Avana Rakotomanana, an independent perfumer from Madagascar, has always been fascinated by the world of scents. Growing up in the Parisian region, she discovered her love for perfumes at a young age, often experimenting with crushed plants and water to create her own fragrances. This early passion led her to pursue a career in perfumery, studying at the prestigious Institut supérieur international de la parfumerie, de la cosmétique et des arômes alimentaires in Versailles.
After completing her studies, Avana worked for two companies, including Aimée de Mars, where she became a house perfumer for three years. In 2017, she decided to venture out on her own, creating La Touche Fondamentale, a perfumery that combines her love of music and scents. The name reflects the connection between the two art forms, with the "touche olfactive" being a paper strip used to test perfumes, much like the musical term "touche" refers to the touch or feel of playing an instrument.
Avana's perfumes are inspired by her Malagasy heritage and her passion for art. She believes that perfumery should be more than just a pleasant scent, but an experience that evokes emotions and memories. To achieve this, she collaborates with artists from various disciplines, including painting, music, and dance. Her goal is to push the boundaries of perfumery and create unique fragrances that transport people to new worlds.
One of Avana's recent projects was creating a scent for the exhibition Mitady ny tsy hita (À la recherche de l'invisible) in February. She chose to recreate the smell of cooking rice in a large aluminum pot, paired with the scent of a tsihy, a traditional Malagasy mat used for eating. The combination of these two scents aimed to capture the essence of Malagasy culture and daily life.
Avana's approach to perfumery is rooted in her fascination with synesthesia, the ability to experience multiple senses simultaneously. She believes that scents can evoke powerful emotions and memories, much like the famous "madeleine de Proust." By exploring the intersection of perfumery and art, Avana aims to create immersive experiences that engage multiple senses.
Through her work, Avana hopes to challenge people's perceptions of perfumery and elevate it to an art form. She wants to encourage people to think beyond the conventional use of perfumes and explore their emotional and sensory potential. By collaborating with artists and pushing the boundaries of perfumery, Avana is creating a new language of scents that can evoke powerful emotions and memories.
As a Malagasy perfumer living abroad, Avana is proud to share her cultural heritage through her work. Her passion for perfumery and art has taken her on a journey of self-discovery, and she is now inspiring others with her unique creations. With La Touche Fondamentale, Avana is leaving her mark on the world of perfumery, one scent at a time.
Key points
- Avana Rakotomanana combines her love of music and scents to create unique perfumes inspired by her Malagasy heritage.
