Atelier Cologne Explained

Atelier Cologne is a niche perfume line owned by L'Oréal.^[1] Founded in 2009 by Sylvie Ganter and Christophe Cervasel,^[2] Atelier Cologne is best known for unisex citrus scents like Orange Sanguine.

History

Founded in 2009 by fragrance industry veterans Sylvie Ganter and Christophe Cervasel (who married in 2014),^[3] Atelier Cologne was originally based in Paris and New York.^[4] Atelier Cologne has worked with perfumers Jérôme Epinette, Ralf Schwieger and Cecile Hua (Grand Néroli).^[5]

L'Oréal acquired the company in 2016,^[6] part of a broader trend of multinational groups buying niche fragrance lines and putting them into wider distribution.^[7]

Products

Initially focused on unisex citrus scents, Atelier Cologne developed a line of "colognes absolues": in perfumery, "cologne" can refer to the concentration strength of a formula (an eau de cologne containing a smaller percentage of perfume oil than an eau de toilette, which in turn has less than an eau de parfum). But "cologne" can also be a qualitative descriptor, historically describing citrus and herbal blends like the benchmark 4711 from Cologne, Germany. Atelier Cologne's "colognes absolues" took inspiration from that style, but made their fragrances more concentrated: an absolue in perfume terms. Though the line expanded to include other styles, like florals, Atelier remains best known for unisex citrus scents like Orange Sanguine,^[8] Pomelo Paradis,^[9] and Pacific Lime.^[10]

In addition to perfume, Atelier also makes matching scented body products (shower gels, soaps, lotions) and candles.

Perfumes

Perfumes by year released:

• 2010: Bois Blonds, Grand Néroli, Oolang Infini, Orange Sanguine, Trèfle Pur
• 2011: Vanille Insensée
• 2012: Ambre Nue, Rose Anonyme, Vétiver Fatal, Sous le toit de Paris
• 2013: Mistral Patchouli / Patchouli Riviera, Silver Iris, Gold Leather
• 2014: Cédrat Enivrant, Blanche Immortelle, Santal Carmin, Rendez-Vous
• 2015: Pomélo Paradis, Sud Magnolia, Mandarine Glaciale, Cedre Atlas, Figuier Ardent, Oud Saphir, Jasmin Angélique, Musc Impérial
• 2016: Bergamote Soleil, Philtre Ceylan, Encens Jinhae, Poivre Electrique, Mimosa Indigo, Tobacco Nuit, Citron d’Erable, Camelia Intrepide, Emeraude Agar, Clémentine California
• 2017: Café Tuberosa
• 2018: Iris Rebelle, Pacific Lime
• 2019: Rose Smoke

Notes and References

1. Web site: Weil. Jennifer. 2017-03-21. The Race for Niche Perfume Brands Accelerates. 2020-10-23. WWD. en-US.
2. Web site: Weil. Jennifer. 2019-09-27. Atelier Cologne Turns 10. 2020-10-23. WWD. en-US.
3. Web site: Dash. Kristie. 8 Fragrance Influencers You Need to Know About. 2020-10-24. Allure. en-us.
4. Molvar. Kari. January 25, 2013. Atelier Cologne: A Love Story in Scent. 2020-10-23. Vanity Fair. en-us.
5. Web site: Mueller. Cristina. April 17, 2015. How to Find Your Signature Scent. 2020-10-24. Glamour. en-us.
6. Web site: Moulton. Nicola. 7 May 2017. A Fragrant Affair. 2020-10-23. British Vogue. en-GB.
7. Web site: Weil. Jennifer. 2016-06-30. L'Oréal Acquires Atelier Cologne. 2020-10-23. WWD. en-US.
8. Web site: Kim. Soo-jin. 2020-01-25. 4 favourite perfumes to choose from as your 'signature scent'. 2020-10-23. South China Morning Post. en.
9. Web site: Ancheta. Tatum. May 25, 2020. The best niche perfume stores in Hong Kong. 2020-10-23. Time Out Hong Kong. en.
10. Web site: Turner. Sarah. July 30, 2020. Missing Travel? These Fragrances Will Help. 2020-10-23. Forbes. en.