Few flowers capture the spirit of a city quite like the rose does for Paris. In Impadia, master perfumer Jordi Fernández brings this symbolism to life through a bold, dual-rose composition that mirrors the city’s multifaceted beauty.
In this interview, Fernández shares the inspiration behind Impadia, his deep connection to the queen of flowers, and how he translated the romance of a Parisian sunrise into scent.
THE INTERVIEW
How does the rose express the beauty and vibrant energy of Paris?
“The rose is a raw material with a unique olfactory richness. There are several varieties within the Damascena botanical species, such as those grown in Bulgaria and Turkey. Depending on the extraction method used, either essential oil or absolute is obtained, each offering a variety of facets. Bulgarian rose oil Orpur™* is fresh, slightly spicy and highly diffusive. Conversely, Turkish rose absolute Orpur™ reveals richer, warmer notes, with hints of honey and a touch of cocoa. This combination at the very heart of IMPADIA celebrates the multiple dimensions of beauty, from delicate freshness to enchanting depth, creating a complete and nuanced olfactory experience. The fragrance’s other ingredients enhance the queen of flowers, reinforcing its complexity and richness. Together, they allow the fragrance to resonate with the myriad ways in which beauty can be experienced, and celebrate its multi-faceted nature in a truly captivating way.”
What is your relationship with the queen of flowers?
“The rose has always been the cornerstone of my career as a perfumer and a key ingredient in perfumery in the Middle East region, where I have gained much of my experience. My various interpretations of the rose have allowed me to explore its cultural richness and diverse olfactory profiles. Even today, I continue to discover new dimensions in its enchanting fragrance.”
Why did you use two different roses at the heart of Impadia?
“Turkish and Bulgarian roses belong to the same species, the damascena rose, each with very distinct olfactory specificities due to the different extraction methods used. Bulgarian rose essence Orpur™ has fresh, metallic and green notes, with a hint of spiciness that conveys the vibrant side of the flower. Turkish rose absolute Orpur™ reveals a warmer profile, characterised by rich honey notes and subtle cocoa nuances. When blended, this creates a harmonious balance that highlights the unique qualities of each rose.”
Sunrise and sunset are characterized by gradations of colour from pink to orange. How did you translate these nuances into scent?
“Mandarin integral Orpur™ has fresh, juicy citrus notes that bring a sense of happiness and vibrancy. Combined with rose, it captures the soft rosy hues that evoke the gradation of colours at sunrise. Notes of bergamot enhance the luminosity, while the warm, sweet undertones of vanilla represent the golden warmth of the sun at the end of the day.”
*The Orpur™ collection brings together the best qualities of natural raw materials from the Givaudan palette. Individually selected with the greatest care, these ingredients are true “grands crus”.
Impadia EDP by BDK Parfums is available online at Etiket.ca and in stores.
