Lavender & Lavandin: A Tale of Scent and Origin
Lavender is deeply associated with southern France, but its place in perfumery extends far beyond the familiar image of Provençal fields.
Its aromatic profile can be floral, herbaceous, fresh and softly camphoraceous, depending on the variety and origin.
For Maison Anthony Marmin, lavender also carries a personal memory. Its scent recalls my grandmother Suzanne and became part of the story behind Madame Suzanne.
From Provence to Perfumery
Lavender has become inseparable from the aromatic landscape of southern France, where it has long been cultivated and used for fragrance.
In perfumery, true lavender brings a distinctive combination of floral, herbaceous, fresh and softly camphoraceous facets. Its character can feel clean and luminous while retaining the aromatic depth of the plant itself.
Depending on the composition, lavender can bring freshness to the opening, connect floral and aromatic materials, or create contrast with woods, musk and darker notes.
True Lavender vs. Lavandin
Lavender and lavandin are closely related, but they are distinct materials with different olfactory profiles.
True Lavender - Lavandula angustifolia
Generally softer and more floral, with fresh, herbaceous and aromatic facets. Its relatively low camphor content contributes to a smoother profile often associated with fine lavender essential oil.
Lavandin - Lavandula Γ intermedia
A natural hybrid between true lavender and spike lavender. It generally produces more essential oil and has a stronger aromatic character, with more pronounced camphoraceous and eucalyptus-like facets.
Neither material is inherently superior. Their value depends on the composition and the effect the perfumer wants to create.
True lavender may be chosen for softness and floral refinement, while lavandin can bring greater aromatic sharpness, freshness and structure.
As one specialist from Grasse once told me: βLavandin is practical. But for perfume, we choose poetry.β
Personal Memory: Suzanne
The scent of lavender carries a personal memory for me.
During my childhood, my grandmother Suzanne would place dried lavender in our cupboards. Its scent became associated with her presence: familiar, calming and comforting.
When I created Madame Suzanne, I wanted to translate something of that memory into perfume, not simply the scent of lavender or the South of France, but the tenderness and elegance I associate with her.
A perfume born from affection.
