Passionate about fragrance, architecture, and design, Véronique Le Bihan approaches these fields with a unique perspective rooted in the transformation of raw materials, which serves as her wellspring of inspiration. After a distinguished twelve-year career in cosmetics and fragrance product development, she embarked on a journey to create a brand that epitomizes subtle luxury aligned with her unwavering ethical, social, and environmental values. With these principles at its core, she established ATELIER MATERI, where her quest for a rigorously precise aesthetic is translated into emotionally distinctive creations inspired by raw materials and the hands that shape them. In a candid sit-down interview with L’Officiel Monaco, she shares her invaluable insights and inspirations.
Your background in cosmetics and fragrance product development is impressive. What motivated you to transition from working in established companies to founding your own brand, ATELIER MATERI?
For over a decade, I have successfully managed the development and launch of cosmetics and perfumes for French and international brands. Nonetheless, the perfumery industry faces the same challenges as any other sector: marketing trends, increasingly stringent launch schedules, sales and profitability targets… All this at the expense of artistic creation. I was no longer aligned with my desires and values, leading to a strong desire to slow down the pace and overcome the constraints in order to bring meaning back to my work. I yearned to return to a more genuine, authentic, and ethical approach.
In creating ATELIER MATERI, I wanted to offer a new vision of perfumery, more human and responsible, by placing nature, craftsmanship and local production back at the heart of the project, with a genuine creative commitment. ATELIER MATERI is a luxury House that takes the time to make, and liberally creates fragrances with a timeless aesthetic that are unlike any others.
How does the concept of transforming raw materials influence your fragrance and product creation?
The essence of our creations lies in the transformation of raw materials through human gestures. Just as a cabinetmaker sculpts wood or a ceramist models clay, our perfumer combines, shapes, and tames the raw materials, revealing their inherent beauty. Our approach is reminiscent of a craftsman’s art, combining the mastery of gestures and techniques with an artistic sensibility that conveys emotion. In the creation of each fragrance, we meticulously study the materials, exploring their diverse facets, textures, and potential associations. Our aspiration is to craft fragrances with a minimalist and contemporary aesthetic, allowing the material to express itself in a unique and exceptional manner.
Can you share a key example of a collaboration with artists or craftsmen that has significantly impacted your brand’s creations?
Also passionate about design and architecture, I had a vision of creating a visually stunning object that could be proudly displayed outside of the confines of the bathroom. I strongly believe that it is the hand of man that imbues a product with its unique soul and emotional appeal. Our bottle features a cap made entirely by hand in a Parisian workshop. Crafted from concrete, a mineral material with minimalist beauty, each cap is individually poured, polished, and enriched with an elegant antique bronze patina. The development of this cap was a painstaking process, spanning nearly two years, and its creation demands many hours of meticulous craftsmanship. It is this idea of time and craftsmanship, combined with a contemporary vision and creative commitment, that sums up the philosophy of the ATELIER MATERI.
What is your favorite scent?
I consider my fragrance collection as an olfactory wardrobe, making it difficult to choose just one. Each fragrance corresponds to a piece I wear based on my mood. One such scent is Iris Ebène, which acts as an “olfactory doudou” for me. When we started working on this fragrance, I provided perfumer Marie Hugentobler with the vision of a cashmere sweater that one can wrap themselves in, a soft and enveloping fabric. Whenever I seek comfort, this is the fragrance I opt for. Cuir Nilam is the representation of patchouli dressed in a leather perfecto of typically Parisian elegance. It’s a Haute Couture composition that exudes both uniqueness and sensuality. For me, it is the ideal fragrance choice for a romantic dinner.
How do you balance your professional life with your personal life and maintain a sense of equilibrium?
As a mother of two young children, balancing my responsibilities can be challenging at times. However, I have found that organization plays a crucial role in managing everything effectively. To stay organized, I make extensive lists on my phone for both personal and professional tasks. This enables me to have a clear overview of my week and prevents me from feeling overwhelmed.
In order to prioritize my family, I make a conscious effort to keep my work time separate from the time I spend with my loved ones. For me, quality matters more than quantity. Therefore, when I come home from the office in the evening, I make it a point to disconnect from my phone and fully engage with my children, even if it means returning to work after they’ve gone to bed. Furthermore, I believe it is crucial to take time for ourselves as well. Engaging in physical activities, pampering ourselves with treatments, or enjoying outings with friends helps us feel good both physically and mentally, which ultimately boosts our productivity. Above all, it is important to learn to say no and accept that perfection is not always attainable. By understanding and embracing this reality, we can avoid spreading ourselves too thin and focus on what truly matters in our lives.
What personal characteristics and inspirations shape your fragrances and product designs?
Modernist art, architecture, and design serve as a constant source of inspiration and influence for my work. Both our fragrances and object embody a refined and understated aesthetic, embracing contemporary elegance throughout. My preference lies in minimalism rather than excessive ornamentation and complexity. I find beauty in utilizing exquisite raw materials, creating a structured and pure olfactory style, while maintaining an unwavering obsession with details. It’s the idea of quiet luxury, as opposed to ostentatious luxury.
