At the intersection of perfume, literature, and art, Jouissance offers a unique approach to fragrance creation — intimate, narrative, and sensorial. As the brand takes part in the Grasse Perfume Week for the very first time, Cherry Chen, its founder invites us into her world.
Could you briefly introduce your brand?
Jouissance is a celebration of the deep connection between literature and scent. Our creations are born from emotional and psychological inner landscapes, inspired by 20th-century female authors I deeply admire — women who dared to write their desires as acts of creation and rebellion. Each fragrance is an olfactory memoir, telling stories of memory, longing, and identity. Jouissance is an ode to paradox, to the pleasure of contradiction, and to the free, unapologetic expression of the self.
What makes your brand unique, in your opinion?
I’d say what truly sets Jouissance apart is our way of seeing perfume as a story to tell. We don’t just capture a mood or a vague emotion — we draw from literary narratives, often written by women, to create fragrances that explore rich and nuanced inner worlds. Each composition invites you to step into an intimate universe and fully live within it. We’re far from the standard perfumes designed to appeal to everyone. What we create is personal, sometimes complex, but always sincere. We want to speak to those who find themselves in honest, layered, sometimes contradictory stories — like life itself, really.
What key moments are you planning for Grasse Perfume Week?
This is a major moment for us — our very first official presentation in France! And not just anywhere: in Grasse, which is such a symbolic place for anyone who truly loves perfume.
I attended the last two editions of Paris Perfume Week as a visitor, so I’m thrilled to now be able to present Jouissance. We’ll be sharing samples of our latest creations, developed over the past few months, and offering a sneak peek at some exciting artistic collaborations on the horizon. I truly can’t wait!
What does the city of Grasse represent for you?
Grasse is unlike anywhere else. There’s something almost sacred about its natural beauty, its connection to flowers and raw materials… Even though Jouissance fragrances lean more toward abstraction and storytelling, I believe that all creative expression begins with a sense of wonder for nature. And in Grasse, that sense of wonder is everywhere — in the fields, the hands of artisans, the air itself. It’s a place where art and nature come together in perfect harmony.
Has Grasse played a role in your journey or in your brand’s creative world?
Absolutely. Even if Grasse isn’t a direct inspiration for the stories behind our perfumes, my time at the Grasse Institute of Perfumery was incredibly impactful. I had the chance to pick centifolia roses in the local fields, visit distilleries, and spend time in lush gardens — experiences that deeply moved me.
I also loved exploring the International Perfume Museum. Even without being able to smell all the fragrances on display, I found it fascinating to see how perfume has been visually represented throughout history, shaped by artistic trends, styles, and cultural shifts. It left a strong impression and definitely inspired me.
What are your expectations for this event?
For me, it’s the perfect opportunity to introduce Jouissance to a curious and passionate audience — and also to be enriched by everything this event has to offer. I’m looking forward to meeting other creators, exchanging ideas with professionals, receiving honest feedback… and, above all, being part of a community that truly celebrates perfume as a form of art in its own right.
Crédit photo : @Thea Lovstad
