A passion for perfumes: One Parisian entrepreneur looks to the Middle East for olfactory inspiration

Born in Paris in 1989, David Benedek is a third-generation perfume maker. His paternal grandparents moved to the French capital from Transylvania in the 1950s where they opened their first boutique in the Palais-Royale neighbourhood.

“My parents still own the shop today. So I really grew up surrounded by perfume. And actually, that's how my love for perfume came,” David told Euronews.

He set up his own brand BDK Parfums in 2016 after studying perfume and cosmetics at the French Institute of Fashion. 

“I used to do a lot of paintings when I was younger. So when I create my perfume, I always think about texture and colour, and then I'm thinking about the message I want to deliver to my customer,” he added.

A post shared by BDK Parfums (@bdkparfumsparis)

David says that the process of creating the perfect scent is a science.

“You know, it's like when you're cooking...you have to build your own recipe, right? And depending on the mood I want to express in the perfume, I'm trying different combinations with the perfumer and I'm looking after the formula. If it's well blended, it is well-balanced. And actually, this takes time.”

The global market for perfumes is expected to grow to €53 billion by 2027. David told Euronews that Covid had a big part to play in driving the current markets. 

“I think especially after COVID...people now are taking much more care about themselves...and they really focus on what can bring them joy. And I think perfume is part of the game finally,” he said.

Speaking to Euronews in Dubai where he was launching his new fragrance Ambre Safrano, he also commented on the ingredients he likes to use in his creations.

"Here in the Middle East...perfume is really part of their education", he said.

“[There] are common