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What makes a really great haircut, and why can a visit to the barber make us feel so much better about ourselves? In episode 2 of the new season of Man in the Mirror I’m chatting with Guray Kesman, founder of Kesman Male Grooming, which has two premium men’s hair & grooming salons in London. We talk about Guray’s journey in the barbering industry, what makes a great grooming experience and how men’s attitudes towards their hair, appearance and personal style are changing. We also explore the connection between looking good and feeling confident, and why a good barber can be so much more than someone who cuts your hair (it may or may not involve ‘the trust equation’!) Plus, Guray shares his own grooming essentials, his thoughts on getting older, what he sees when he looks in the mirror. Guray mentioned the following products from his grooming routines: Recipe For Men - Face Wash, Moisturiser https://www.thegroomingclinic.com/collections/recipe-for-men Louis Vuitton - Ombre Nomade https://uk.louisvuitton.com/eng-gb/products/ombre-nomade-perfume-nvprod7290021v/LP0529 Maison Crivelli - Hibiscus Mahajad https://www.johnlewis.com/maison-crivelli-hibiscus-mahajad-extrait-de-parfum/p109468033 You can find out more about Kesman Male Grooming - and make a booking for the salons in Victoria & Farringdon here: https://kesmangrooming.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kesmanmalegrooming/ https://www.instagram.com/guraykesman/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/ On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to a brand new season of ‘Man in the Mirror’. I hope you had a great summer. In this first episode of Man in the Mirror, I’m joined by Tomáš Ric, founder and creative director of Czech fragrance house Pigmentarium. Tomáš talks about building a contemporary perfume brand deeply rooted in Prague and Czech culture, and how architecture, art, photography and design all feed into Pigmentarium’s distinctive creative world. We explore the process of turning memories, moods and abstract ideas into fragrance, including the story behind the house’s newest scent, Aereo, as well as Tomáš’s ambitions to take Pigmentarium beyond perfume into art, objects and collaborations. Away from fragrance, we head into Tomas’s bathroom cabinet to discover the grooming products he actually uses, before talking about what he sees when he looks in the mirror and the things outside work that bring him joy. Tomáš mentioned the following products from his grooming routines: Phyris - Cleanser, Tonic & Face cream https://www.grandel.com/en/phyris-products Kevin Murphy - Free Hold Hair Paste https://www.kevinmurphystore.com/kevin-murphy-free-hold/ You can find out more about Pigmentarium here: https://www.pigmentarium.com/en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pigmentarium_parfums/ https://www.instagram.com/tmsrc/ https://fiole.co.uk/collections/pigmentarium - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/ On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guests on the season finale are David Benedek, founder of bdk Parfums and Jordi Fernandez, Senior Perfumer at Givaudan. The pair have teamed up on a brand new trio of fragrances for bdk called ‘Collection Studio’. The collection comprises of ‘Stella Silk’, ‘Oud Paradiso’ and ‘Silver Ceremony’ - all inspired by haute couture and textiles. They use some of the finest ingredients in the Givaudan perfume palette at an ‘absolu’ strength of perfume oil (in relation to the alcohol) of over 40%. Suffice to say, the trilogy have presence, refinement and are a true statement of creative craftsmanship. David is one of the few guests to make a second appearance on the show, but he was in town doing an event at Horrods and it was too good an opportunity to miss, particularly as the brand is celebrating its 10th anniversary. I always find David to be such a warm, open person to chat to, someone who is also modest and humble. He clearly relishes collaboration and the excellent working relationship with Jordi Fernandez was palpable. It all started with ‘Impadia’, released last year and continued on to ‘Collection Studio’ in 2026. It was a real coup and a huge thrill to have Jordi Fernandez on the podcast - he’s one of the most in-demand perfumers in the world and he brought joy, energy and enthusiasm to our conversation.  *Special thanks to Phoenix Beauty, Profile PR and bdk for arranging the recording.  Dave & Jordi mentioned the following products from his grooming routines: Jordi: Magna - Shower Gel (Classic) https://www.lemonfreshuk.com/magno-classic-shower-gel-black-original-550ml Nivea - Face Moisturiser https://www.nivea.co.uk/products/nivea-soothing-day-face-cream-spf15-50ml-40058089244170045.html David: Avene - Hydrating Cream https://www.avene.co.uk/p/hydrance-rich-hydrating-cream-3282779390132-b5405ca4 + lots of water! You can find out more about bdk Parfums here: https://bdkparfums.com/en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bdkparfumsparis/ ‘Collection Studio’ is out now. https://bdkparfums.com/en/collections/collection-studio I will now take a short summer break, but see you in the Autumn for Season 12. Thanks so much for listening! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/ On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Pierre Ravan, a multi-hyphenate who is a fragrance brand founder (Eternal Journey) a world renowned club DJ, music producer and yoga practitioner. Pierre & I met earlier this year in London and I’ve seen him subsequently at a couple of big trade shows in Paris and Milan. We bonded over our mutual love of music and scent - and Pierre has the rare ability of managing to combine all his passions as part of a unified ‘whole’, rather than as disparate elements.  It’s fair to say that Pierre has a spiritual and holistic outlook on life and his brand ‘Eternal Journey’ is a reflection of his beliefs. There are 2 collections that explore an inner and outer journey and the good news is that they will soon be available in the UK in the first Fraegra store in Manchester, opening this summer. He talks much more about the range during our conversation.  It was a fascinating to chat to Pierre hand I greatly admire his positivity and spiritually connected outlook on life. I hope you enjoy our conversation - and do let me know what you think via the ‘Man in the Mirror’ podcast socials @maninthemirrorpod - or by commenting on your podcast platform of choice. Your comments and reviews really help the show! Pierre mentioned the following products from his grooming routines: La Prairie - Various products https://www.laprairie.com/en-gb Nuxe - Huile prodigieuse Dry Oil https://uk.nuxe.com/products/huile-prodigieuse-100ml-multi-purpose-dry-oil-face-body-hair Vichy - Deodorant  https://www.vichy.co.uk/all-products/deodorants/deos-clinical-control-96h-man You can find out more about Eternal Journey here: Brand website: https://theeternaljourney.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eternaljourneyofficial/ Pierre’s website https://pierreravan.com/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/ On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Jack Randall, the co-founder of luxury fragrance, candles and homeware brand RNDL. A British success story, RNDL takes a multi-sensory, multi-disciplinary approach, influenced by fashion, food, art and culture - and crafted with the finest raw materials. Jack talked to me about being inspired by his artist Father, being part of a cohort of supportive UK indie brands and the joys and challenges of building a business. We also chatted about his morning and evening routine and what he sees when he looks at the ‘man in the mirror.’ Jack mentioned the following products from his grooming routines: Molton Brown - Bath & Shower Gel https://www.moltonbrown.co.uk/store/bath-body/bath-body-bestsellers/catUKBBestsellers Aesop - Body Cleansers https://www.aesop.co.uk/hand-body/body-cleansers-and-scrubs/ Byredo - Body Wash https://www.byredo.com/uk_en/c/body-care/categories-hand-and-body-care/categories-body-care-products/body-wash Aesop - Shaving Serum https://www.aesop.co.uk/skin-care/shaving/moroccan-neroli-shaving-serum/SK26.html Beauty of Joseon - SPF https://www.boots.com/beauty-of-joseon-relief-sun--rice-and-probiotics-50ml-10348088 RNDL - Circus https://rndl.co.uk/collections/fragrances You can find out more about RNDL here: Brand website: https://rndl.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rndl.ltd/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/ On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Ben Janoušek, the CEO UK & Europe for Kaorium, a company that builds tech to enhance the in-store customer experience with fragrance. Billed as ‘the scent sommelier’, Kaorium sits at the intersection between retail, technology and the customer. It’s an intuitive table-top unit that helps fragrance discovery using words around feelings, emotion and mood, rather than brands, perfume notes or materials. Ben and his team are keen to make the perfume shopping experience as frictionless and fun as possible, with no barriers to participation. It was fascinating to find out more about his career to date, his extra curricular activities in the theatre (!) and of course his morning and evening routines. Ben mentioned the following products from his grooming routines: Original Source - Mint & Tea Tree shower gel https://www.original-source.com/uk/products/originals/mint-tea-tree-shower-gel/ Sure - Deodorant  https://www.suredeodorant.co.uk/products.html Wella - Shockwaves hair gel https://www.wella.com/international/about-wella/shockwaves Parfums de Marly - Haltane https://uk.parfums-de-marly.com/products/haltane Gallivant - Gdańsk https://www.gallivant-perfumes.com/products/gdansk-eau-de-parfum You can find out more about Kaorium here: Brand website: https://www.kaorium.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discoverkaorium - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/ On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is recognisable by his first name alone - and is someone that’s been at the vanguard of niche and luxury perfumery throughout the 21st century. Roja Dove is the Founder of Roja London. He’s had a long and storied career that’s taken him from working personally with the Guerlain family to setting up the ‘Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie’ in the Salon de Parfums in Harrods, then going on to create his own brand, Roja London. I sat down with Roja in the brand’s boutique in Burlington Arcade in London in April 2026. We chatted about his background, his career, his favourite products - and what he thinks about the man that looks back at him in the mirror. This was a hugely enjoyable conversation - and thanks to Roja for being so kind, thoughtful and generous with his time. Roja mentioned the following products from his morning and evening routines: La Roche Posay - Effaclar Toner  https://www.laroche-posay.co.uk/en_GB/%C2%A0effaclar-clarifying-toner-for-oily-blemish-prone-skin-200ml/LRP_065.html Chanel - Sublimage Eye Serum https://www.chanel.com/gb/skincare/p/147960/sublimage-le-serum-yeux-ultimate-eye-serum-reinvigorates-and-illuminates/ Chanel - Antaeus stick deodorant https://www.chanel.com/gb/fragrance/p/118700/antaeus-deodorant-stick/ Roja London - Bespoke perfume https://rojalondon.com/ You can find out more here: Brand website: https://rojalondon.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rojalondon/ Roja Dove on IG: https://www.instagram.com/rojadove/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/ On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is a Max Foucaut, a young menswear designer I met earlier this year. I was hugely impressed with the collection and then I found out he has also released a trio of fragrances to sit along side the menswear, so I had to chat to him on the podcast! Max was born in Paris, educated in Southern California and studied in London at Central St Martins. His designs take all those contrasting cultures and environments and create something fresh - there’s elements of French workwear, relaxed Californian silhouettes and then the precision and craftsmanship of Savile Row in London. I particularly loved a boxy indigo jacket in the Max’s latest collection shown in Paris Fashion Week, there’s incredible details in the cut and the pockets. Max is a name to watch out for - and an exciting future talent in the fashion and fragrance industries. I’m thrilled he agreed to spend some time talking to me about his life and his work.  Max mentioned the following products from his morning and evening routines: Aesop - various products from the hand & body range. https://www.aesop.co.uk/hand-and-body.html Max Foucaut Parfums - Ombre Vivante, Ombre Solaire and Ombre Nocturne https://maxfoucaut.com/parfums You can find out more here: Brand website: https://maxfoucaut.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/max.foucaut - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/ On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s your weekly ‘Man in the Mirror’ fix and this week’s guest is someone I’ve wanted to get on the show for a long time - it’s Geza Schoen, co-founder & perfumer at Escentric Molecules. The brand turns 20 years old this year and is about to open their first stand-alone store in Berlin. It was the perfect chance to chat to Geza about his background, his work, the brand and the plans for the future. There’s a brand new fragrance pillar called ‘Cologne One’ that has just been released and it fits seamlessly into the range. Bright, refreshing, optimistic and a riff on a Gin & Tonic. It has the signature Escentric Molecules ease-of-wear and a dry down of ambroxan, Iso E Super and musk that helps it linger on the skin. I’ve been loving wearing it over the last few weeks.  https://www.escentric.com/products/cologne-one Geza mentioned the following products from his morning and evening routines: Biotherm Homme - Aquapower Cream https://int.biotherm.com/en_GB/mens-grooming/by-mens-collection/aquapower/ Eccentric Molecules - 01, 03, 05 Body Lotion https://www.escentric.com/collections/body-lotion Sebastian - Craft Clay https://www.sebastianprofessional.com/en-GB/products/specialists/craft-clay-texturizing-and-flexible-styling-clay Davidoff Cool Water - Deodorant Stick https://www.justmylook.com/products/davidoff-cool-water-for-men-deodorant-stick-75g You can find out more here: Brand website: https://www.escentric.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escentric_molecules/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/ On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to a brand new season of Man in the Mirror! There’s been a slight hiatus between seasons, slightly longer than planned, to be honest - but I’m back! Thanks so much for joining me for this first episode in season 11, with perfumer Nicolas Bonneville. Nicolas is a perfumer with DSM Firmenich, one of the major fragrance houses. He was in London recently to talk about the Harrods exclusive ‘London Confidential’ for Givenchy. We met in Harrods and chatted about his background, how he got into fragrance and of course the beautiful fragrance he’s created to celebrate the brand new Givenchy boutique within Harrods, London. It draws on the luxury brand’s heritage and its connection to the famous Knightsbridge department store.  You can find more information here: https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/c/givenchy-la-collection-particuliere Nicolas mentioned the following products/services from his morning and evening routines: L’Oreal Men Expert - Moisturiser https://www.loreal-paris.co.uk/men-expert-hydra-energetic/men-expert-hydra-energetic-anti-fatigue-moisturiser Hair Wax - Various You can find Nicolas on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/bonneville.nicolas/ Brand website: https://www.givenchybeauty.com/gb Brand Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/givenchybeauty/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/ On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the joys of this job is learning about new brands - and one of my favourites fragrance discoveries of 2025 is Nosu. I met the co-founders, Jacob Grainger & Lucy Webster at the Barnes Fragrance Fair earlier in the year and it was a pleasure to re-connect with Jacob recently for the podcast. Jacob is the co-founder and self-taught perfumer of Nosu, a British indie perfume house. There are currently 3 fragrances in the collection, made in North London and each one is accompanied by an original artwork created by Lucy, inspired by the textures and themes within the scent. Together, these elements blur the lines between the visual and the olfactory worlds, offering a full sensory experience. Lucy & Jacob are part of a new wave of talented indie brands who are doing things their own way and working collaboratively. In line with that ethos, Nosu are taking part in the first ‘Pop Up Perfumery’ where various brands will take over a temporary space at 69 York Street, London W1 from 13-16th Nov 2025, alongside Eau de Boujee, Soul Notes and Sainte Cellier. https://www.instagram.com/thepopupperfumery/ They have also created a bespoke scent for the ‘Passengers’ exhibition at Parallel LDN Gallery, which is running until the end of November in Devonshire Square in London.  https://www.instagram.com/parallellondon/ Jacob mentioned the following products/services from his morning and evening routines: Tocobo - Moisturiser https://www.boots.com/tocobo-multi-ceramide-cream-50ml-10359710 The Ouai - The Wave Salt Spray https://theouai.co.uk/products/wave-spray?variant=54933620228478 George Northwood Barbers - Shoreditch, London https://www.georgenorthwood.com/ You can find Nosu on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/nosuparfum/?hl=en Brand website: https://www.nosuparfum.com/ Nosu Fragrances are available from the following stores: https://www.instagram.com/roullierwhite/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/parfumledanceuk/?hl=en - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/ On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production and Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man in the Mirror went overseas for the first time last month! I was the guest of the Santa Eulalia Perfumes brand, which is part of the stunning Santa Eulalia department store in Barcelona, Spain. The original shop was founded in 1843 and today, on a different site, is the premium multi-brand fashion store in the city. Santa Eulalia stock some of the finest designer brands including Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Chloe, Jil Sander to name just a few. They also create their own made-to-measure suits, menswear and tailoring under the Santa Eulalia name. Luis Sans is the President of store and the fragrance house, he’s the fourth generation of his family to be custodians of the brand and he very kindly agreed to take part in ‘Man in The Mirror’ in September 2025.  Santa Eulalia Perfumes represent the essence of Barcelona - showcasing both the traditional and the cosmopolitan sides of the city. There is a new intense, more powerful collection of some of the classic fragrances under the ‘Forte’ banner. They are available in some of the best perfume boutiques globally, as well as in the Santa Eulalia shop itself. In the UK the range is in Liberty.  Luis mentioned the following products from his morning and evening routines: Proraso - Shaving Soap: https://proraso.com/en/products/shaving/ Santa Eulalia Perfumes - 175, Obscuro, Marinis: https://www.santaeulalia.com/en-gb/collections/perfumes-santa-eulalia/perfumes In the UK: https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/brands/s/santa-eulalia/ You can find Santa Eulalia Perfumes on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/santaeulaliaperfumes/ Santa Eulalia Store on IG: https://www.instagram.com/santaeulalia1843/ Brand website: https://www.santaeulaliaperfumes.com/en/ (PR trip) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/ On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc-Antoine Barrois is a guest I’ve been wanting to feature on the podcast for a long while, so I was thrilled when we got the opportunity to spend some time together this summer at the brand’s flagship UK store in central London.  Marc-Antoine is a couturier, as well as the Founder & Artistic Director of his eponymous Maison. He designs beautiful tuxedos, crisp white shirts and jewellery, but is equally well known for his collection of fragrances, created in collaboration with perfumer and friend Quentin Bisch. The perfumes have won countless awards, been critically acclaimed and found a loyal and ever-growing audience. I can’t think of any perfume that gets me as many comments and compliments as ‘Ganymede’ from Marc-Antoine Barrois. The house is still independent and has a dedicated team (including Marc-Antoine’s younger brother, another Quentin!) who carefully plot the brand’s course and slowly, but surely introduce new products and new markets. Here in the UK there is a must-see shop in the Piccadilly Arcade that gives a tantalising glimpse into the ‘Marc-Antoine Barrois universe’ - complete with an upside down blue rabbit in the window! They also have a presence in Harrods and Selfridges.  Marc-Antoine mentioned the following products from his morning and evening routines: Augustinus Bader - Hand Cream https://augustinusbader.com/uk/en/the-hand-treatment B683 Fragrance - Marc-Antoine Barrois https://marcantoinebarrois.com/en-gb/products/b683 You can find Marc-Antoine Barrois on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/marcantoinebarrois/ Marc-Antoine’s personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/mabarrois/ Brand website: https://marcantoinebarrois.com/en-gb - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/ On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that brands and products are a result of life choices and decisions that may have seemed insignificant at the time. One such decision led Craig Andrade to leave work early to attend a candle making workshop. He fell in love with the craft, the creativity and the connection with olfaction and he decided to make a change and quit his corporate law role. Craig’s ‘Act II’ began when he studied perfumery at the Grasse Institute of Perfumery and eventually he founded his own brand, Raconteur in Australia - focusing on native botanicals. There are now three stores in Australia and the brand is stocked globally, including at Bloom in London. Craig says: “My perfumery practice straddles beauty, art, history, science, botany, geography, and physiology. It comprises rich layers of storytelling and meaning. My focus is on making natural fragrances that combine these elements and provide both pleasure and purpose.” Craig mentioned the following products from his morning and evening routines: Sodashi - Cleanser Clay, Face Polish and Sleek Moisturiser https://www.sodashi.co.uk/products/ Cancer Council of Australia - Sunscreen https://www.cancercouncilshop.org.au/collections/sunscreen Raconteur fragrances are available here in the UK at Bloom - and via the Raconteur website globally.  https://bloomperfume.co.uk/collections/raconteur You can find Raconteur on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_rac_on_teur/ Raconteur website: https://theraconteur.co/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/ On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to episode 3 in the new season. I’m following up one perfumer with another, this time a young, exciting perfumer who is really making waves at the moment. It’s Florian Gallo, who works for the fragrance house DSM-Firmenich.  We spoke particularly in relation to a beautiful fragrance Florian has created for luxury Italian brand Brunello Cucinelli called ‘Sofio Zenit’, a study in white fig and aromatics that’s been a huge favourite of mine all summer. It’s part of the’ ‘Icanti Poetici’ collection from the brand which also features fragrances from Alberto Morillas (last week’s guest!) as well as Quentin Bisch and Jordi Fernandez. Florian mentioned the following products from his morning and evening routines: DOP - Douche Creme - Bonbon Cola https://www.naturalfrenchsoap.com/dop-douche-creme-bonbon-cola-250ml Sofio Zenit from Brunello Cucinelli is out now: https://www.harrods.com/en-ua/p/brunello-cucinelli-soffio-zenit-parfum-100ml-000000000007732451 You can find Brunello Cucinelli on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/brunellocucinelli_brand/ Florian Gallo is on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/floriangallo_perfumer/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - You can ‘tip’ me via the link below. This really helps me with the podcast running costs (it’s a costly business!): https://ko-fi.com/maninthemirror You can follow me @maninthemirrorpod on IG: https://www.instagram.com/maninthemirrorpod/ On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yousmellgreatwhatisit ———————————————————————————————— Thanks to Anders Sundberg for ‘Man in the Mirror’ sound mixing and production, Andy Goff @goff_andy for the artwork and Andy Gilbert (ATRX) @andygilbert_atrx for the theme music.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.