Perfume Palate: A Matter of Taste [Neela Vermeire]

Neela Vermeire is a woman whose primary passion in life seems to be the creative translation of the wonders of India into fragrance. Along with perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour's help, I believe she's succeeded in doing so (and in a very appealing way) with the initial three offerings from her Paris-based company, Neela Vermeire Creations.

I've fallen helplessly in love with Trayee, the first of the perfume trio, which is meant to represent the Vedic period in India's history. It contains so many lush, spicy and rich ingredients that I can find something new in it every time I wear it. The unique vibrancy of each fragrance (Trayee, Mohur and Bombay Bling) has drawn fans (and contented sighs) from all over the globe, and accolades are still rolling in.

I'm very pleased to announce that there will be a draw right here towards the end of the week, and there will be THREE lovely prizes to be won. Stay tuned, you're not going to want to miss this!

First of all, please state your name and occupation:

Neela C. Vermeire, owner and creative director of Neela Vermeire Creations.

What is your favorite perfume at the moment?

Besides NVC trio and mods? I am loving a special unreleased iris created by a very dear perfumer friend.

What is your favorite fragrance house or brand of perfume?

Tough question- have several- may I mention a few?
Chanel (initial exclusives)
Guerlain
Serge Lutens
Frederic Malle

How often do you wear perfume, and under what circumstances do you wear it?

Every day- sometimes a few times depending on my mood, quality of the perfume, etc. Applying perfume is usually the final part of getting dressed for the day or evening. I sadly don't like huge sillage so if I wear something powerful like Bombay Bling, I apply perfume long before I go out so I do not annoy anyone.

I wear very little perfume or very personal/not-grand-sillage perfumes when I travel, go to see an opera, concert, play, art gallery or gastronomic restaurant. There is nothing more annoying than heavy perfumes when people need to concentrate on music, art or food...heavy fragrances in any of the above-mentioned settings really annoy me... it must be because we sit so close to others. I guess I try to be considerate. 

Is it important to you to know who the perfumer or creator is behind the perfumes you wear?

Yes, usually. It helps me understand them better because most perfumers have their own "style".

Do you follow the work of certain perfumers, and if so, who?

Quite a few besides the perfumers I work with like Bertrand (Duchaufour), etc...
To name a couple:
Christopher Sheldrake
Dominique Ropion
Maurice Roucel
Pierre Bourdon
Olivia Giacobetti

Think of an iconic perfume bottle design from the past. What is it?

The most gorgeous Diorissimo- original bottle, Vol de Nuit, Apree L'Ondee, Guerlain Bee Bottles,.. have also been following some amazing designs by the French bottle designer Pierre Dinand.

How many times a day do you estimate that you think about perfume?

You know Carrie, a lot (more than I would like to), because I work in this field, when I meditate I get my best perfume ideas and yes I do dream about perfumes, bottles and packaging...

Think of the last time you complimented someone on the fragrance they were wearing. Did you ask them what it was, and if so, did they tell you?

Just last month, a charming lady was helping me out in a store in Austin. She was wearing something rather lovely- I had a feeling it may be a newer Chanel. It turned out to be Allure.

In just three words, describe your ideal fragrance:

Complex, beautiful, uplifting 

[photos courtesy of Neela Vermeire Creations]