Tuberose Harvest in Grasse with Chanel

As I’ve mentioned time and time again; perfumes have increasingly become a passion for me. For the better part of the last two years, I’ve daydreamed of spending a sabbatical of sorts tucked away in the flower fields of Grasse learning how to craft a fragrance. I’ve repeatedly researched perfumery courses near and far, contemplating when the right time would come so I could pause everything and learn about the art of perfume-making. Then, a few months ago, I got a call that proved to me once again that the damn Secret is so freaking true. Chanel had invited me on a global press trip to Grasse (!!!). The occasion? To celebrate the harvest of the Tuberose flower, and consequently, the first fragrance the maison has ever made with its essence—Gabrielle. Not only that, but they also gave me the opportunity to interview its creator; famed perfumer, and basically the prince of Grasse, Olivier Polge (his father, Jacques, was Chanel’s perfumer from 1978-2014). What a delightful 3 days we spent in the region. From the hotel, Le Mas de Pierre, to the dinners we had and the sights we saw (more on that later). And of course, getting to meet Mr. Polge and Mr. Joseph Mul, who owns the fields where Chanel grows its flowers. I hope the below visual story will make you feel like you were there with me. It was truly such a unique experience, I’ve tried my best to make this post as unique as well. Merci, Chanel, for this unforgettable adventure!