We invite you to get a sneak preview of some of our exhibitors. Today, it’s Ouafi Dahmane, founder of the young brand Maison Cataliya, who took part in the Grasse Perfume Week Q&A!
Could you briefly introduce your brand?
Maison Cataliya is a young French luxury perfume house inspired by the ancient art of Zellige mosaic — a direct heir to Byzantine art that gradually shaped European ceramics as we know them. We traveled across the Mediterranean basin in search of these historical ceramics, drew from their ancestral stories, and translated them into fragrances as a tribute to the anonymous artisans who created them over the centuries.
Maison Cataliya aims to unite two art forms — niche perfumery and ceramics — to highlight the uniqueness and richness of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culture, from Iran to Spain via Algeria, and to bring people together around this shared heritage.
In your view, what makes your brand unique?
We live in a time where, paradoxically, diversity is often rejected — even though access to culture and history has never been so widespread. At Maison Cataliya, we believe that by passing on art and culture, we offer future generations the wisdom of their ancestors. We don’t claim to be anything grand; it simply reflects a sensitivity to art and history. If it can serve as a guardian of memory and breathe new life into forgotten stories, then it will have achieved its mission and found its true singularity.
What are the key highlights you’re planning for Grasse Perfume Week?
Our team had the chance to attend both editions of Paris Perfume Week as spectators. As Mediterraneans with a strong attachment to tradition and local craftsmanship, we were immediately excited at the idea of joining this very first edition in Grasse!
Meeting fellow founders of emerging French and international perfume houses, exchanging ideas in a spirit of camaraderie, and discovering new markets — as well as personal stories, sensitivities, and how those are translated into scent — is an incredible opportunity for us. We truly can’t wait!
What does the city of Grasse, birthplace of perfumery, mean to you?
To me, Grasse is like the twin lungs of perfumery. On one side, it offers a rare and invaluable opportunity with its local, responsible production of the finest raw materials. On the other, its aura and heritage — now an international symbol — represent a powerful platform to share the art of perfumery with the world.
Has the city played a role in your journey or your creative universe?
Grasse hasn’t played a direct role as such, but the broader Mediterranean history lies at the heart of our inspiration. And — small spoiler — one of our upcoming perfumes will pay tribute to another city in southeastern France, not far from Grasse. Stay tuned for next year!
What are you hoping to gain from your participation in the event?
Maison Cataliya is still a very young brand. While we’re already lucky to be represented in some beautiful perfume stores across Europe, we feel we’ve flown under the radar a bit here in France! This exhibition is a precious opportunity to present our creations to one of the most discerning audiences in the country — and (we hope!) to win over French-speaking perfume lovers.
