The Perfect Scent: A Year Inside the Perfume Industry in Paris and New York

This book gives a small sampling inside the perfume industry. How different business aproach getting a new perfume to market was very interesting. The fact that Sarah Jessica Parker took so much responsibility for "her" perfume made me like her even more.

I'm neither an expert nor someone who has been specifically interested in the perfume industry in the past, which is exactly what attracted me to this book in the first place - a chance to learn about an industry we all know very little about. I'm glad to say that "The Perfect Scent" did not disappoint. Chandler Burr chronicles the development of two new perfumes: "Lovely" (Sarah Jessica Parker) by Coty, and "Jardin sur le Nil" by Hermes. Throughout the process he offers a look at the behind the scenes, the players involved, and some of the sensibilities and (many) absurdities of the fragrance industry. If not for the literary part, the insights into the operations and product development cycle of a typical fragrance, as well as the associated business models are worth their weight in gold. However, it's also not all business, the author spends a lot of time analyzing the trends, the ingredients (great discussion on "naturals" vs "synthetics"), and the creative process of creating a fragrance. Packed with information and an enjoyable read.

Chandler Burr is the resident perfume critic for The New York Times. In this capacity he writes regular reviews ("Scent Notes"), which initially strike one as unbelievably precious, but are ultimately kind of engaging. His previous book, "The Emperor of Scent", about the science of smell, was one of the best examples of science writing I've ever read. This book, an account of the development and launch of two new perfumes, "Lovely" by Coty for Sarah Jessica Parker, and "Jardin sur le Nil" by Hermes, doesn't quite match the brilliance of "The Emperor of Scent", but it is engagingly written and was a very enjoyable read. To some extent, the science writing, which I think is Burr's particular strength, takes a back seat as he describes all of the other facets of product development. Which he does with the same intelligence and wit that characterized his earlier book: his take on the relationships among the various players at Hermes, as well as on SJP's unusual degree of personal involvement in the development of "Lovely" is nuanced and perceptive. Occasionally, Chandler's inner geek takes over, treating the reader to two pages of chemical details. Personally, I found this kind of charming, but other readers might not agree. A smart, highly readable, account of a subject to which you may not have given much thought. My only caveat would be that, given Chandler's exceptional talent for science writing, I'd love to see him take on something a little more weighty next time around. For example, biotechnology, genetic testing, or pharmaceutical drug development: anyone who can write so vividly about the world of fragrance chemistry could undoubtedly contribute significantly in making these topics more accessible to a general audience.

I purchased the CD version of this book (there are 10 CDs), and had a fantastic time listening to it on the way and back from work. I knew very little about the perfume/cologne industry before buying this book. However, now I actually find it enjoyable to go into department stores and try out different scents. This book is so great because it is a real joy to read (or listen to in my case), and I learned a great deal about a very mysterious industry. I work in marketing, so I found the way that the products are marketed in this industry to be really interesting. I can't help but wonder why the perfume/cologne industry has done such a poor job of educating the public about its products (unlike the wine industry, which has done such a good job). So, read this book (or listen to it) if you really want to open up a whole new realm of your life!

If you think that a book with page after page of scientific formulas could only be boring, you should read this! This is a fascinating glimpse into an industry which touches us all every day, but about which most of us know nothing. It will also make you want to run to the nearest [expensive] perfume counter and indulge.