Season 8 • Episode 7: Alice du Parcq & The Philosophy of Perfume (her NEW BOOK!)
This week, hosts Suzy and Nicola welcome back dear perfume pal and friend of the pod (star of two previous episodes), the multi-award-winning fragrance writer, presenter, content creator and now AUTHOR, Alice du Parcq!
Alice has always been ‘on a mission to decode perfume in a fun, relatable and objective way.’ Now, added to her perfumed portfolio will be an incredibly gift-able (to self or scent-loving friends) book, created in collaboration with none other than The British Library, called The Philosophy of Perfume. Out in October, we’re sure, like us, you cannot WAIT to read it, and in this episode, Alice gives a sneak peek at what you expect to find inside, plus the entire story of how the book came to be, and why she burst into tears in a library.
They’ve even managed to wangle a must-sniff list of perfumes Alice has been wowed by so far this year (not in the book, just a little scented extra to get you scurrying to smell them). Suzy and Nicola loved recording this warm, emotive, wide-ranging conversation and, as ever, could have talked to Alice for hours longer.
We so hope you enjoy this deep dive into one of the most hotly anticipated books for some time...
Some context about the British Library and this collection:
‘The British Library has an in-house publishing division, and they have an established collection of around 18 books called "The Philosophy Of...". It's a family of small giftable books that cover fun and whimsical lifestyle topics, such as "The Philosophy of Cheese", "The Philosophy of Christmas", "of Gin", "of Tattoos", "of Houseplants", where an expert in that specific field dives into the origins and evolution of that subject. In January, I was invited to author "The Philosophy of Perfume", and it will sit within this collection but as a slightly longer and more standout format. It's out in October, in time for the gifting season, and the RRP is £12.99.’
About the book:
‘The Philosophy of Perfume is a fun, warm, thoughtful and practical book all about fragrance, which looks at its origins and how it's made, how we smell and how best to shop for perfume. It is an adventure into the facts, folklore and fantasies surrounding perfume, delving into how it has evolved through the eras and decades as an artform, reflecting our cultural patterns through history. In the book, you'll meet perfumers who share insights into their fascinating creative process; you'll learn the science behind how we smell and the wild emotional voyage from smell to soul! There are tales of scented superstitions, and the literary and historical figures who inspire perfume, plus the ways in which AI is impacting the future of fragrance and a helpful guide on how to shop for perfume and find The One(s!).
It was so important to me that this book was not for perfume experts, but for fragrance lovers of all ages who want a moment of enchantment laced with interesting facts, a sprinkle of science and some practical guidance when on their next scent shopping safari.’
Pre-order The Philosophy of Perfume by Alice du Parcq at Waterstones.
Can’t wait until October? You can see Alice talking live, interviewed by the wonderful Amanda Carr (founder of Barnes Fragrance Fair @barnesfragrancefair) at the Barnes Bookfest Saturday 26th September at 6pm, and get tickets and more info here.
Fragrances Alice has adored so far this year:
Pia Long’s Olfiction Iconic (by name and nature! An utterly staggering vision of 1980s department stores, expensive makeup and body creams – nostalgia personified)
Botega Venetta’s new Alta collection (especially Bare Morning which Alice feels is the longest-lasting most comforting powdery scent she’s smelled for years)
Hellenist (all of them basically – a stunning house Suzy first saw at Pitti Fragranze, and which we all very much hope will be available in U.K. soon)
Neal’s Yard Remedies Mood Awakening Collection (Alice loved how true these felt to the brand’s ethos, and how they slotted so perfectly into their most beloved collections)
Ode Ona (all of them, again – an exquisitely crafted and curated collection, all worth exploring)
Want to get in touch with feedback or prescription questions for Suzy & Nicola? Message via a DM @onthescentpodcast and they’ll try to get back to you or answer on the show!
