While the foundation may be best known for its star-studded annual awards event, the non-profit hosts several events each year, facilitates an online fragrance education course, provides digital resources (including a database of perfumes and another of perfumers), and more.
The geometry behind the genius of Atelier Cologne
In October, The Fragrance Foundation hosted The Creatives Fall 2018 Panel at the Morgan Library in New York City. Following a boisterous and well-attended networking reception, Ann Gottlieb, moderated a discussion among Sylvie Ganter and Christophe Cervasel, the founders and creators of Atelier Cologne, and Jerome Epinette, chief perfumer at Robertet. Gotlieb is renowned in the industry for her work as a fragrance developer, as a consultant with her own firm and most recently as the 2018 Fragrance Foundation Awards Hall of Fame Honoree.
In an announcement circulated in early October, Linda G. Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation, remarked, “We are thrilled to present this panel of talented creatives who embody the artistry and passion that fuels the fragrance world.”
The panelists talked about the brand’s origins, their approach to fragrance blending, and much more. Most compelling was Ganter confidence in the potential of her concept, developing a pure perfume inspired by Eau de Cologne. She imagined a “citrus that lasts,” a “perfume [that] is not about…invading a space but much more about something that makes you feel, comfortable, good, full of life, full of promises.”
“We learn fragrance as a pyramid,” she said, explaining that each Atelier Cologne scent is instead structured as an hourglass, with a pyramid of notes and a second, inverted pyramid of notes perched on top.
With persistence and passion at Saks Fifth Avenue
At the start of November, The Fragrance Foundation hosted a ceremony at The Park Hyatt Onyx Room in New York City to induct Kate Oldham into the Circle of Champions. The award “is an honor bestowed by The Fragrance Foundation on one executive annually who has deeply impacted the fragrance industry,” according to the foundation’s media release.
“Kate is the perfect Champion to celebrate based on her tremendous passion for fragrance and the exceptional relationships she has built within the fragrance community,” Levy tells the press.
Oldham is the senior vice president and GMM of beauty, fragrance, jewelry, and home at Saks Fifth Avenue. According to the media release, she “has spent her entire career at Saks, beginning on the merchant track as a buyer, and later VP, Divisional Merchandise Manager in cosmetics and fragrances, and Regional VP of store merchandising. In February 2014, Oldham was appointed Vice President, General Manager of the New York flagship.” She earned a promotion to her current role in 2016 (the jewelry and home responsibilities came in 2017).
Oldham also serves on The Fragrance Foundation’s Board of Directors.
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Deanna Utroske, CosmeticsDesign.com Editor, covers beauty business news in the Americas region and publishes the weekly Indie Beauty Profile column, showcasing the inspiring work of entrepreneurs and innovative brands.