Traveler and Explorer With Adventurous Spirit - An Interview With Neil Jacquet

Background: This year we have seen a phenomenon - a wave of new brands of French origin, all of which have made their mark with launches that are predominately located in the gourmand world. One of these fragrances is AMOW by Neil Jacquet. This is my favorite of all the ones I have tried. Since not that much else is known about these brands yet, AMOW inspired me to want to find out a little more about Neil Jacquet, which goes beyond the brand website. The result can be found in the following interview with Neil Jacquet, founder and artistic director of the brand.

What sparked the idea to create your own perfume brand?
My passion for fragrance has been present since I was twelve. For me, scents are essential markers of memory. As I’ve been fortunate to travel frequently, I wanted to encapsulate my travel experiences into bottles, translating them into unique fragrances. Each scent represents a personal journey or memory, allowing others to experience the essence of places and moments that have left a profound impact on me.

How do you establish contacts with fragrance houses and perfumers as a newcomer to the market? How do you select the right collaborators?
Building these connections relies on intuition and genuine exchange. I choose collaborators based on how I feel in their presence - I prefer working with people who inspire trust and with whom I feel comfortable. Margaux Le Paih-Guérin, in particular, has been a wonderful discovery, and I am delighted with our collaboration. Trust and a shared creative vision are fundamental for me to create fragrances that authentically convey my vision.

What is the story of the first fragrance, Amazonia Love (a creation of the founder), and why was it the ideal fragrance to introduce the brand?
Amazonia Love draws inspiration from the Amazon’s extraordinary duality - a place of remarkable biodiversity intertwined with the myth of the Amazonian warrior. This fragrance represents a subtle fusion of these two fascinating worlds: exotic notes like maracuja, pomelo, and coconut evoke the lushness of the jungle, while maté, sandalwood, and vanilla embody the strength and audacity of the Amazonian warrior. Maté, in particular, is a note I feel has been underutilized in niche perfumery, so I wanted to center a fragrance around this iconic South American drink. Amazonia Love felt like the ideal first scent to introduce because it captures a spirit of adventure and reverence for nature, which is central to the brand’s essence.

What does the name of the second fragrance, AMOW, stand for, and what personal influence lies behind this delicate gourmand scent?
AMOW is a composition of two ancient Greek words: “AMO,” meaning unconditional love, and “MOW,” referring to the mauve color of the evening sky. This fragrance is inspired by Greek sunsets, which to me are among the most breathtaking I’ve seen. I also drew from ancient Greek culture, specifically the story of Andromeda and her rescue by Perseus, who became enamored with her at first sight. The scent aims to capture the addictiveness of that kind of intense connection, and it was a journey Margaux and I explored deeply during the creative process. Top notes of juicy peach, cherry and mandora reflect the mauve and golden hues of sunset, while the gourmand base notes with pécan nuts and madeleine add sensuality, creating an alluring and unforgettable essence.

Does the distinct bottle design play a role in the development of each fragrance, or is it independent?
The bottle design has been reimagined to more closely represent the DNA of French excellence. Moving forward, this refined approach to the bottle’s aesthetic will be consistent across the entire range, aligning each fragrance with a visual expression of the brand’s values.

What can we expect from the growing collection in the future?
I continue to draw inspiration from around the world, and I don’t set limits on the creative process. My goal is to bring innovation to every release, capturing unique stories and emotions in each bottle. Although the brand is expanding, I am committed to upholding high standards - I won’t launch a fragrance unless it meets my vision and expectations entirely.