- Violaine David Perfumer:
Company:Takasago
Web:takasago.com
Violaine David, now known as Violaine Collas, is a Parisian perfumer who has left an indelible mark on the world of fragrance. Her journey into the realm of scents began in the heart of Paris, where she was introduced to the art of fine ingredients from a young age, not in the traditional perfume hub of Grasse but through the influence of her parents, who instilled in her a love for gastronomy. This early exposure to the nuances of flavors and aromas set the stage for her future career in perfumery.
Collas chose a path distinct from that of her brother, an oenologist, and decided to study flavors at ISIPCA, one of the world's leading perfume schools located in Versailles. Here, she had the privilege of training in fine perfumery under the guidance of Dominique Ropion, a renowned figure in the industry who became her mentor. This mentorship provided her with invaluable insights and techniques that would shape her approach to creating fragrances.
To expand her knowledge and gain international experience, Collas spent two years in Germany and the United States. This exposure to different cultures and markets broadened her perspective and influenced her creative process. She then embarked on a 12-year tenure at Symrise, where she mainly focused on developing cosmetic products. However, it was with the Mane Group that she rediscovered her true passion for fine perfumery and blossomed into a senior perfumer.
Collas is celebrated for her unique approach to creating fragrances. She has a penchant for working with contrasting accords, gradually harmonizing them to create scents that are both complex and captivating. Her creations are a testament to her ability to blend different elements seamlessly, resulting in fragrances that evoke a wide range of emotions and experiences.
Some of her most memorable creations include Honor Woman for Amouage in 2011, which marked her comeback in the world of fine perfumery. This fragrance was a stunning tribute to the tragic beauty of Madame Butterfly, with its delicate blend of floral notes. She also created Red Amber for Pascal Morabito, Mauboussin Pour Lui for the eponymous brand, 24 Old Bond Street for Atkinsons, Épices Sultanes for Comptoir Sud Pacifique, and Dangerous Complicity for Etat Libre d'Orange. Each of these fragrances showcases her distinct style and artistic vision, with their unique combinations of notes and accords.
In addition to these, she has worked with other prestigious brands such as Lalique, Pozzo di Borgo, and BDK. For BDK, she created Pas Ce Soir, an eau de parfum with an offbeat sensuality. It features a blend of spicy, fruity, and woody notes, along with jasmine and quince chutney, making it a fragrance that is both alluring and sophisticated.
Collas' career is a rich tapestry of apprenticeships, international experiences, and prestigious collaborations. Her dedication to the art of fine perfumery, her passion for creating unique scents, and her ability to evoke emotions through fragrance have firmly established her as a leading figure in the industry. Whether it's the floral elegance of her creations or the boldness of her use of contrasting accords, Violaine Collas continues to inspire and delight fragrance enthusiasts around the world with her olfactory masterpieces.
