Scent Stories: Maria Perello On The Subtle Power of Perfume and Privacy

Harper’s BAZAAR Arabia sits down with Maria Perello to hear all about her “In All Intimacy” fragrance launch with Henry Jacques and tennis star husband Rafael Nadal

A scent love story in the making, French haute parfumerie Henry Jacques tapped husband and wife duo, Maria Perello and tennis pro Rafael Nadal, to create a fragrance set.  

Dubbed, “In All Intimacy,” there are three perfumes to choose from. Each reflective of the couple’s personalities, there’s a special meaning for each of the aromas. Perello favors hints of violet and orange blossom with bergamot and jasmine for her fragrance. For Nadal, subtle touches of coriander, thyme, violet, and lavender remind him of his tie to the Mediterranean. A third fragrance made by Nadal is a bit more personal, poetically tied to Perello with notes of citrus, freesia, and sandalwood among others. 

Honed with Henry Jacques, there was utmost care and attention to detail as the couple worked with the family-owned maision to deliver personalised fragrances. Speaking of the partnership, Anne-Lise Cremona, CEO of Henry Jacques said, “Meeting and spending time with Maria and Rafael to create their perfumes was a true pleasure and the beginning of a new chapter that the three of us wish would last. Our encounter was about sharing emotions with great mutual trust, and above all a desire to share a beautiful story and reflection of life that could be inspiring for many. And that is what perfume is all about”.

Here, Perello sits down to chat about what it was like working with her husband to create such characteristic scents and the intimate tie she holds with perfume as she shares her own scent story. 

The new perfumes are available online at www.parfumshenryjacques.com and in boutiques around the world.

Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): What’s your first memory of fragrance — or, even, a particular scent that left a lasting impression?

Maria Perello (MP): To me perfume is something very powerful, almost like an unspoken language. I have countless memories and emotions linked to certain scents. Sometimes they remind me of my childhood, or of people dear to me, or sometimes they take me back to specific places. Mediterranean scents, fresh yet warm, always have a special place in my heart as they remind me of home, Mallorca.

I have always been very particular when it comes to fragrances; I wear perfume every day, on my skin or clothes, but have never really taken the time to look for the ideal one. I knew what I didn’t like more than what I really liked. I’ve tried countless different scents over the years, most of them gifts — mainly from Rafa — but was never really fully satisfied with them, as I wanted something more unique, that would really match my personality. I wanted my perfume to give me a sense of strength and confidence and at the same time make me feel elegant and fresh, all without being too overpowering.

HBA: You’re a very private person. Why was now the right time to step into the spotlight – alongside your husband, Rafael Nadal – and collaborate with Henry Jacques?

MP: Indeed, I’ve always been a very private person and never really wanted to be in the spotlight. It is very important to Rafa and I to protect our personal and family life. It wasn’t so much about it being the right time but more about finding the right brand and people around it to collaborate with; a brand that would understand and allow me to keep my personal life private. I liked the idea of creating a scent that reflects me, getting to share it and speak about myself and my personality through it.

What I appreciate most about Henry Jacques is the brand’s exclusivity and discretion; its values particularly resonated with me/us. They cultivate a truly bespoke culture, and pay utmost attention to their clients’ wants and needs, without any compromise. I also love the brand’s creativity and the fact that they only use the best quality in natural components. From the beginning, I felt very comfortable working with Anne-Lise and the team; we built a special bond throughout the process. I’ve been very involved in this project and feel like we truly created something together.

HBA: How would you best describe all three fragrances?

MP: All three perfumes definitely draw inspiration from the Mediterranean and Mallorca where we are both from and live.

I wanted my fragrance to give a sense of elegance, youthfulness, and happiness, at least that’s what I hope it conveys to those who smell it. I think that the beauty of my perfume lies in its paradoxes: it is light but memorable, fresh yet sophisticated, soft but strong enough to last the entire day without being too overpowering. Simple yet mighty. It certainly reflects my personality.

Rafa’s two perfumes are a true representation of him and his lifestyle, one is fresher and lighter — perfect for when he’s playing; the other is bolder and zestier for his time off court.

HBA: Did you learn anything about Rafael – or, perhaps, see another side to him – that you didn’t know prior to creating the fragrances together?

MP: We are both very dedicated people and I think we really enjoyed the experience and the self-reflection and emotions that came with it. Throughout the creative process, we received many perfume samples from Henry Jacques and shared some special moments together discussing our thoughts about them.

HBA: What surprised you the most throughout the collaboration?

MP: It’s been an enriching experience for me overall! I discovered the fascinating world of Haute Parfumerie, which was previously completely unknown to me, and I was surprised by the infinite creativity and possibilities it brings. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, ultimately resulting in my personal perfume, which along the way allowed me to get to know myself better. Another aspect that I found surprising was to see that one of the world’s most exclusive perfume brands is professional, but at the same time so warm and familiar, thanks to the team.

For more information, visit parfumshenryjacques.com 

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