Latest news with #EmmaSouth

Vogue Arabia

Musky Perfumes Are the Most Versatile Tool in My Fragrance Wardrobe – Meet My Favourite Scents

Meanwhile, Emma South, fragrance and lifestyle expert at Jo Malone London, shares that musk was 'originally sourced from animals, it's now entirely replaced by plant extracts or synthetic recreations.' 'Consequently, 'musk' is elusive to pin down, there are many interpretations ranging from airy with hints of powder to deep, animalic and amber-like,' she adds. Emma also shares that 'each musk has its own nuance' and that it has the ability to 'enhance the scent trail.' What kind of notes best complement musk? 'Musk pairs well with a wide range of floral and powdery notes, which blend seamlessly to enhance each other,' shares Thibaud. 'At Maison Crivelli, we often use musks as a drydown, combined with vanilla and leather. They allow us to highlight textures and prolong the trail of the perfume,' he explains. 'You'll find it in the background of some of our best-sellers such as Hibiscus Mahajad, Oud Maracuja and Tubéreuse Astrale, where it brings roundness, elegance, and a tactile sensuality that anchors the composition while amplifying its emotional impact,' Thibaud says. According to Emma, musk pairs effortlessly with 'delicate, dewy florals', such as Jo Malone London's Wild Bluebell cologne. 'Whilst deeper, magnetic musks can give even more gravitas to incense notes or create the perfect foil for the iridescence of citrus,' she adds. How to best layer musky perfumes Emma suggests 'layering a minimal, airy musky scent with a soft citrus such as bergamot.' 'Alternatively, use musk to illuminate rich balmy white florals and let them take flight, this makes a mesmerizing way to wear musk into the evening,' she explains. Thibaud agrees: 'I would pair musks with fresh notes such as citrus or peony, or with soft powdery notes like violet or iris. These combinations create contrast and reveal new dimensions of both the musk and the supporting notes.' What are the challenges of creating a musky scent? 'As with any formula, true artistry lies in the balance of ingredients and musk can make or break a fragrance,' shares Emma. 'I have heard perfumers refer to musks as the triangles of the orchestra (if a bright and shimmering musk) or the garlic in cuisine (if rich and animalic),' she says. 'Musk requires a high level of technical skill to be handled well. One challenge is to avoid a flat or overly linear structure, especially since musks are often very diffusive yet subtle,' explains Thibaud. 'The goal is to blend them elegantly so they feel both complex and soft, with long-lasting qualities that stay close to the skin without losing their character,' he says.