Jean-Claude ELLENA sometimes participates in the conferences of the museum of classical art of Mougins. He took us on a journey through the fabulous history of eau de Cologne. What a surprise to learn how was born the water of Cologne! Moreover, its formula remains unchanged since 1760, when it was introduced at the Court of Versailles; what an incredible modernity!

Jean-Claude Ellena, creator of modern perfumes

President of the association for the influence of the International Perfumery Museum, he created the great successes in perfumery, notably for the Hermès house.

• Its "purified" style gives a new trend to the modern perfumes we know today. More lightness and subtlety replace the heady and heavy perfumes desired by the bourgeoisie of another time.

Not really retired, he organized as curator the exhibition " The fabulous history of cologne" at the Musée International de la Parfumerie in Grasse until January 5.

• The cologne becomes a universal product, declined by many great houses.
• Of Italian origin, "Miraculous Water" is said to be "derived from a citrus-based composition concocted in a convent in Florence in 1695," according to the exhibition catalog.
• The Farina family and then the Roger et Gallet company give a second version of the origins based on a return from India of a wounded British soldier. These stories are as mythical and plausible as each other.

In his book "The Smell Writer," published in 2017 by Nez/le Contrepoint, Jean Claude Ellena shares his passion for smells since his childhood.

• What I like in his story is the way he goes in search of the character of each fragrant flower that we all love. He is interested in all the smells of life, less noble but rich in emotions.
• Contrary to popular belief, the perfumer writes the chemical formula for a new perfume from memory. He strives to memorize each component in isolation. A true process of intellectual creation, imagined before the realization of the product, will only be corrected at the margin later. First we imagine, then we manufacture.

Currently, he continues his collaboration with the house of Frédéric MALLE. He is the 3rd generation of perfumer in a "total freedom of creation".

Coming soon to the Musée international de la Parfumerie in GRASSE

The museum of perfumery is preparing future conferences and exhibitions all as interesting: we will see

"The Century of the Powder Makers (1880-1890). Beauty powder and its cases, from May 29 to September 27, 2020"