- Annick Gault Perfumer:
Annick Goutal, a renowned figure in the world of perfumery, was a woman of diverse talents and passions. Born in France in 1946, she initially showed great promise as a pianist, winning numerous awards and performing in esteemed venues. However, her interests eventually shifted, leading her to try a career in modeling.
It was during a modeling job in Grasse, the heart of the French perfume industry, that Annick discovered her true calling - perfumery. She met perfumer Henri Sorsana, whose attention she caught with her determination and discerning nose. He offered her a training opportunity, and Annick spent seven years in Grasse learning the art of perfumery under his guidance. She committed various fragrances to memory, learned the harmonious combinations of ingredients in each perfume, and nurtured her creativity under his watchful eye.
In 1977, after completing her training, Annick opened her first boutique in central Paris, where she sold three perfumes: Folavril, Passion, and Eau d'Hadrien. While Folavril didn't achieve success and Passion had only moderate results, Eau d'Hadrien became her most famous creation. This scent was inspired by the famous hills of Tuscany and the experiences of Emperor Hadrian, as recounted by Marguerite Yourcenar in her bookMemoirs of Hadrian. It evokes memories of the emperor and has been adored by celebrities.
In 1980, Annick Goutal Parfums was established. Annick oversaw the recruitment and distribution processes as the company expanded both nationally and internationally. She was dedicated to maintaining the exclusivity and individuality of her fragrances, and only a select few companies were permitted to distribute them. Today, Annick Goutal's boutiques are present in 43 countries worldwide, making her unique fragrances accessible to a global audience.
Sadly, Annick Goutal was diagnosed with breast cancer in the mid - 1990s and passed away in 1999 at the age of 53. She left behind a remarkable legacy of 25 fragrances and compositions, a strong work ethic, and her daughter, Camille Goutal. Camille has continued her mother's work as an entrepreneur and perfumer. Together with perfumer Isabelle Doyen, Camille continues to create new fragrances for the Annick Goutal brand, paying homage to her mother's love for the art of perfumery.
Annick Goutal's perfumes are more than just scents; each one tells a story. For example, "Eau de Camille" was crafted by Annick for her daughter, capturing the fresh scent of grass after rain. "Quel Amour" narrates her love story with her fiancé. The brand has always adhered to traditional French perfume - making methods, not following the trends or catering to market demands. This commitment to quality and individuality has made Annick Goutal a respected and beloved brand in the world of perfumery.
