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  Neela Vermeire

Explore your India

01 October 2014

India's beginnings are shrouded in the mists of antiquity, its earliest history known only through legend. Yet the modern reality pulses with vibrant life and youth. Each encounter with the country's rich cultural heritage leaves one breathless and yearning for more...

Neela VermeireThis diversity has inspired Neela Vermeire to create and dedicate her first fragrances to India – her native country – while living and working in Paris, her adopted city and perfume capital of the world.

Neela’s background may not have any direct connection to perfumes but her formative years in India have had a great and lasting impact on her “olfactory development”. Neela’s main sources of inspiration are memories of her childhood in India and many travels to visit her family there. Neela herself is proof that, though one may wander far and live in vastly different places, the fascination of India can never be left behind!

Neela’s love for art and fragrances was fostered in her early years by her family and this project stems from an intimacy with the the great historic periods of India gained through her lifelong journey. Each fragrance, like each period, is unique yet totally connected. Each pays tribute based on the olfactory inspiration from various sources such as Indian spirituality, history, the amazing landscape, the peaceful Himalayas, the trips to hill stations and sea ports, the arts, the varied architecture, the amazing food, music, cinema and vivid colours of India.

Bertrand DuchaufourTo develop her India-inspired fragrances, Neela was delighted to work with the famous French perfumer and admirer of India, Bertrand Duchaufour.

Bertrand is a true artist who seamlessly blends natural raw materials and synthetics of the highest quality to create a sublime sensory experience. He is considered by many one of the greatest contemporary noses. Bertrand began his perfumer career in 1985, working for Florasynth Group in Grasse. A master perfumer, his creative process follows two fundamental principles:

  • Firstly, he believes that balance is achieved when opposites attract, like yin and yang.
  • Secondly, he asserts that nothing is lost nor is created; everything is transformed.


He distorts and deconstructs nature, playing with contrasts such as vegetal and animal notes. Over the course of his career, he has collaborated with L’Artisan Parfumeur with brilliant results.

He has also created fragrances for several other brands such as:,
Penhaligon’s, Amouage, Comme des Garcons, Givenchy, Christian Dior, ST Dupont, The Different Company, MDCI Parfums, and Marc Atlan, among others.

Read more about Neela's and Bertrand's amazing creations here.


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Since discovering Woodforde & Co in Sidmouth, I know where to go to find my perfect perfume. This charming emporium is located in Church Street and is run by husband and wife, Jon and Jane Brewer, both of whom have an encyclopaedic knowledge and an enthusiastic passion for perfumery.

Devon Today