In celebration of 120 years of perfume innovation, co-creators Sue Nabi and Nicolas Vu unveil their most ambitious fragrance collection yet: INFINIMENT COTY PARIS.
Photography by DAN MATTHEW
In the grand narrative of fragrance, Coty is adding a pivotal chapter to its index with the unveiling of INFINIMENT COTY PARIS: an innovative 14 fragrance collection augmented by science to revolutionise the world of perfume. With each scent a masterpiece crafted at the intersection of nature and innovation, elevate your olfactory experience with Molecular Aura, a revolutionary technology that extends the fragrance’s allure for up to 30 hours, ensuring you captivate with every step. Embrace sustainability without sacrificing luxury as the collection boasts 100% recycled captured carbon emission alcohol, a testament to Coty’s commitment to eco-conscious elegance. Each elixir envelops you in a symphony of scents, a testament to their dedication to pushing the boundaries of fragrance artistry.
At the helm of this olfactory odyssey is Sue Nabi and Nicolas Vu. Sue and Nicolas started to think and discuss with Fabrice Pellegrin about creating a fragrance collection when they worked with him on Orveda’s olfactive signature. Fabrice participated in the genesis of the project but the full collection has been worked out with several talented perfumers including him. The result? 14 fragrances embodying a distinct emotion, meticulously crafted with neuroscience-backed precision. This quantum leap for Coty stands as a revolution in the realm of sensory delight; a doorway into a world where every drop tells a story, and every scent ignites the soul.
Wonderland had the honour of sitting down with the creators during 1-54 art fair at Somerset House where INFINIMENT COTY PARIS exhibited five stunning artworks made of stackable bottles becoming canvas’ for artists Mous Lamrabat, Deborah Segun, Thandiwe Muriu, Younes Khourassani and Francisco Vidal, who interpreted the five day fragrances from the collection behind this iconic sensory triumph in celebration of the brand’s 120th anniversary and the unveiling of the exciting collection.
Photography by DAN MATTHEW
How did 2023 treat you both?
Sue Nabi: 2023 has been a great year for me at Coty. We’ve had one of the best years ever in the company’s history, thanks to the fragrance index and the success of our fragrance brands. It’s also the year we revealed a 10-year-in-the-making project, INFINIMENT COTY PARIS, a culmination of artistry, quality and a science-driven approach to fragrance.
Nicolas Vu: It’s been a magical year especially with the re-launch of the new-age skincare range Sue and I founded, Orveda, and now INFINIMENT COTY PARIS. A busy, beautiful year indeed.
Congratulations on INFINIMENT COTY PARIS! Could you please talk to me about exactly what the collection means to both of you and what inspired this amazing creation?
SN: This collection started 10 years ago when we were working on a start-up together – we spent the mornings on Orveda and the evenings on this project. The vision was to reinvent fragrances, blending quality, artistry, science and sustainability. It’s the result of our love for skincare and fragrance, alongside our dedication and collaboration, incorporating innovative technologies like molecular aura for long-lasting scents.
NV: The first approach for our collaboration was through skincare, then we worked on the scent for the brand. Naturally, we started to go broader. Working on fragrances is magical and different from skincare. It’s more instinctual.
Who do you envision wearing this collection?
SN: Each fragrance speaks to different people. “Soleil d’Ikosim”, for example, appeals to those who love Mediterranean scents and travel.
NV: Anyone passionate about fragrance and quality would be interested in this collection.
What were some of the challenges that you faced when creating the collection?
SN: The main challenge was creating 14 fragrances of equal quality. We aimed for each scent to be exceptional, rather than filling the line with fillers. At Coty, we have used a specific technology to measure the emotional effects of each fragrance on the brain. The ability to use neuro-scientific tools to make sure the fragrance is aligning with you and your emotions is what we focused on. From morning to night, there will be a fragrance to aid your feelings.
NV: The challenge was staying true to ourselves amidst trends and focusing on authenticity and emotions. It is easy to be influenced by trends that fit into the market rather than creating something new and innovative. I think I have a craftsmanship approach. During your life path you will have different encounters, so it’s about translating emotions and authenticity rather than following trends.
Crafted by the visionary minds of Sue and Nicolas, these scents are not just concoctions of spellbinding notes but reflections of inspirations, convictions, experiences, and roots. They’re like personal messages, resonating with values that speak to us all. Each scent is more than just a fragrance; it’s an authentic, personal narrative waiting to be explored. From the evocatively named Entre Genres, translated to Between Genders, to the sweet whispers of Les Mots Doux, known as Sweet Words, and the radiant warmth of Soleil d’Ikosim, meaning Ikosim Sun, every creation is a story waiting to be told. So dive into this 14 fragrance sensory adventure, and let the scents evoke emotions you never knew existed. As with INFINIMENT COTY PARIS, every spritz is a new chapter in your olfactory story, waiting to be discovered and savoured.
INFINIMENT COTY PARIS is available in Paris (5, rue des Blancs Manteaux) and London, exclusively at Liberty
