She vaguely suggested a return to powder applications and types of misting veils of scent. I find this hard to absorb as a direction and have visions of the powdered visages of the early french courts of Louis and I wonder how we might arrive at a point where we choose to suffocate our skins.
When I consider this further however I can see perfumers being pushed in this direction already with the prohibitions placed on the use and transport of alcohols. Here at Fleurage we also are working on a new formula that lessons the reliance on alcohol but still allows the product to be sprayed but I am wary of powder as a medium and carrier. Of course 'some' companies are not worried by the effects of what they produce as long as they have the trademark and can corner the market with their products. I am sure they are already scrambling to develop these materials and methods to be the first to own the technology.
Personally I think she is wrong or not offering the whole idea as she sees it (and why should she? Trend forecasting is her profession and she is hardly likely to give away her ideas to some journalist from the Melbourne Age when enormous companies pay for the privilege) As a perfumer who has a vested interest in the future of my profession I see a continuation of the backlash against the large companies. I know this may be deep seated wishful thinking but I consider this idea valid. The current availability of knowledge creates awareness and choice. A world of growing population sees us striving harder to be individuals and make our identity our own. These things combined are allowing the seeking of uniqueness in our everyday decisions. Commercial perfume is one of the mass commodities consumers are turning away from and I think the trend will see us looking to scent ourselves in an individual and personally satisfying way and set ourselves apart from each other. Perfumery will become distinct from fashion and hold its own as a choice of expression. Enter the growing Niche perfume market.
I predict perfumers will be chosen and coveted like tailors of the past. What will drive this further will be the perfumers who have an extensive unique range( not copying others or mainstream scents) offer custom scents and continue to produce new lines but in limited editions. I predict that perfumers will need a physical perfumery as a destination and offer a luxurious and personal experience for each consumer who seeks them out. The internet is a great research tool but its credibility and integrity is not reliable and I think we will see consumers gather their information then seek their choice locally. Websites must therefore match up with the experience consumers seek.
As perfumers we must offer a point of difference- and I don't mean a rant about the evils of commercial perfume. We must offer high quality products and be able to prove how skilled we are in our art by being adaptable, discerning, and by producing continually and offering choice. The future of perfumery is absolutely in our own hands and we must guide, educate and offer.
