American Society of Perfumers' 56th Symposium
Coty’s Marsha Brooks, Macy’s Linda Levy, Givaudan’s Kate Greene, The Estée Lauder Companies’ Karyn Khoury, JV Fragrances & Skincare’s Nicholas Ratut and Sixth Scents’ Marian Bendeth
On February 8, The American Society of Perfumers (ASP) hosted their 56th Annual Fragrance Symposium, held at the Marriot Marquis in Times Square. Before the awards ceremony kicked off at the luncheon, there was a round table discussion on the state of the fragrance industry. Cutler Whitman, Vice President of Sales, Fragrance Resources moderated the panel, which consisted of Coty’s Marsha Brooks, Givaudan’s Kate Greene, The Estée Lauder Companies’ Karyn Khoury, Macy’s Linda Levy, JV Fragrances & Skincare’s Nicholas Ratut, Slatkin & Co.’s Harry Slatkin and Sixth Scents’ Marian Bendeth.
Mr. Ratut, Slatkin & Co.’s Harry Slatkin and Fragrance Resources’ Cutler Whitman
Topics ranged from holiday sales, future fragrance trends and blogging. For the holiday sales in 2009, “The classics like CHANEL, Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana and Estée Lauder Beautiful performed well. Consumers look for value in a product,” explained Ms. Levy. Mr. Slatkin believed that his company’s sales went up because consumers are spending more time at home. “They can have affordable luxury at home. [After a long day] you light up a candle and relax,” he stated.
Ms. Greene expressed optimism about what’s next in the fragrance industry. “I believe the trend for launches in 2011 and 2012 will have more fun involved. I see a Perfumer playing a larger role in the promotion of fragrances.” Ms. Bendeth agreed. “Having information on the Perfumer in a press kit finally gives credit to those who create.
There should be a lot more creativity and conversation between Perfumers, vendors and consumers,” she said.
In terms of blogging, Ms. Khoury explained that she has seen the impact bloggers have on the business. “I think blogging is an important part of our life and will stay with us. Bloggers just need to be sure of the facts and understand the brand because opinion isn’t always fact,” Ms. Khoury affirmed. Mr. Slatkin also finds blogging intriguing. “There is a huge population growing up with this, and this is how they’ll communicate. I had a blogger breakfast at my house and had many hits on the Web site later on that day,” he stated.
The luncheon honored Designer John Varvatos with the Legends Award, Jim Krivda, Senior Perfumer, Vice President, Mane with the William Lambert Award and Creative Perfumer Jack Mowen with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Rescue Chef’s Danny Boome was the guest speaker, and he believed that cooking and fragrance are similar in that they both create scents which create memories