Devotion Eau de Parfum is the first luminous and gourmand fragrance by Dolce&Gabbana. With a name as evocative as its composition, the fragrance is a powerful expression of the brand’s DNA. Its olfactory notes, enclosed in a precious bottle sealed by the Sacred Heart, transport the mind to joyful Italian atmospheres. We spoke with master perfumer Olivier Cresp to learn more. —Vita Daily
Please tell us about yourself and your journey to become a perfumer.
Born and raised in Grasse, renowned as the cradle of fragrance, I was immersed in the world of scents from an early age. My father’s occupation as a raw materials broker, focusing on sourcing citrus from the sun-soaked regions of southern Italy and procuring exquisite flowers native to Grasse, deepened my connection to this aromatic realm. My journey toward becoming a perfumer was marked by an abundance of passion, an unwavering commitment to learning, and an incredible amount of hard work. These foundational elements guided me as I embarked on my professional odyssey. In 1992, I took the significant step of joining DSM-Firmenich, a pivotal move that allowed me to work with the best teams for top clients. Through dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence, I reached the pinnacle of my career, achieving the esteemed title of Master Perfumer in 2006.
What was the first great fragrance you created, and how did that process go?
Rather than telling the story of my first great fragrance, I will share the story of my first ever creation. At the tender age of 8, I ventured into my mother’s garden overflowing with jasmine and roses, eager to create my very first fragrance. With a child’s curiosity and a spark of creativity, I plucked the flowers, much to my mother’s dismay, and set out on my olfactory experiment. Heading to the pharmacy, I purchased alcohol and, back in my room, I macerated flowers for a couple of days, filled with anticipation for my concoction. However, the result was far from what I had hoped for — it turned out to be the biggest flop of my early attempts, yet it became one of my greatest lessons, fueling my passion to become a perfumer. Setting aside that initial misadventure, my first significant success came with Aire by Loewe in 1985. This fragrance, created by my hand, continues to be cherished and sold in Spain to this day.
Let’s talk about your latest creation, the new Dolce&Gabbana DEVOTION Eau de Parfum. What was the inspiration behind it, and how would you describe the product?
It all started with a lunch at DG Martini in Milano, a friendly gathering with the Dolce&Gabbana family. As we immersed ourselves in Italian fine dining and exchanged ideas, little did we know that the turning point of our creative journey was just around the corner. The chef surprised us with a dessert that perfectly encapsulates Italian spirit – the famous Panettone. Its warm aroma enveloped us, and I was transported to a world of sweet, citrusy delight, forming an olfactory symphony that resonated deep within my senses. I was hit by the harmonious blend of flavors, the way they danced on my palate. As a figurative perfumer, I embarked on crafting an accord that reimagines the essence of Panettone through the delightful accord of candied citrus. This accord is defined by the contrasting sweetness of the candied elements and zesty citrus peel extracts. Each element within this accord pays homage to Dolce&Gabbana’s Italian heritage and DNA as the citrus extracts are sourced from Sicily, a vibrant tribute to the brand’s roots. To elevate this composition, I used a special quality of orange blossom, infusing a layer of refined sophistication that connects seamlessly with the brightness of the citrusy notes. The dry down is characterized by a vast amount of highest quality of Madagascan Vanilla. The rich, gourmand facets transform the fragrance into a truly indulgent experience. The culmination of these carefully selected components results in a Bright Gourmand fragrance — a symphony that exudes joy and embodies a spirit of generosity in every note.
With so many fragrances available today, is it difficult/challenging to make one that truly stands out?
Undoubtedly, crafting a fragrance that distinguishes itself amid the vast array available is a formidable task. However, within this challenge lies the opportunity to blend creativity with the expansive and innovative offerings within the DSM-Firmenich palette. Dolce&Gabbana’sDevotion serves as a living testament, showcasing that despite the crowded market, it is possible to create a scent that resonates uniquely and captivates among the abundance of choices.
What can we look forward to from you in the near future?
Only time holds the key to that answer! What remains certain is my dedication to continue pursuing my passion and craft.
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