The relationship between scent, setting, and recollection is both sentimental and scientific. Neurologists establish how every day odors and fragrances have a direct line to the part of the brain that handles emotion and memory. A sensory experience solidifies how we crystallize the present in our mind, and can also transport us to a significant point in the past.

It’s the magic that is captured by Replica, Maison Margiela’s first and most successful fragrance collection. Every bottle carries the fashion house’s irreverence with names like Lazy Sunday Morning, Beach Walk, and Jazz Club, but with reverence to artisanal creations. Replica’s fragrances link situations to actual places and times. One of their latest releases, On A Date, harnesses the scent of fresh grapes to evoke days in in the vineyards of Provence.

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Following On A Date is yet another scent that will entice fragheads: From the Garden. It’s an aromatic scent that combines citrus, earthy notes, tomato leaf, and patchouli.

In celebration of the launch of From the Garden, Metro.Style shares this exclusive interview with the master perfumers, Olivier Cresp and Sebastien Cresp. The father and son duo developed From The Garden for Maison Margiela Replica. Both Olivier and Sebastien harness from their elaborate portfolio, making the fragrance extra special and might just be the next scent sensation online.

Olivier Cresp and Sebastien Cresp

Olivier Cresp was born in the heart of French perfumery, Grasse, and is the nose behind some of the most iconic fragrances in the past 30 years. He was named Master Perfumer in 2006, and won Perfumer of the Year in 2012.

In the 13 years that Sebastien Cresp has been a perfumer, he has developed 16 fragrances to his name. He studied at the Grasse Institute of Perfumery. His work also consists of shampoos and shower gels for both men and women.

Below is the Metro.Style interview with the two perfumers for Replica’s From the Garden.

Maison Margiela From the Garden

Metro.Style: Every fragrance has its own story and unique profile, but what is one element or characteristic that a good fragrance must always have?

Olivier Cresp: For me, a perfume doesn't have to have a particular element or characteristic. Above all, I like the idea that everyone can see themselves in my creation and find happiness or what they were looking for. I aim to make people dream, to arouse emotions and take them 'somewhere else'!

MS: How would you describe the scent of From the Garden? What are its most salient ingredients?

Sebastien Cresp: From the Garden is a unisex fragrance that evokes the joyful feeling of a sunny afternoon spent in the garden. The fragrance's tomato leaf accord combines with notes of green mandarin to create a crisp, juicy effect. From the Garden's patchouli and geranium notes, while green and invigorating, bring a damp, earthy quality.

MS: What makes 'From the Garden' unique among your other beloved perfume creations?

OC: It's the fact that we've been able to recreate the world of our garden in the South of France, with its vegetables and aromatic plants, in this fragrance. It was a truly original and fascinating creation.

SC: From The Garden really took me on a journey into my childhood memories, and I was able to recall them with my father. The creation of this fragrance was a very precious moment for me, one I'll never forget.

MS: What was the main reason behind crafting this particular type of fragrance?

SC: The Replica collection from Maison Margiela is designed to capture the memories we all share. So it was a shared desire to create a fragrance that could instantly evoke new images and positive emotions for consumers.

MS: Every Replica scent has a city or province it likes to commemorate, which place inspires From the Garden? And what is the story behind the place?

OC: In creating this fragrance, I was inspired by my childhood garden memories with my father, the smell of plants and, years later, his memories with my own son, Sébastien.

SC: Our creative impetus came from those moments of conviviality and sharing that we hold so dear!

MS: In your experience what makes a perfume truly stand out and unique?

OC: Each perfume has its own magic, I think, depending on the alchemy between the different notes!

SC: In my opinion, it depends on the emotion that the fragrance succeeds in transmitting to the wearer.

MS: What was the very first step in creating From the Garden and what is the very last step, speaking from your point of view?

SC: The first step was to agree on a selection of notes that evoked the world of a garden, and the last was to find the perfect balance for the fragrance.

MS: How to best wear From the Garden? What occasions best suit it or what type of person do you envision matches this scent?

OC & SB: From the Garden is a fragrance that can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender. For us, it's a fragrance that's perfect for spring or summer, as it brings a very fresh scent.

MS: What is the one thing people do incorrectly when it comes to storing or using perfume that not a lot of people are aware of?

SC: Of course, skin is a good vehicle for fragrance, but it's not the only one: clothing and hair also help to get a strong, long-lasting scent experience.

MS: As master perfumers, how do you keep your talent sharp and your creations noteworthy?

OC: When creating a new fragrance, I'm always looking for beauty, for a particular aesthetic. Once I've found that aesthetic, I always focus on its strength and unforgettable journey. Like a painter or a composer, I could put the finishing touches to my perfumes endlessly, because creation is always a work in progress. And that's just as well, because it's what drives us to surpass ourselves and constantly strive to create the most beautiful fragrances possible.

SC: For a new perfume, I call on my experience and know-how to transform my idea into a concrete reality. I work on several fragrances at the same time, because I have to be busy all the time to keep my inspiration alive and kicking. By juggling so many projects, I feel alive!

Maison Margiela Replica is available here.

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