In this exclusive interview, we are delighted to present Françoise Rapp, an exceptional perfumer whose career embodies the harmony between creativity, expertise and sensitivity. With a rich and varied experience, she has been able to highlight the world of perfumery with clean and sensual creations. Through her journey, Françoise Rapp invites us to discover the very essence of her olfactory universe, while emphasizing the importance of innovation and respect for raw materials.
At Eco French Lab, we share this same passion for the art of perfumery and the commitment to designing environmentally friendly products. Just like Françoise, our philosophy is based on meticulous know-how, a constant quest for excellence and a desire to offer olfactory creations that are both unique and durable.
Françoise reveals her inspirations, her challenges and her vision of a future where perfumery rhymes with purity and emotion.
1. A career between passion and know-how
What led you to explore room perfumery, and how does it differ from personal perfumery?
Home perfumery entered my life almost by chance, but it was a revelation. I had the opportunity to create two 100% natural perfumes for the Flowering Pharmacy brand, intended for the Music Cares organization and Ashley Campbell. This experience made me understand that perfume can transform a space, making it not only welcoming, but also deeply emotional. Unlike personal perfumery, where we address an individual, room perfumery creates a collective atmosphere. It tells a universal story and invites an environment to connect emotionally. For me, it goes hand in hand with a holistic universe, which recognizes perfume as a vector of well-being.
What memories or inspirations made you want to create olfactory ambiances for spaces?
My childhood memories and my travels have been major sources of inspiration. The walks in the woods of Auvergne with my father left an impression on me. The woody and moss smells nourished my imagination. I was also fascinated by India, where the sensory contrasts touched me deeply, including experiencing the scent of jasmine sambac in a Taj hotel. My travels, such as to Zanzibar or Cairo, nourish my creative approach. Perfume is for me a way to open doors to imaginary worlds while remaining anchored in the present.
2. Create olfactory universes
In your opinion, what does a room fragrance bring to our daily lives?
He brings everything. A room fragrance transforms a space into a place where you feel in harmony with yourself and others. It allows you to regain your vitality, your joy of living and to reconnect with yourself. It also offers the possibility of choosing the atmosphere in which you wish to surround yourself, whether to soothe, stimulate or inspire.
When you design a room fragrance, how do you choose the notes to convey an emotion or create an atmosphere?
Olfactory families are a guide, for example, citrus fruits for vitality or woods for anchoring. But beyond that, technique and art come together. Certain molecules act directly on our neurotransmitters to soothe or stimulate. My process is intuitive. I translate customer requests into scents thanks to an in-depth knowledge of raw materials, thus creating agreements that convey the desired emotion or atmosphere.
Do you work more for individuals or professional spaces?
I mainly collaborate with emerging brands looking for unique and holistic fragrances. Whether for hotels, spas, or boutiques, my work consists of creating olfactory signatures that provide a sensory experience linked to well-being. It is this emotional dimension that differentiates each project.
3. The relationship between memory and atmosphere
Smell is linked to memory. How do you play on this connection to design perfumes that mark or soothe?
As a holistic therapist, I have been trained by mentors like Deepak Chopra. For almost 30 years, I have used natural essences and their impact on the psyche. Smell, being directly linked to the limbic system, allows us to create memories and work on emotions. Each creation is a synthesis of my knowledge of essences and their emotional power. Creating a perfume that marks or soothes means knowing how to combine technique, intuition and well-being.
Do you have an anecdote where one of your room fragrances transformed the energy of a place or the experience of its occupants?
Yes, I remember a perfume I designed for a tea room. My friend, the owner, asked me to create a warm atmosphere. The scent of Earl Gray green tea, combined with a subtle touch of sensuality, transformed the atmosphere. Customers felt more comfortable, and the space became more user-friendly. This scent has become a key element of the experience, reinforcing the spirit of community.
4. Trends and commitments
Expectations are changing: do you sense a growing demand for natural and eco-friendly home fragrances? How does this influence your choices?
The demand for “clean” and eco-friendly home fragrances is growing. Consumers are looking for fragrances that are free of controversial substances and that promote emotional well-being. Personally, this has always been my approach. I work with an ethic of respect for nature, and I find that this evolution is in line with my creations, which combine emotion and ethics.
Can home fragrances go beyond decoration to play a role in well-being or even meditation?
Absolutely. Thanks to my experiences as a holistic therapist and my interest in Feng Shui, I see room fragrances as tools for well-being. They can promote relaxation, stimulate concentration, and accompany practices such as meditation. The decorative aspect is important, but the harmony between the olfactory ambiance and the decor is essential to create a coherent and enriching experience.
5. The future of home fragrances according to Françoise Rapp
What do you think the home fragrance of tomorrow will look like?
Home fragrances will develop to become an essential part of our daily lives. They will be a real tool for well-being and immersive sensory experiences. The fusion of olfactory tradition and innovative technologies will create more personalized and profound experiences. Home fragrances will no longer be just decorative, they will become an integral part of the sensory experience of a place.
Françoise embodies a modern and responsible vision of perfumery, where each creation is thought out with sensitivity and respect for the environment. Her commitment to eco-responsible and holistic perfumes fits perfectly with contemporary expectations and paves the way for a future where home fragrances will become a pillar of well-being.
Anne-Marie Spencer
Read the article in French : post/fran%C3%A7oise-rapp-cr%C3%A9atrice-de-parfums-d-ambiance
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