Much like baking, there is an exact science to perfumery.
From the freshness of the raw materials used and the way they’re processed, to the levels of oxygen the product is exposed to and the cohesion of ingredients, the business of perfumery can be organic yet technical.
For Malaysia-born Shyamala Maisondieu, who has over 30 years of experience under her belt and has to date over 80 fragrances that she’s had a hand in making, perfumery seemed to be the perfect job, seeing as she majored in chemical engineering and was a creative at heart.
Interviewing Maisondieu, who is based in France, Tatler gets a peek behind the curtain about what it takes to be a Givaudan perfumer.
When did you realise that perfumery was what you wanted
