Scents from the maze

World-renowned French perfumer Serge Lutens unlocks his enigmatic labyrinth of inspiration and creation in this exclusive interview with China Daily Lifestyle Premium

Aesthete, poet, alchemist, wizard... there's no shortage of words to describe the 75-year-old master perfumer Serge Lutens. Indeed, for half a century, this multi-talented artist has delved into numerous lines of work. Initially a photographer for fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Elle in the '60s, later that decade he was commissioned by Christian Dior to create its first make-up line. In the '80s, he was the man behind Shiseido's image strategy and put the Japanese cosmetics brand on the international scene. Ultimately, he unleashed an olfactory storm when he released his first exclusive perfumes under his own name in 1992. His luxurious unisex scents - with enigmatic names including Féminité du Bois, Ambre Sultan, Fille en Aiguille and De Profundis - hold a special place in modern perfumery.

Your shop, Les Salons du Palais Royal, is a unique and enchanting place - a world that can be seen, felt and smelled. What does this house of perfumes reveal about its creator?