Born in Grasse, the historic cradle of French perfumery, Antoine Cotton is a rising star in the fragrance world whose journey began with childhood curiosity and a deep admiration for the craft. Educated at the esteemed École Supérieure du Parfum in Paris, Cotton honed his skills through immersive internships and hands-on experience. His career commenced as a junior perfumer at Argeville, and he was recently appointed to join Roja London, alongside its founder and master perfumer, Roja Dove.
At Roja London, Cotton brings a contemporary sensibility, fusing bold contrasts and sumptuous textures with a deep respect for the fragrance house’s heritage. His debut creation, Apex Eau Intense, heralded a new chapter for Roja London, revealing his affinity for incense, leather and vivid spices. Cotton’s most recent composition, Isola Verde, evokes the lush splendour of a tropical isle, marrying exotic fruits and florals with sun-drenched woods in a tribute to nature’s elegance.
Poised to redefine the landscape of luxury perfumery for a new generation, Cotton speaks exclusively to Dream Weddings about his inspirations, creative rituals and the emotional architecture that underpins his olfactory storytelling.
You were born in Grasse, the fragrance capital of the world. How did living in this region ignite your passion for perfume? It may sound like a cliché, but it truly is part of the cultural fabric of the region. Grasse has a rich heritage steeped in scent, and there’s a certain mysterious energy that permeates the air. As a curious teenager, I was drawn to uncover the secrets of this unique industry. I discovered a world that was both intriguing and fascinating – a fusion of art and science, underpinned by a distinctly French savoir-faire that is revered across the globe.
At what moment did you realise you wanted to become a perfumer? Encounters and exchanges with passionate individuals are often the catalysts for transformation. There’s a kind of alchemy that occurs, and I experienced it firsthand in laboratories when spending time with perfumers who generously shared their deep passion for the craft. It was their enthusiasm that inspired me to pursue this path. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have shared such authentic and formative moments. Following this, I studied at the École Supérieure du Parfum in Paris.
What advice would you offer to couples when choosing a fragrance for their wedding day? How should they approach this meaningful decision? I believe it’s important to wear a fragrance that makes you feel confident and comfortable – and one that your partner associates with you. Fragrance is deeply emotional and memorable; we always weave a bond with the fragrance our partner wears.
The ‘perfume shower’ is often proposed as the ideal way to apply fragrance. What are your thoughts on this method, and do you have any personal application tips? This application technique is more about enveloping oneself in a sense of cleanliness and comfort than traditional perfuming. Personally, I prefer applying alcohol-infused perfumes to clothing – particularly areas where air circulates – or to warm pulse points, as heat helps release the fragrance more effectively.
How do you choose a fragrance for yourself? Is it occasion-based, or are there particular notes you’re consistently drawn to? It very much depends on the occasion and the activities of the day. For daytime, I gravitate towards citrus, aromatic or woody notes. In the evening, I lean into more intimate, skin-like scents. Orris, frankincense and musk are favourites.
You recently joined the esteemed British high perfumery house, Roja London. Congratulations. What is your vision for the future of the brand? Thank you. It’s a great honour and a deeply enriching and beautiful journey to be working alongside Roja. The vision is very clear: to explore the brand’s DNA through a fresh lens with a new eye, without limitations – embracing a contemporary and daring approach.
Tell us about Isola Verde, the new Roja London fragrance you’ve crafted. What inspired its creation? The concept behind Isola Verde was to evoke a sense of wellbeing and escapism – as though one were transported to a faraway tropical paradise. I envisioned a sun-drenched island brimming with exotic fruits and lush florals. The result is a fruity-floral fragrance designed for both women and men. What makes this creation interesting is its sophisticated expression of an exotic world – modern, natural and richly textured, in keeping with the house’s signature style.
Could you walk us through Isola Verde’s ingredients? Of course. Isola Verde unfolds as a triptych: a vibrant, juicy guava at its heart, surrounded by a stunning bouquet of magnolia, orris and osmanthus, with delicate wisps of ebony tobacco and rum-like nuances. This is uplifted by sparkling citrus notes – clementine in particular – and soft musks that evoke sun-warmed skin.
How long did it take to perfect Isola Verde, and what was the creative process like? From the initial idea to its olfactory form, the process spanned several months. There were moments of divergence and experimentation, but the journey was exhilarating – especially with the freedom to explore, and the privilege of working with exceptional natural ingredients.
Finally, what matters most when creating a fragrance? Is it about telling your own story or crafting an experience for the wearer? For me, the essence of perfumery lies in evoking feelings and emotions, and to make the wearer dream. It’s about crafting a unique experience, akin to a journey. Once my work is done and the fragrance is complete, what is most important is that the consumer makes it their own. That’s when it transforms into something deeply personal – it almost becomes a living art.
Images courtesy of Antoine Cotton / Roja London
