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Scent as a Narrative: Brume Orpin’s French Fragrance Revolution
PACKAGING

Scent as a Narrative: Brume Orpin’s French Fragrance Revolution

Discover BRUME ORPIN, where French craftsmanship meets innovation. Guided by a passion for olfactory storytelling, each fragrance is an exploration of the timeless allure of scent.

TCC Tiphaine Cogez Cousseau
Jan 20, 2025
15 mins read
10.5K views

You describe each fragrance as an olfactory sketch or a theatrical scene. Could you share what inspires you to narrate stories through scent?

At BRUME ORPIN, the idea of telling stories through scent stems from my longstanding passion for the olfactory arts. Each fragrance is conceived as an "olfactory sketch," capturing the essence of emotions, memories, and intimate moments—much like a theatrical act.

My inspiration arises from a deep connection to nature, art, and culture, as well as an ability to fuse traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques. This multidisciplinary approach enables me to create fragrances that evoke personal stories, unfolding like chapters in a grand narrative.

Photo courtesy of Brume Orpin.
Photo courtesy of Brume Orpin.

Green chemistry is central to BRUME ORPIN. Can you share a particular breakthrough or challenge you’ve experienced in developing allergen-free, sustainable formulations?

One of the key breakthroughs for BRUME ORPIN lies in its partnership with Symrise, a pioneer in green chemistry. Through biomimetic processes, they develop "captives"—synthetic molecules that replicate complex natural scents without relying on environmentally harmful methods.

The challenge is to limit allergens (we adhere to the Clean Label 26 standard) and ensure biodegradable formulations while maintaining a sophisticated olfactory profile. The major difficulty lies in balancing innovation, olfactory effectiveness, and respect for natural resources.

Photo courtesy of Brume Orpin.
Photo courtesy of Brume Orpin.

You’ve reimagined the perfume creator’s role for the modern era. What legacy do you hope BRUME ORPIN will leave for future generations of perfumers and consumers?

BRUME ORPIN aims to establish a new standard in Haute Perfumery, demonstrating that luxury and sustainability can coexist. I envision a legacy of responsible beauty, where tradition and modernity harmonize, allergenic risks are minimized, and environmental well-being is prioritized. Future generations of perfumers and consumers will inherit a philosophy that celebrates nature while respecting it.

This commitment is reflected in every aspect of BRUME ORPIN, from the use of biodegradable materials to a drastically reduced carbon footprint—achieved through strong partnerships with French manufacturers, cutting emissions by approximately 50% compared to traditional fragrances.

Photo by Nathalie Baetens.
Photo by Nathalie Baetens.

Can you break down the role captives—proprietary synthetic molecules—play in BRUME ORPIN’s perfumes, and how they compare to traditional ingredients in terms of sustainability and performance?

Captives, such as Symrise’s Tonkalactone® and Ecomusk®, play a central role in BRUME ORPIN’s perfumes. These innovative molecules are more sustainable than traditional raw materials, significantly reducing environmental impact. Moreover, captives ensure consistent quality and performance, allowing each fragrance to stay true to its original design.

Photo by Nathalie Baetens.
Photo by Nathalie Baetens.

BRUME ORPIN uses galalith and Algo Paint in its packaging. Could you explain the material properties of galalith and the scientific process behind its production?

Galalith, a biodegradable material derived from milk casein, undergoes a meticulous process of pressing, molding, and drying, followed by innovative bespoke tooling developed in the Jura region of France.

This material is used for BRUME ORPIN's monomaterial caps, embodying sustainable luxury. Complementing this, our bespoke Algo Paint—crafted from French Brittany seaweed—adorns our boxes, replacing petroleum-based components and further reinforcing BRUME ORPIN's ecological commitment.

Like a monolith sculpted by time, Brume Orpin's boxes are a strong code of the Maison. Photo by Nathalie Baetens.
Like a monolith sculpted by time, Brume Orpin's boxes are a strong code of the Maison. Photo by Nathalie Baetens.
Photo courtesy of Brume Orpin.
Photo courtesy of Brume Orpin.

Could you describe the specific life cycle assessment (LCA) you use for your materials, and how this influences your choice of biodegradable and bio-based components?

BRUME ORPIN carefully selects industrial partners who share our commitment to ethics, craftsmanship, and sustainability. We prioritize collaborators with EPV (Living Heritage Companies) and ISO certifications, ensuring the highest standards of quality and environmental responsibility. Through a rigorous Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), we evaluate each material for its carbon emissions, compostability, and energy consumption. By opting for low-impact materials such as expanded cork and recycled glass, we ensure that every component aligns with our mission. From perfume bottles to packaging, every detail is meticulously optimized to minimize ecological impact, reflecting the brand’s unwavering dedication to sustainability.

Villa Osman & Villa Brisa Candles. Photo by Nathalie Baetens.
Villa Osman & Villa Brisa Candles. Photo by Nathalie Baetens.
Packaging
TCC

Tiphaine Cogez Cousseau

Founder of BRUME ORPIN, Tiphaine Cogez Cousseau embodies a rare and bold vision of perfumery. After starting her career at Rochas and Balmain, where she collaborated with iconic designers such as Olivier Theyskens and Christophe Decarnin, Tiphaine joined Francis Kurkdjian, one of the world’s greatest perfumers. Her years working with the Artistic Director of The World of Hermès refined her eye and honed her sense of precision.

In 2020, driven by her deep values and ecological awareness, she founded BRUME ORPIN, a house that blends tradition with modernity, advocating for healthy, sustainable, and luxurious perfumery.

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Scent as a Narrative: Brume Orpin’s French Fragrance Revolution | Tocco.Earth