Perfume is more than just a fragrance—it’s an emotion, a memory, an experience bottled in scent. That’s the vision behind Mmoire, the Amsterdam-based niche perfume brand founded by Sophie van Balen. Her creations go beyond traditional perfumes, offering unique olfactory stories that transport you to another world.
The Story Behind Mmoire
Mmoire was born out of curiosity. During her branding studies, Sophie became fascinated by how perfume brands communicate. She questioned why so many traditional brands still rely on outdated ideals of status and unrealistic beauty standards. This curiosity led her to explore the deeper connection between scent, memory, and emotion—laying the foundation for Mmoire.
The Power of Scent
Sophie believes scent has a profound ability to unlock memories and emotions, yet we rarely acknowledge its impact. A fragrance can instantly transport us to a specific time, place, or person, making it one of the most powerful sensory experiences. With Mmoire, she set out to create perfumes that do just that—evoke deep, personal connections through scent.
Sur Arize
Mmoire’s first fragrance, Sur Arize, is inspired by Sophie’s childhood summers. It is a tribute to Daumazan-Sur-Arize, a quaint village that kindled Sophie’s passion during her 20-year odyssey in the south of France. This scent blends classic French notes like lavender, oakwood, and bergamot with modern accords such as labdanum and ambroxan. The result is a olfactory experience that transports her back to that cherished village.
Ether Woods
The second creation, Ether Woods, draws inspiration from the healing power of nature, crafted to capture the essence of forest and fields. It opens with a spicy burst of black pepper, pink pepper, and sage, offering a crisp, almost medicinal freshness. This aromatic fragrance evokes the purity of medicinal plants and the grounding embrace of woods, blending cedar, oak and pine with the soothing warmth of tonka bean and sage.
More Than Just Perfume
For Sophie, perfume isn’t about trends or commercial appeal—it’s about personal experience.
