Frédéric Malle

The grandson of Serge Heftler, founder of Dior Perfumes.

Frédéric Malle gained an early respect for the profession of perfume-maker. A consultant for such clients as Christian Lacroix, Chaumet and Hermès, he recently opened his own boutique, Editions de Parfums, in the chic Paris district of St-Germain. In ultra-modern surroundings, conceived with Andrée Putman and designed by Olivier Lempereur, he showcases eight perfumes created exclusively for this boutique by some of the world’s most respected perfume makers.
How did you become a hedonist?
I didn’t become a hedonist, I was born a hedonist. I had no other choice; my father was addicted to good cooking, a big cigar smoker and a great wine connoisseur, and he raised me in this environment. My parents always showed me paintings, and I appreciate all contemporary art. I am not at all intellectual; I am a sensual person. I love decorating, and mixing things that wouldn’t ordinarily go together.

What is your definition of hedonism?
“It’s the art of appreciating beautiful things and good things, and devouring them. You have to know how to look, smell and feel things. It’s also a way of living, without any complexes.”

What is your best hedonistic memory?
“My first meal at Joël Robuchun’s restaurant in Paris. I don’t remember all the details, but I remember the starter of oysters with caviar. It was refined without being pretentious, and the flavours were as harmonious as a perfume. Very few cooks have his grace. He knew how to make cooking an art form.”

What advice can you give to would-be hedonists?
“You are either a hedonist or you are not! Open your eyes, your taste buds and your ears. Forget about the status aspect - you have to do this without thinking, or at least without thinking too much.”

What is your most hedonistic...
• Flower
• Wine
• Food
• Address
• Music
“ My flower is the lilac. The wine, Château Lafite (from Médoc, one of the world’s best Bordeaux). I was well-raised, so I like all food. Good asparagus are rare. What I really like is good asparagus and good tomatoes, all those things that we don’t find any more. I feel like eating fresh vegetables at the moment because the weather is nice. In winter I love good foie gras! My address is the Hotel Carlyle in New York, because it’s classy without going overboard. I like Schubert’s music, and Bach’s suites, if we’re talking classical. Otherwise, I love the Rolling Stones, and I adore jazz.”

Which three objects are essential to your form of hedonism?
“A good, fast car that hugs the road, an excellent stereo and a beautiful bouquet of flowers that smells good.”

Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle
37, rue de Grenelle
75007 Paris (01 42 22 77 22). www.editionsdeparfums.com