The New Montblanc Fragrances – A History Written In Scents

LO: Montblanc is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the iconic Meisterstück this year. How has this milestone influenced the fragrance collection?

Bernacin: "The 100th anniversary is an occasion for us to celebrate Montblanc's history while also shaping our future. This collection of fragrances is a tribute to the iconic facets of our Maison and reflects the values that have established us as pioneers in writing culture and craftsmanship. Each fragrance in this collection is unique and embodies different aspects of our heritage. For example, "Black Meisterstück" pays homage to incense and recalls the elegant design of the Montblanc Meisterstück, an icon of writing culture. "Patchouli Ink," on the other hand, captures the magic of ink used in writing. "Extreme Leather" expresses the feeling of luxurious leather that we use in our handcrafted products. Finally, "Vetiver Glacier" brings freshness and symbolizes the majestic Mont Blanc – the emblem of our Maison."

LO: How did the collaboration between Montblanc and the perfumers for this new collection come about? What was the creative process like in developing these unique fragrances?

Bernacin: "Collaborating with our perfumers and creatives was a very inspiring and collaborative process. We specifically sought talents who not only possess technical skills but also have a deep appreciation for our brand and its history. It was important to us that they understand the essence of Montblanc and incorporate it into their creations. We wanted each fragrance to tell its own story while reflecting Montblanc's values – pioneering spirit, craftsmanship, and elegance. The perfumers were encouraged to develop their own interpretations of these themes, leading to an exciting exchange of ideas. Each perfumer brought their individual perspective; for instance, Fabrice Pellegrin drew inspiration from the magic of writing for "Patchouli Ink," while Juliette Karagueuzoglou thought about the scent of high-quality leather used in our products for "Extreme Leather." These personal stories flowed directly into the fragrance compositions."

LO: The new collection reflects the essence of Montblanc – not just in terms of olfactory experience but also in design and presentation. What considerations were taken into account when translating Montblanc's signature design codes into the creation, packaging, and presentation of the Meisterstück collection?

Bernacin: "In developing the Meisterstück collection, it was essential for us that both design and presentation harmonize seamlessly with Montblanc's tradition and heritage since these signature design codes are deeply rooted in Montblanc's history. The design itself draws inspiration from iconic elements of our writing instruments, particularly the Meisterstück. The clean lines, elegant black color, and golden accents are all features that are immediately associated with Montblanc. These design elements were carefully integrated into the bottles to create a visual connection to writing culture."

LO: As CEO of Interparfums, fragrance is at the heart of your day-to-day job. What makes fragrance so special for you?

Bernacin: "Fragrance is an art form for me that evokes emotions and memories in a way that is hard to compare with other sensory experiences. A perfume can tell stories, create moods, and even express identity. It’s fascinating how a single scent can fill a room or make a person unforgettable. Another aspect that makes fragrance so special is its versatility; each scent has the potential to reflect different facets of a personality, a moment, or an entire Maison. Moreover, creating a perfume is a complex process that combines creativity and craftsmanship. Working with talented perfumers and creatives allows us to develop innovative and unique fragrances. It’s always exciting to see how different ingredients harmonize together to create new olfactory experiences."

LO: What is your favorite fragrance from the new collection?

Bernacin: "My personal favorite is “Patchouli Ink.” This fragrance strikes a perfect balance between tradition and modernity by combining earthy patchouli notes with fresh bergamot. It’s a very versatile scent suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions, leaving a lasting impression every time. The complexity of its notes ensures that you discover new facets each time you experience it."