Perfumes

Proud Frenchman Frederic Malle believes in taking his sweet time. Best known for collaborating with the beauty world’s mosttalented noses on 15 special edition fragrances for his atelier, Editions de Parfums, Malle does not follow a strict launch timetable. "Fragrances are likewine," he explains. "They need time to macerate." And, so it would seem, does a visitto his native country. "Most visitors to France only seethe greatest hits," he says. "People overlook the essence." Malle travels constantly to keep tabs on Editions de Parfums branches at Barnet’s in New York and Isetan in Tokyo. The latest of his three boutiques in Paris, employs "smelling modules," in which clients can sample a spritz of his complex scents. Here, where the perfumer goes in his homeland to smell the proverbial roses.

TEE TIME PERFUME
Malle makes frequent trips to Biarritz, where his modules were made. An avid golfer, he always makes sure to schedule a round. "Chiberta is one of the best golf courses, but I like it simply because of the fragrance of the green."