That I need to justify why I put every aroma into a scent. Every time he asks me why I’m putting certain notes in the perfume and if I didn’t have the right reason - like if I just wanted to because I liked it – that’s not a valid argument. He’s very straight to the point. It’s good because I know I’m not wasting my time, and that I made a scent with all the rights things inside.

— Perfumer Jérôme Di Marino talks to Marie Claire about the most important thing he has learned from his mentor, perfumer Francis Kurkdjian. Read more at Jérôme Di Marino - introducing perfumes rising star.