Frequently Asked Questions

Atelier Cologne founders, Sylvie Ganter and Christophe Cervasel opened the workshop doors to answer questions and share more of the story behind the Atelier.

How do you describe Atelier Cologne?


"Atelier Cologne, a new niche perfume house based in Paris and New York, recently introduced its range of five fragrances. Atelier's signature concept is the"cologne absolue": fragrances inspired by the historic recipe of the original"Eau de Cologne"-- a mixture of citrus and herbal ingredients -- but blended in stronger concentrations for a richer and more lasting effect. Each of the fragrances in Atelier's debut collection is centered around a citrus motif, and each is intended to embody a"singular moment"of memory and experience."
Jessica Murphy, "Atelier Cologne, Grand Néroli and Orange Sanguine : Fragrance review", www.NSTPerfume.com, March 27th, 2010


"Five scents inspired by classic 300-year-old citrus-based colognes first introduced in Germany."
Belisa Sylva, "Lifting spirits", WWD Beauty Biz, February 2010


"Love at first spritz ! Atelier Cologne has the perfect citrusy, chic scents to wear right now."
Alexandra Parnass, "What's new", Harper's Bazaar, May 2010


"The two fragrance lovers hoped to create a new fragrance line of scents that captured the lively, crisp, citrus-tinged smell of Cologne, but which also had a bit more staying power. Enlisting the help of master perfumers Ralf Schwieger, Cecile Krakower and Jerome Epinette, they set out to create a range of fragrances that would connect with consumers on an emotional level by playing upon the interaction between scent and memory."
Celia San Miguel, "Amoureuse de Atelier Cologne : A new way to experience cologne", www.sickathanaverage.com, March 10th, 2010


"We love this collection and believe it is a standout and you will find your signature spring fragrance in one of the five."
Mark Behneke, "Atelier Cologne, a 300 year old tradition meets 21st century perfumery", www.cafleurebon.com, April 27th, 2010


What was the inspiration behind the different scents?


"Each of the 5 scents is inspired by the"singularity of a moment". When you view the images connected with each scent (...) and read the inspirational"moment"(found on the packaging), you are transported to a vivid scene that almost allows you to smell the product before you even get your hands on it! Altogether, it creates a feeling unique to Atelier Cologne."
Camille Kruse, "Atelier Cologne comes to Dallas", www.examiner.com, March 19th, 2010


"I've always believed that certain scents can more powerfully trigger specific recollections than, say, sounds or tastes because there's something so visceral and emotional about that link between scent and memory. It's this phenomenon that Ganter tapped into when creating each of Atelier Cologne scents."
Celia San Miguel, "Amoureuse de Atelier Cologne : A new way to experience cologne", www.sickathanaverage.com, March 10th, 2010


"Each unique scent has been created to capture treasured memories from our lives, sending those who experience the fragrance into an emotional trance."
Kristin Booker, "Obsession of the day : Atelier Cologne", www.fashionstylebeauty.com, May 10th, 2010


"Atelier Cologne crafts colognes of deep character, capturing vivid memories, emotions and actions into a singular scent. The master perfumers of Atelier Cologne blend unexpected and rare extracts with signature fresh citruses to create Colognes Absolues, concentrated formulas with distinctive and long-lasting sillage."
Stevie Wilson, "Atelier Cologne Absolue: A new & unusual fragrance collection!", www.LA-story.com, April 18th, 2010


What is a Cologne Absolue?


Three-hundred years ago, the original cologne was born from a blend of citrus oils of lemon, orange, tangerine, bergamot, lime, grapefruit and Néroli. It offered a revolutionary alternative to the heavy scents of the times and inspired a new way to wear personal fragrance. In modern times, fragrances are often categorized by both their scent construction (cologne, floral, chypre...) and the concentration of oils (cologne, perfume, eau de parfum...). The term cologne can apply to both the construction and the oil concentration. Sylvie and Christophe shared an inherent love for the citrusy cologne construction, but their focus became the creation of the ideal combination of oils for each scent that was both long-lasting and balanced. In turn their collection demanded a new classicfication of scent, the Cologne Absolue.


"It's called the Cologne Absolue because it is not Cologne, it just smells like a traditional Cologne ; unlike traditional Cologne, it is concentrated and thus lasting. In fact, it is the longest-lasting citrus scent I have ever encountered, and on top of that, it is also the best-smelling one."
Jean Godfrey, "Summer out-fit Scents", Lucky Magazine, June 2010


"They (Sylvie Ganter and Christophe Cervasel) took the fundamentals of a classic eau de cologne--a citrus scent that's usually lemon- or orange-based--and then packed in a slew of intense ingredients."We challenged our perfumers to go heavy with a lot of citrus, but to prolong the effect through innovative heart and base notes to help it last,"explains Ganter. She and Cervasel call their new blends"colognes absolues.""It's a category we created,"he says."Like eau de cologne, colognes absolues are fresh, but [these are] long lasting and they've got personality."
Jane Larkworthy, "Absolue Fabulous", W Magazine, March 2010


"Atelier Cologne stands in a category of it's own...Cologne Absolue. It has a high concentration of essential oils, and somehow finds the perfect balance of being long-lasting without overpowering."
Camille Kruse, "Atelier Cologne comes to Dallas", www.examiner.com, March 19th, 2010


"The lovely master perfumers at Atelier decided to take scent into an emotional direction, blending unexpected notes and rare extracts with fresh citrus scents to create Colognes Absolues: highly-concentrated formulas with distinctive and long-lasting potency."
Kristin Booker, "Obsession of the day : Atelier Cologne", www.fashionstylebeauty.com, May 10th 2010


What are the concentrations of the Colognes Absolues?


"With absolute essences of 12-20%, this is a step apart from typical colognes back to the original colognes that create a deeper perspective of the fragrance that are longer-lasting, more intense and evolve distinctly over time."
Stevie Wilson, "Atelier Cologne Absolue : A new & unusual fragrance collection !", www.LA-story.com, April 18th, 2010


" Now Atelier Cologne are here to give us the best of all worlds with their initial offering of five Cologne Absolues. These Cologne Absolues carry anywhere from 15-20% essential oils and this makes them closer to eau de parfum strength if you go by the guidelines. These Cologne Absolues feel like eau de cologne in construction and like eau de parfums in longevity and sillage."
Mark Behneke, "Atelier Cologne, a 300 year old tradition meets 21st century perfumery", www.cafleurebon.com, April 27th 2010


"Each Cologne Absolue is peppered with warm, woody or spicy notes. Grand Néroli is warmed up by vanilla, while Trèfle Pur has clover and patchouli moss mixed with its dominant bitter orange note. Each also contains significantly higher concentrations of essential oilsthan standard eaux de cologne, which have between 2 and 5 percent."Ours range from 12 to 20 percent,"says Cervasel, noting that just as a chef has to taste as he cooks, a perfumer can't adopt a one-formula-fits-all approach."
Jane Larkworthy, "Absolue Fabulous", W Magazine, March 2010


"Atelier Cologne strives to make scents that are highly concentrated (12-20%) so that the scent lasts longer and the citrus base gives wearers the essence of ''home ''.
"Atelier Cologne heads to Neiman Marcus", www.Sydneylovesfashion.com, March 7th, 2010


"And here's the kicker : they wanted these fragrances to last longer than ordinary colognes, so, with the help of their atelier of perfumers, they created their signature Colognes Absolues formulas, which boast concentrations of 12-20% (as opposed to the traditional 5%). But the higher concentrations don't mean a dizzying explosion of fragrance like the type you'd find in an eau de toilette -- the olfactory experience is still very subtle, carnal, and sensual, so the main distinction is the lifespan of each light scent. The result, then, is five fanciful, gorgeous scents that liven the spirit: Orange Sanguine, Bois Blonds, Grand Néroli, Trèfle Pur, and Oolang Infini."
"Amoureuse de Atelier Cologne : A new way to experience Cologne", www.sickathanaverage.com, March 10th, 2010


What makes the Atelier Cologne fragrance juice different?


"Unlike some brands that spend most of their budget on a fancy bottle, most of the money went toward what matters most- the juice."
Aja Mangun,"We love...Atelier Cologne", www.NYmag.com, March 4th, 2010


"Atelier Cologne is a new brand of unisex fragrance crafted from the finest ingredients. And unlike most brands that spend the bulk of their budget on packaging and marketing, more than three-quarters of the cost of making a bottle of Atelier Cologne goes into"the juice."
Sharon Feiereisen, "Mother's day finds", www.thefashionspot.com, May 6th, 2010


"While many think that Cologne is a synonymous with a low-in-concentration fragrance, it actually ties into the presence of citrus notes. Further while most of the big-name perfume manufactures we know and love spend most of their budget on marketing and advertising, Ganter told me that more than 50% of the cost of making each of her scents goes into ''the juice''; the result is five simply- but very meticulously- packaged unisex scents each of which have a high (12 to 20%) concentrations of essential oils. The combination of these high concentration with citrus notes lead Ganter to create new fragrance category she's calling Cologne Absolue."
Sharon, "Atelier Cologne", www.beautysnob.com, March 8th, 2010


Do the Colognes Absolues really last?


"Unlike traditional Cologne, it is concentrated and thus lasting. In fact, it is the longest-lasting citrus scent I have ever encountered, and on top of that, it is also the best-smelling one."
Jean Godfrey, "Summer out-fit Scents", Lucky Magazine, June 2010


"The scents truly last all day, but manage to not overpower".
Aja Mangun, "We love...Atelier Cologne", www.NYmag.com, March 4th, 2010


"Each scent in the collection contains a highly concentrated blend of citrus accords--such as blood orange and Néroli--as well as rare extracts, including Persian galbanum, Haitian vetiver, clover absolute and violet leaves, to generate a long-lasting, unique sensory experience."
Betsey Mclain, "Fresh Crop", LA Confidential Magazine, April 2010


What does Atelier mean?


at-el-ier (at-l-yey; Fr. athu-lyeh)
A workshop or studio, esp. of an artist, artisan, or designer.


Atelier, meaning workshop or studio, pays homage to the tradition of craftsmanship and the collaboration of artists working on the brand.

"The entire collection is the work of boutique suppliers. The scents themselves were created by two family-owned fragrance houses that specialize in natural raw materials; the bottles were designed by Pochet; and the caps, which are made of a handsome aubergine leather, were handcrafted by French leather watchband makers.".
Jane Larkworthy, "Absolue Fabulous", W Magazine, March 2010


" Atelier is as an olfactive etude in collaborative art; artisans and artists working together and contributing their graphic, artisanal design, visual imagery, and copywriting talents. Each Atelier fragrance tells a story, not just on the skin but of a distinct moment in time." Michelyn Camen, "Absolute-ly bottle worthy: Atelier Cologne", www.cafleurebon.com, April 8th, 2010


"The Atelier Cologne line was produced in collaboration with Mane and Robertet, two suppliers known for their focus on natural materials, and the scents do give the impression of utilizing a high percentage of natural ingredients. A fine attention to detail runs throughout the brand's presentation, from the hand-applied leather caps and the removable atomizer attachments to the beautifully arranged and photographed still-life vignettes for each scent (credited to set designer Nathalie Cassegrain and photographer David Meredith)."
Jessica,"Atelier Cologne, Grand Néroli and Orange Sanguine", www.NSTPerfume.com , March 27th 2010


"Atelier Cologne is a pretty exclusive line of fragrances, sold only at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. The raw materials come from two companies in Grasse, France that have been around since the 1800s and the glass bottles come from a Parisian company founded in the 1623. The 5 fragrances in the line come in simple, substantial, rectangular glass bottles with an old world apothecary feel."
Storey, "Smell like summer with Atelier Cologne' Orange Sanguine", www.beautyiseasy.com, March 11th, 2010


"The packaging is clean and inspiring. The bottle is made by a glass maker that made glass windows for the French aristocracy. A French company that specializes in leather bracelets designed the cologne's leather caps. Even the stickers have been thoughtfully hand designed."
Camille Kruse, "Atelier Cologne comes to Dallas", www.examiner.com, March 19th, 2010


Where does the term cologne come from?


"The term colognes refers back to the original eau de Cologne that was created 300 years ago by an Italian perfumer who has established in Cologne, Germany. His blend of fresh citrus oils was inspired by memories of his hometown and offered alternatives to the heavy scents that were popular at the time and gave a people a new way to wear personal fragrances." Misti, "Breathing new life into fragrance", www.glamourcow.com, March 9th, 2010


"There's a clear masculine connotation to the term"cologne,"and yet it simply alludes to a fragrance type originating in Cologne, Germany during the early 18th century which consists of a 5% concentration of essential oils, as opposed to the 20-25% typically found in eau de parfums. Cologne-based Italian barber Gian Paolo Feminis is credited with inventing the first cologne, dubbed Aqua Admirabilis, which contained bergamot, grape spirits, Néroli, rosemary, and lavender oils. In 1709, the scent's formula was tweaked by Feminis' nephew Giovanni Maria Farina and branded as"eau de cologne"(which literally means"water of Cologne"), then marketed as a cure for everything from dental pain to stomach aches. The members of Louis XV's royal court adored the fresh citrus-y fragrance, and word of it spread until even Napoleon Bonaparte gave the scent his endorsement.l"
Celia San Miguel, "Amoureuse de Atelier Cologne : A new way to experience Cologne", www.sickathanaverage.com, March 10th, 2010


"Historically, eau de colognes are created with the lowest percentage of pure perfume extraits, usually under 5%. Atelier has created five"Colognes Absolues, using 12-20% concentrate."
Michelyn Camen, "Absolute-ly bottle worthy: Atelier Cologne", www.cafleurebon.com, April 8th, 2010


Are these men's or women's scents?


"They (The scents) are perfect for men and women because each scent mixes with your own body chemistry to create something uniquely sexy while maintaining the spirit of the original creation."
Kristin Booker, "Obsession of the day : Atelier Cologne", www.fashionstylebeauty.com, May 10th, 2010


"Atelier Cologne has created five true unisex fragrance that give new meaning to the term unique and different. Each fragrance captures the senses and tells an immediate story."
"Modern fragrance: Atelier Cologne.", www.frockology.blogspot.com, April 19th, 2010


How would you describe the scent: Orange Sanguine?


"When someone's just peeled a really good orange in the cubicle next to yours, and you're wishing, wishing, wishing, and kicking yourself that you didn't think to bring an orange to work? This new French perfume smells even better, the perfect balance of peel-bitterness and juice-freshness, plus unidentifiable background-sophistication ingredients that make it even more appealing."
Jean Godfrey, "The beauty closet", Lucky Magazine, June 2010


"A hint of just-picked oranges invigorates from the first spritz".
"Two ways about it", Instyle Magazine, May 2010


"On a hot summer's day, you grab an orange and start to peel it. The moment your fingers dig into the peel, you're enveloped with the uplifting scent of the fruit. That's exactly how Atelier Cologne's Orange Sanguine smells. Aside from various oranges- Blood and Bitter, there's exotic jasmine, Tonka bean and sandalwood. It's a bit spicy and a bit sweet."
PJ Gach, "Sensual scents for spring", www.bettyconfidential.com, May 12th, 2010


"The Cologne is zesty and luminous- the type of scent that brightens your mood and makes your heart smile radiantly. You literally feel like you're crawling inside an orange and smelling its concentrated pulp, its fresh juices, and its tart peel."
"Amoureuse de Atelier Cologne : A new way to experience Cologne", www.sickathanaverage.com, March 10th, 2010


"Think of freshly squeezed orange juice next the scent of a jasmine, outdoors in the heady Tuscan air. Neither feminine or masculine, weak nor strong, it's the perfect combined scent of an epic love affair."
"Absolutely Cologne", www.persianorgance.blogspot.com, April 17th, 2010


"The opening moments of Orange Sanguine capture this beautifully. The heart is the rose-like quality of geranium with the greener aspects of that note accentuated so it is only lightly floral and the green goes very well with the more acidic qualities of the orange. The base is sandalwood and amber and it is smooth and creamy which makes for a soothing closing on my skin."
Mark Behneke,"Atelier Cologne, a 300 year old tradition meets 21st century perfumery", www.cafleurebon.com, April 27th, 2010


"Orange sanguine is an amazing blend of blood orange, jasmin and tonka beans."
Aja Mangun, "We love...Atelier Cologne", www.NYmag.com, March 4th, 2010


"The seahells, starfish, coral, juicy orange, and photographs of the Mediterranean were the inspiration behind the Orange Sanguine fragrance." "Inspiring images from Atelier Cologne", www.sugarsocial.wordpress.com, March 2nd, 2010


"Verging on being more of a perfume than a cologne, Orange Sanguine by Atelier Cologne is beautiful for hot weather. The smell of citrus fruit layered onto mild woody notes will transport you to an orange grove." Jessica Jones, "Colognes- Find your summer fragrance", www.myperfumelofe.com, June 7th, 2010


How would you describe the scent: Grand Néroli?


"(...) a rich, aromatic and sensuous fragrance that almost had me swooning."
Stevie Wilson, "Atelier Cologne Absolue : A new & unusual fragrance collection !", www.LA-story.com, April 18th, 2010


"Grand Néroli combines Moroccan Néroli, Sicilian bergamot and Madagascan vanilla for a bright, exotic scent."
"Smells like team spirit", Michigan Avenue Magazine, May 2010


"Grand Néroli was inspired by tradition of brides adorning their hair with orange blossoms on their wedding days. The scent, then, captures that feeling of romance and anticipation with its top notes of Moroccan Néroli, lemon, Sicilian bergamot, and petitgrain ; its heart of Persian galbanum, moss, and birch leaves ; and its base notes of clean musk, white amber, and Madagascar vanilla."
"Inspiring images from Atelier Cologne", www.sickathanaverage.com, March 10th, 2010


"Grand Néroli mixes a green Néroli with a light galbanum before letting vanilla bring it to a soft close."
Mark Behneke, "Atelier Cologne, a 300 year old tradition meets 21st century perfumery", www.cafleurebon.com, April 27th, 2010


How would you describe the scent: Bois Blonds?


"This is an amazing scent, evolving and changing as the day changes from dawn to dusk, from demure to sexy and back again." Stevie Wilson,"Atelier Cologne Absolue : A new & unusual fragrance collection !", www.LA-story.com, April 18th, 2010


"Bois Blonds is a lovely study of Néroli, incense, light wood, musk and vetiver. It is a mix of strong notes kept on the light side and becomes seductive and opulent the longer it develops." Mark Behneke, "Atelier Cologne, a 300 year old tradition meets 21st century perfumery" www.cafleurebon.com, April 27th, 2010


"There's Bois Blonds, with its spicy, woodsy feel, courtesy of notes like Tunisian Néroli, pink Pepper, incense, blond woods, Haitian vetiver, Moroccan orange flower, and musk." "Inspiring images from Atelier Cologne", www.sickathanaverage.com, March 10th, 2010


How would you describe the scent: Trèfle Pur?

"If you prefer a greener scent, the best option is Trèfle Pur, which was inspired by a trip to Ireland and the idea of a four-leaf clover as a symbol of luck, and which contains such notes as clover absolute, violet leaves, patchouli, moss, cardamom, basil, and bitter orange for a much earthier end result."
"Inspiring images from Atelier Cologne", www.sickathanaverage.com, March 10th, 2010


"Like its sibling fragrances Grand Néroli and Orange Sanguine, Trèfle Pur is an interesting variation on the traditional"eau de cologne"idea. It has above-average staying power for a citrus-based scent, and it could easily be worn either by a woman or a man."
Stevie Wilson, "Atelier Cologne Absolue : A new & unusual fragrance collection !", www.LA-story.com, April 18th, 2010


"Trèfle Pur surrounds its core of pungent violet with orange, cardamom, and basil in front and musk and patchouli behind. The violet is the linchpin which holds this all together." Mark Behneke, "Atelier Cologne, a 300 year old tradition meets 21st century perfumery" www.cafleurebon.com, April 27th, 2010


How would you describe the scent: Oolang Infini?


"A smokey, sexy, mysterious scent that's sure to get you attention"
Stevie Wilson, "Atelier Cologne Absolue: A new & unusual fragrance collection!", www.LA-story.com, April 18th, 2010


"Oolang Infini is a snapshot of India during the Raj as the opening has a cool gin and citrus opening followed by an afternoon tea heart of smoky oolong before retiring to the wood paneled drawing room for a whiff of tobacco." Mark Behneke, "Atelier Cologne, a 300 year old tradition meets 21st century perfumery" www.cafleurebon.com, April 27th, 2010


"Oolang Infini, meanwhile, was inspired by the image of an author sitting at his typewriter (or perhaps his computer) in a leather-filled study, sipping on a cup of tea and brooding over his literary creation. The scent, then, features a mix of tea notes, and smokey leather notes, with bergamot and Tunisian Néroli at the top ; Oolang tea, jasmine petals, and blond leather at the fragrance's heart ; and Tobacco flower, gaiac wood, and Haitian vetiver at the base. It's mysterious, intriguing, slightly masculine, and completely beguiling scent."
"Inspiring images from Atelier Cologne", www.sickathanaverage.com, March 10th 2010


Back to top