To celebrate our abundance of wonderful Australian fragrance houses at Lore Perfumery, we started a QnA series to get to know all of the people behind the brands a bit more.
Today, we’re chatting to Sophie Marcoux, the founder of Melbourne based perfume house, Ficifolia. One of our newest brands at Lore, this fragrance house has made a BIG entrance, selling out in the first week at Lore! And its not hard to see why, this unique collection of reverse-engineered memories of Melbourne and Sydney are evocative, perfectly blended fragrances. Read on to hear more about the wonderful Sophie.
What is your first or most powerful non-perfume scent memory?
My most significant non-perfume scent memory is the smell of Denmark, WA. I spent a lot of time on the south coast growing up – hiking, swimming, and learning to surf. It’s about a five-hour drive south of Perth, and when we’d be pulling into the long driveway of our family cottage, my brother would yell, “Roll down the windows!” We’d all do it at once, and the fresh, earthy, eucalyptus-scented air would flood the car. It’s intoxicating!
What inspired you to start Ficifolia?
The idea for Ficifolia came to me during Melbourne’s first lockdown. I wanted to create fragrances that were an ode to the culture of Australian cities – something I became deeply conscious of, and grateful for, when it was suddenly out of reach.
What would you say are the core tenets of Ficifolia? What defines it?
Integrity, community, and pleasure. I created Ficifolia to be an authentic yet aspirational brand that celebrates Australian life, while giving back. I wanted to romanticise our cities and offer a touch of luxury – something indulgent but never out of touch.
How do you approach the creation of a fragrance?
I have synesthesia, so scent creation is a very visual process for me. I always start with a concept and a mood board. The imagery and colours help to guide the olfactive direction. I know we’ve got it right when the scent matches the colours in my head.
Is there a Ficifolia fragrance you feel especially passionate about or connected to?
That’s like picking a favourite child! But I’m especially proud of Bistro Boy – it’s a really innovative fragrance and it came out exactly how I imagined it.
What’s something people may not know about Ficifolia?
We’re proud partners of the Stars Foundation. For every 100ml bottle sold, $5 goes towards supporting their initiatives that empower young Indigenous women through education.
Do you have any perfumery pet peeves?
Yes – people wearing strong perfume on planes or in confined spaces! Sometimes a little deodorant and scented body lotion is all you need…
Are there any materials or ingredients you especially love to use in your fragrances?
I’m a sucker for a cedarwood and musk base. That combo adds warmth and depth while letting the heart notes shine. It gives structure to the scent without overpowering it.
What does it mean to you to be an Australian fragrance house?
Australia doesn’t have a long-standing tradition in perfumery, which I actually see as a strength. It means we can bend the rules, experiment, and lead with creativity. There’s a lot of freedom in that.
What fragrance are you wearing today, and why?
Today I’ve layered Out of Office and Sunbathers. Together, they smell like a zesty, coconutty custard and I’m obsessed. It’s gourmand, fresh, and prolongs the life of what I see as traditionally summer scents.
