Julien Rasquinet (44), a Belgian born in England, is known for his narrative approach to fragrance creation, translating emotions and memories into unique perfumes. His portfolio includes over a hundred creations for both niche and luxury brands, including Amouage, Creed, Frédéric Malle, Naomi Goodsir, and of course, Obvious Parfums by David Frossard.
How would you describe yourself?
JR: “I like to see myself as a perfume author. I always try to tell a story when I create a perfume and want each of my fragrances to carry an emotion. I don’t want to simply replicate something from nature, but rather offer a romantic interpretation of the story.”
What does perfume mean to you?
JR: “A perfume is an emotional encounter, like the ones you can have with a person, a song, a sentence in a book, or a place. It’s a mix of textures, colors, and raw materials that form the foundation of the story I shape in my mind, dream about, and then immediately want to realize in the lab.”
How would you describe High Standards, your creation for the perfume house Obvious Parfums?
JR: “The High Standards collection is a window into escapism, into places of longing and connection, where scents nourish the soul and shed light on both the real and the imaginary.”
What is the fragrance pyramid of your latest creations for Obvious Parfums?
JR: “‘Frida’s Thorns’, with top notes of raspberry and pear; a heart of rose, chocolate, and cocoa; and a base of patchouli and vanilla, is an ode to Mexico and the genius of Frida Kahlo. This scent reflects her unique identity with a non-conformist combination of sweetness and strength: floral and fruity notes merge with nutty cocoa.
‘Himalayan Spell’ is a revival of the story of the Hindu Kush through a combination of Himalayan birchwood and leather. An emotional journey into the heart of a tale full of joy and sorrow.
And ‘Malfa Walls’ is a dream flight to the Aeolian Islands, to the village of Malfa on Salina, where the minerality of the Malfa walls stands firm against the salty sea breeze.”
How does this collection differ from your other creations?
JR: “My creations for the High Standards collection stand out because of their bold, abstract vision of travel. I wanted to explore the idea of modern nomadism, where the destination is not the focus, but the transformative journey itself: the freedom, the fluidity, and the deep connection with the stories these places hold.”
How would you describe your personality through three scent notes?
JR: “Patience: vanilla – calm, quiet, and steadfast.
Precision: olibanum – resinous and disciplined.
Hard work: leather – earthy and resilient.”
What is the most challenging aspect of creating perfume?
JR: “To constantly reinvent, remain elegant, and still come up with something surprising!”
