Interview With Celine Martin, the Founder of SAHLiNi

12/05/07 23:34:58

Sahlini is a new French perfume house which in 2006 launched its first fragrances - La Femme and L'Homme. The founder of Sahlini house, Celine Martin, was born in India but was raised in France. She created her first fragrance line inspired by her faraway homeland, India.
More about Sahlini can be read in the article The Scents of India by Sahlini.

Fragrantica: Could you please tell us how did you decide to become a perfumer?

Celine Martin: I never decided one day "to become" a perfumer, I have this project in my heart and in my head since a long time. I cannot explain that. Maybe I had it from my short Indian history, flavors and odors entered into unconsciousness.
I was a graphic designer for several years. I drew perfume projects for a few clients. Little by little I decided to launch a project perfume that I lead from start to finish: the project SAHLiNi was born!

F: Where do you find inspiration for your creations? Are you inspired by new destinations, nature, books, people, or something else?

Celine Martin: I was inspired primarily by nature, far from the current trends. I did not go to perfumeries before! Essential oils have always interrested me and I loved their perfume medical power.

F: Which are your favorite perfumers and perfumes?

Celine Martin: I enjoy all the Serge Lutens's perfumes.

F: Please, tell us about your first travel through India and your impressions. How would you describe the fragrant colors/notes of India?

Celine Martin: My first travel in India was so shocking... People, odors, weather, cultures, are so different than here. I really felt as a stranger in my birth country: it was terrible. But after days, I felt better. I kept with me what I found beautiful in India. I left there that I did not like. Colorful sarees, flamboyant jewelry, delicate jasmine perfume, music and "bollywood" movies : all of this, suggest India and beauty

F: Please, tell us more about your fragrances Sahlini La Femme and L'Homme.

Celine Martin: LA FEMME has been created to symbolize a woman who is at the same time sensual and dynamic. The fragrance is a blend of India and the West. With Jasmine, vanilla and sandalwood: it is oriental ... But it also reveals the freshness of flower of orange tree and tuberose, which accentuates its modern part "à la française".

L'HOMME is also a mix between India and France: the fragrance is refined and delicious. Most of the ingredient are aromatic.

F: What ideas would you like to realize in your future work?

Celine Martin: I would like to create other lines of perfumes, because perfume is my passion! I also enjoy to create my own line of jewelery, because when a woman is dressed in her jewelry and her perfume, it is no longer necessary to wear anything else to seduce!