Perfumes Loved by Gen Z: The Creation Story of SW19's Signature Masterpiece

Marianne Nawrocki Sabatier is a globally celebrated perfumer and the lead professor at the Grasse Institute of Perfumery (GIP), part of PRODAROM, a prestigious French Perfumery Association with over 300 years of history. Renowned for her mastery of traditional Grasse perfumery techniques, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage, she has collaborated with iconic luxury brands such as Christian Dior, Prada, and Chopard, as well as crafted the signature fragrances for L’Occitane’s Provence series. Currently, she lends her expertise as the master perfumer of Scent Society, the creative fragrance group of Centby Co., focusing on developing unique scents that embody the rich cultural identities of Asian countries, including Korea and China.
Visiting Korea has become a frequent journey for Sabatier due to her growing list of projects in the region. Despite the challenges posed by the physical distance between Korea and France, she values face-to-face interactions when working on creative ventures. Her fondness for Korea extends beyond professional commitments—she often travels with her family, who share her admiration for the country.
When asked about her favorite experiences in Korea, Sabatier expressed her deep appreciation for the Korean autumn. She finds the season enchanting, describing it as a time of rapid transformation. The scent of pine trees is especially memorable to her, along with the earthy aroma of moss in lush, wooded areas. To her, each destination carries its unique olfactory identity, with local trees often defining the signature scent of a place.
During her most recent visit, Sabatier discovered a newfound appreciation for sesame. Although familiar with the scent, her interactions with various individuals and projects gave her a richer perspective on its uses and complexities, reshaping her perception of its aroma.
As a perfumer who has worked with both high-end fashion houses and nature-inspired brands, Sabatier believes in following her instincts when choosing collaborations. For her, it’s about connecting with the brand's story and vision. This intuitive approach is precisely what led her to partner with SW19. Reflecting on their first meeting, she recalls being deeply moved by their authenticity and heartfelt desire to create exceptional fragrances. Weekly brainstorming sessions soon followed, culminating in the creation of "Noon" and "Midnight"—two scents that embody the shared passion and dedication of both SW19 and Sabatier.