Julien Pruvost, Creative Director at Trudon, discusses harnessing the power of scent to elevate every space.
Renowned for crafting beautifully designed and fragranced candles, Trudon has been elevating spaces since the 1600s, always aligning with its core DNA of focusing on artisanal excellence and optimal fragrance.
What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
It might sound a bit intense, but I wake up early before my wife and children. I brush my teeth, meditate for about four minutes, take a three-minute cold shower, and follow it up with the Wim Hof breathing method. After that, I do some stretching exercises and finish with a large glass of water. The brand has been around for 300+ years.
How has the brand evolved since its inception and maintained such a following?
Trudon’s identity as a “brand” really started to develop in the mid-2000s. Before that, we primarily focused on making products similar to what our ancestors made, like church candles, candles for lighting, and decorative pieces. The modern scented candles we produce today came much later in our history. Although we’ve been crafting scented candles since the late 18th century, today’s version blends centuries of expertise with modern-day living. This combination of tradition and authenticity has allowed us to attract a loyal following in recent decades.
Why do you think the brand has been so successful? Did you ever imagine it to be where it is today?
Trudon’s success stems from staying true to its roots while generously sharing its history and heritage through its products and storytelling. We’ve managed to strike a balance between classicism and modernity, which resonates with people.
What are the core principles that define the DNA of the brand?
Our fragrances are deeply rooted in history, with themes that reflect universal concepts. There’s Religion, which captures the essence of spirituality, Royalty, which connects us to French history and our regal past, and Revolution, which symbolises renewal and avant-garde thinking.
What led to scaling the brand and the launch of the new store in DIFC?
As a heritage luxury brand, we strive to make our products accessible around the world. Dubai, with its strong perfume culture and global appeal, is a perfect fit for Trudon. Having a store in such a dynamic city, a cultural hub of the world, is not only logical but also a privilege.
What are your brand signatures and which products are driving sales in the Middle East?
Our signature candle fragrances include Ernesto, Cyrnos, and Joséphine. For fine fragrances, Mortel, Mortel Noir, Elae, and Bruma are very popular. In terms of size, our single wick Classic candles are always in demand, but our giant five-wick candles also make an impact, especially for larger spaces or as a statement décor piece. Trudon has grown into a major brand with stores worldwide.
Design-wise, how do Trudon’s creative sensibilities appeal to the local culture and market?
We always stay aware of local preferences, but in today’s fast-paced world, trends and habits change quickly. Our approach is to offer a diverse range of fragrances, each crafted with Trudon’s signature touch. It’s important to provide variety while maintaining our unique identity. Trudon has become a signifier of good taste.
How would you characterize the packaging and visuals of Trudon?
Trudon’s packaging is a blend of history and modern aesthetics. It’s classic, timeless, and versatile – something you can gift to anyone, from a spouse to a friend or colleague. The design is so well thought out that people often keep the boxes and candle vessels long after they are done with their candles. Your vision is crucial.
Trudon
How do you see the brand developing over time and what’s on the horizon?
Trudon will continue to grow in the world of fine fragrances. We plan to expand our collection with more creative and unique scents while continuing to honor our wax craftsmanship, as it will always represent its raison d’être.
During your precious time, which Trudon essentials do you reach out to after a hard-earned week?
I like to use the Cyrnos diffuser for my entryway and light an Alabaster Vesta candle in my living room. If I’m entertaining, I’ll set the table with our taper candles, like the Madeleines.
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