An intimate exploration of inspiration and creativity, from the "e;parfumeur exclusif"e; of the house of Herms. A scent has incantatory powers, capable of transporting you to your past, of kindling fantasies, of creating a vivid mise en scneliterally out of thin air. In the hands of the truly great, perfume creation is a kind of alchemy. Where does inspiration for this visceral art come from? How does one capture the essence of emotions, of desire? Jean-Claude Ellena has a sublime gift. As "e;parfumeur exclusif"e; (or "e;the nose"e;) for Herms, he elevates fragrance to an art form. A "e;writer of perfume,"e; his concoctions are as finely composed and evocative as a haiku. He is also a conjurer of sorts: "e;I create an illusion that is actually stronger than reality . you enter the scent and follow the path.

"e; The Diary of a Nose is a collection of Ellenas meditations on the world of scents, and what stirs his creation of some of the worlds most desired fragrances. Inspiration can come from anywherea market stall, a landscape, or even the movement of calligraphy. Though each smell has its own distinct character, a gifted perfumer creates olfactory experiences that are intensely personal and unique, that blossom on the body and leave a trace of us lingering after we have left a room.Seductive, delicate, and elegant as any of Ellenas creations, The Diary of a Nose seeks to capture the most elusive facets of this rarefied and mysterious art.