SCENTED SUNDAY: From Raw Materials To Poetic Expression

Two months ago, I wrote about Fuego Futuro. It was a glimpse into the journey Maurus Bachmann and I undertook to create a fragrance born from untamed raw materials, capturing the nomadic soul of fire itself. That story was just the beginning.

Today, I want to dive deeper—into the alchemy of absolutes, unique oils, and even the modern molecules that shape our craft. It’s fascinating how these elements not only influence our emotions but also paint entire moods onto our senses, coloring our well-being in ways both subtle and profound.

Eau Coeur: The Magnolia And Lost in Translation

When Thomas De Monaco Parfums was officially launched in March 2022, Eau Coeur and Grand Beau became our first limited extrait editions. These fragrances, however, were conceived in 2020, during one of the most melancholic periods in recent history. For me, it was a time of emotional paralysis, a “chalky veil” that hung over everything—perhaps not unlike the haze of Lost in Translation by Sofia Coppola.

As a photographer, I found myself drawn to the essence of magnolia—a flower that doesn't appear in the film, yet encapsulated everything I was feeling. The magnolia: delicate, life-affirming, yet fleeting in its fragility, knowing it will return next year with quiet confidence. Its scent is both calming and uplifting, harmonizing and subtly exotic. Eau Coeur began as a vision, a story shaped by emotions rather than logic. Its creation felt like capturing fleeting moments: the melancholy of a Tokyo night, the quiet intimacy of a glance exchanged in a crowded room, and the enduring hope that beauty can lift the heaviest of burdens.

But Eau Coeur isn’t merely delicate—it’s vibrant, complex, and strikingly modern. At its heart is not only magnolia but also Rose Ultimate, a contemporary interpretation of the rose that redefines tradition. This is not the romanticized rose of the past; it is a rose reimagined—light, airy, and alive with possibility.

Maurus Bachmann captured this balance beautifully, weaving in the gentle spice of pink pepper to infuse modernity and refinement. The interplay of oakwood, musk, and ambertonic gives Eau Coeur its depth and warmth, creating a base that is as comforting as it is captivating. Oakwood adds a subtle smokiness, while the musk and ambertonic bring a soft sensuality, balancing the bright florals with an irresistible pull of intimacy.

Together, the notes form Eau Coeur: a fragrance full of sensuality and magnetic allure, one that dares to be both fragile and fearless, modern and timeless. In some ways, I imagined this is how Scarlett Johansson’s character, Charlotte, might smell—a quiet yet profound presence in the haze of Tokyo nights. With Eau Coeur, every note has a purpose, every accord tells a story. It is poetry in motion, a pulse of energy, a breath of life, and a reminder that even in moments of stillness, there is beauty waiting to bloom.

Grand Beau: Where Land Meets Sea And Spirit

Grand Beau is a fragrance born from a deeply personal need to reconnect with the world during a time of loss. While Eau Coeur was crafted with others in mind, Grand Beau became my own exploration, rooted in the quiet moments I found during long hikes along the edges of land and sea. These coastal trails became my sanctuary during the pandemic—a space to pause, close my eyes, and let the raw elements of nature envelop me.

The inspiration began with the mineral purity of seaweed clinging to the shoreline and the wild, untamed scent of the sea grass. These grounding, oceanic aromas reflect a sense of freedom and connection to the earth. Layered over this was the sharp, invigorating aroma of pine, carried on the wind. Energizing yet calming, it dissolved stress with every breath, while the dry, herbal crispness of juniper berries brought a subtle masculinity—like the smooth bite of gin on a warm summer afternoon.

But Grand Beau is more than a tribute to rugged landscapes; it’s a symphony of contrasts. Beneath its fresh, windswept opening lies a creamy, floral heart of tuberose, which adds a soft sensuality to the composition. Smoky vetiver and the subtle sweetness of tonka bean provide depth and texture, grounding the fragrance in warmth. To this, ambrette and ambrocenide add a musky complexity and a salt-kissed breeze that lingers like the memory of a perfect summer day.

Grand Beau is a moment suspended in time: the wind rushing through the pines, the sun casting dappled shadows in the heat, and the salt of the sea hanging in the air. It is the feeling of standing still, breathing deeply, and letting the elements tell their story—a reflection of the past, a whisper of the future, and a connection to the present. Raw, reflective, and undeniably alive, Grand Beau is not just a fragrance; it’s an invitation to embrace the quiet power of nature’s rhythm.

Perfume as Expression: A Story in Every Note

These two fragrances highlight what I believe is the true power of perfume: to evoke, to heal, and to tell a story. Fragrance is not just an accessory—it is an expression of who you are. It works on you before it works on others, drawing out your essence rather than covering it up.

THOMAS DE MONACO PARFUMS fragrances are not about trends; they are about poetry. They are crafted as fine art, born from an idea, refined into an experience. When you choose a perfume, take time to consider its notes, the story they tell, and how they resonate with your own. A good perfume should feel like a second skin, enhancing the moments that matter most to you—whether they are fleeting or profound.

Perfume is not for years; it’s for the right moments. And those moments may change, just as we all do.