie took the beloved desserts of milk and cookies and crafted the notes into a mouth-watering scent. Delicate sugar cookies baked in home ovens became light-as-air sugary scents. And chocolate morphed into a cocoa aroma with a creamy milk facet. Each one delicious and interesting.

Chabaud Maison de Parfum is a modern day French perfumery established in 2002 in the picturesque city of Montpellier, close to the southernmost part of the country. The niche fragrance company combines the best French perfumery traditions with modern creativity. The South of France lays claim to the origin of the art of perfumery when Grasse became the perfume capital. In the 15^th Century, Montpellier was famous for its trade routes in essential oils that were used both in perfumery and medicine.

“We believe that a great perfume always has a beautiful story to tell. If a scent makes your heart beat, it shows a desire, a dream, a longing,” says Sophie who works with fellow perfumer Patrice Revillard. The pair reimagined their fragrances in 2012 and and introduced them to the world in 2013 at the famous niche fragrance Esxence Fair in Milan. Response was instantaneous with orders from select perfumeries and department stores in France, Spain, Italy, Germany South Africa, Russia, Romania, Korea, Japan, the United States and now Canada.

“Every Chabaud product is entirely made in France. Our fragrances communicate a style seductive in its purity, a new luxury of great sophistication.” On each perfume by Sophie Chabaud is a key depicted: the key to the personal world of her creations which she cordially invites you to discover.

Glass flacons are manufactured in glass factories in Normandy.

Chabaud Lait de Biscuit is a delicious amber-spicy-gourmand fragrance for her or him that evokes memories of our childhood. The scent opens with a pastry note of butter biscuits that combines with sweet vanilla and rich caramel, reminiscent of toffee. It’s a sweet treat.

Made in France.

Scent Style: an amber-spicy-gourmand fragrance for her or him

Key ingredients: butter biscuit, vanilla, caramel

Chabaud Orangerie Musicale Lux is a citrus amber-floral scent for her or him created by perfumer Patrice Revillard. He layers notes of neroli, bergamot, orange and spicy star anise with a bouquet of white blooms: French orange flower and Egyptian Jasmine. It’s the base notes that add a sweet kick with almond, sugar, benzoin, musk and vanilla. It’s comforting and easy-to-wear.

Made in France.

Scent Style: a citrus amber-floral fragrance for her or him

Key ingredients: neroli, bergamot, orange, star anise, French orange flower, Egyptian jasmine, almond, sugar, benzoin, musk, vanilla

Chabaud Concentré is a delicious gourmand fragrance for her or him that whisks notes of milk, coconut and caramel into a dreamy sweet confection. It’s meant to evoke memories of condensed milk, a popular ingredient in classic baking. The light and seemingly transparent fragrance features a slightly tart unsweetened coconut and closes with restrained caramel notes. A fragrance for anyone with a love of sweets.

Made in France.

Scent Style: a delicious, light gourmand fragrance for her or him

Key ingredients: milk, coconut, caramel

Chabaud Caprice de Sophie is a light fruity-floral scent for her created by Sophie Chabaud. She begins with red apple notes with uplifting mandarin orange, brisk lemon and juicy raspberry before adding freesia and jasmine. She rounds out the scent with vanilla, musk and sandalwood. It’s light and modern.

Made in France.

Scent Style: a light fruity-floral scent for her

Key ingredients: red apple, mandarin orange, lemon, raspberry, freesia, jasmine, vanilla, musk, sandalwood

Chabaud fragrances are available in Canada at thebay.com

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