Indie Beauty Report 2025 CEW Awards
New York, June 2025
Maison IRFÉ is delighted to share that it has received the Indie Beauty Report 2025 CEW award. Each year, the report showcases independent brands that have made a remarkable impact in the beauty industry.
Maison IRFE is an established name in the niche perfumery sector, recognized for its distinctive historical roots as well as its modern vision led by Olga Sorokina. The modern vision and distinctive history of the brand, established in 1924 by Prince Felix Youssoupoff and Princess Irina Romanova, is truly remarkable. The report notes the overarching story of the brand, its modern vision, and its distinctive history as a blend that fuels innovation in the industry alongside its unique approach of perfumes housed within sculptural bottles that narrate feminine stories inspired by the couture creations.
CEW notes that the approach is distinct because every perfume is a rendition of a dress made for a certain woman, for instance, Patchouli Forever Worn for those whose soul is constant. Saffron Leather for a businesswoman, and Marshmallow Musk for romantics. The Maison has a long history of remarkable craftsmanship in its sculptural bottles that portray porcelain dolls and feminine characters from the perfumes story. The attention to detail that stamped every doll is unrivaled throughout the history of the Maison.
IRFE perfumes are sold in Neiman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom and top-end boutiques. In addition to proving recognition. Being featured in the Indie Beauty Report 2025 is both a celebration of our heritage and a testament to our relevance in today’s luxury landscape. It affirms that in a beauty market often driven by fast cycles, there remains a profound appreciation for craftsmanship, authenticity, and the ability to tell timeless stories.
The CEW recognition and award mark a milestone in our journey, encouraging us to continue creating fragrances that transcend the idea of perfume as an accessory — instead, making it an intimate expression of identity. For Maison IRFÉ, this honor is not the culmination of our work, but an inspiration to keep building a legacy where history, fashion, and fragrance are forever intertwined.
Maison IRFE – Two exceptional nominations at the Fragrance Foundation Awards
New York, May 2025
Maison IRFĒ is honored to announce that two of its iconic fragrances have received nomination from The Fragrance Foundation, the most prestigious organization in the world of perfume.
2024: Smoldering Pepper, nominated for Best New Indie Fragrance category.
2025: Marshmallow Musk, nominated for Best Indie Fragrance category.
These consecutive recognitions celebrate our Brand’s creativity and audacity, as well as our passion to constantly reinvent the art of independent perfumery.
Founded in 1949 in New York, The Fragrance Foundation brings together more than 100 perfume houses, composition houses, distributors, and media outlets. Its mission is to inspire the world to discover the art, passion, and emotion contained in each fragrance. The foundation awards every year and these are regarded as the Oscars of perfume. They celebrate excellence and innovation in several categories including olfactory creation, bottle design, communication, and sustainability.
Lincoln Center in New York is the permanent venue for the awards and the event is usually attended by a as well as features a diverse audience of creators, designers, celebrities and perfumers. The awards celebrate the artistry and skill that goes into perfume creation.
An exceptional evening in Lincoln Center
The awards are given every year and the 2025 edition was held in June 5, 2025 which was hosted in the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. The event had 1000 guests and 19 categories were showcased.
Linda Levy, the Fragrance Foundation president, praised ‘the talent and craftsmanship that make perfumery a true art form,’ which was one of the framed highlights of the event. The foundation president also praised the talents and artists and craftsmen that were involved as well. It was highlighted in the event that Ralph Loren was given a tribute in the Hall of fame, wherein Daniela Andrier was awarded a Lifetime Achievement award for perfumery.
Presenters and speakers included: Laverne Cox (actress and producer), Vera Wang (fashion designer), Dapper Dan (fashion innovator), Jessica Cruel (editor-in-chief of Allure and Self), Carolyn Murphy (model and brand ambassador), Tyson Beckford (model and actor), Erica Anderson and Ingrid Nilsen (founders of The New Savant), Jackie Aina (founder of Forvr Mood)
The event was distinguished by an artistic collaboration with filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg, who enhanced the ingredients of perfumery through images magnified by AI. Daniela Andrier also created an exclusive fragrance for the evening, Lincoln in June, which perfumed the theater lobby as guests arrived.
Our award-winning fragrances
- 2024 – Smoldering Pepper (Best New Indie Fragrance)
Alexis Grugeon (DSM-Firmenich) created Smoldering Pepper which, from its name, is clearly a spicy and potent fragrance. Grugeon did a great job describing his inspiration, a sultry and enigmatic woman, which is precisely how I’d describe someone confident enough to wear a fragrance like that. The fragrance opens with potent black pepper, saffron, and olibanum notes, setting the stage for an equally engaging heart. Labdanum, Indonesian patcholi, and cypriol give a very rich, enveloping heart. Its base is equally as warm and rich with more bourbon vanilla, smoked leather, and oud. Worn by the bold and the beautiful, it surely will grab the attention of those confident enough to stand out and wear it.
- 2025 – Marshmallow Musk (Best Indie Fragrance)
A woman who’s gentle and romantic is clearly all about the woman inspired by Marshmallow Musk, also made by Grugeon. With her flirty and alluring traits, she does sound delightful and the fragrance evokes her essence well. The Earl Grey invigorating tea aroma with lavender and magnolia petals brings the head notes to life while jasmine, marshmallow cotton, and iris nectar sweeten the heart. Last, a gentle vanilla and soft wood coupled with powdery musk brings about a gentle yet refined trail. The rather soft and hazy aroma is laced with tenderness as it brings forth a well balanced blend of soft yet sophisticated notes. This flows like a note that after you leave, stays with you. A note, like a fragrance, brings a cloud of delicate beauty, smelling of dreams. It pours you opposite of the world, welcoming you in the arms of a lady with striking features.
A double recognition that inspires us
These two successive nominations are testament to Maison IRFĒ’s commitment to breaking new ground in independent perfumery. They honour our expertise and our vision of creating fragrances that tell a sensory story and move, seduce and inspire. We would like to thank our partners, customers and community of enthusiasts for their unwavering support. It is your enthusiasm and loyalty that form the very essence of our success.
Maison IRFÉ 100th Anniversary Summer Dinner in Honor of Fragrance Collection Launch
Southampton, July 2024
Maison IRFÉ recently celebrated its centennial anniversary and the launch of its new fragrance line at the Southampton Arts Center, marking the occasion with a glamorous dinner. The fragrance collection features five distinctive scents, each inspired by different feminine archetypes. The perfumes are housed in whimsical doll-shaped bottles, beautifully echoing the artistic and playful spirit of the Arts Center’s sculpture garden. The fragrances reflect Maison IRFÉ’s rich heritage and contemporary elegance, offering a unique olfactory experience.
The event was a stylish blend of high fashion and art, attended by prominent figures from the industry. Olga Sorokina, IRFE’s creative director and a driving force behind the brand’s revival, remarked, "This centennial is not just a celebration of our past but a bold step into a fragrant future, blending our heritage with modern elegance."
The evening also featured an exclusive after-party, where guests mingled amidst a curated selection of art and fashion, enjoying live music and exquisite hors d’oeuvres. The setting provided a perfect backdrop for the unveiling of the new fragrances, which drew inspiration from Maison IRFÉ’s storied history and modern sensibilities
Olga Sorokina, couture designer, has created five exceptionally unique fragrances with premier perfumers at dsm-firmenich.
BY MARTHA MCCULLY | PUBLISHED MAY 13, 2024
Fashion Brand Maison IRFĒ Launches
BY MARTHA MCCULLY | PUBLISHED MAY 13, 2024
When Olga Sorokina left Belarus at age 17 for Paris, she says she “dreamed of fragrance.” What she may not have envisioned is that her path to fragrance would include resurrecting and designing for storied fashion house Maison IRFĒ; creating five fragrances for IRFĒ with dsm-firmenich; launching the collection at Neiman Marcus—and being nominated for the Best New Indie Fragrance at The Fragrance Foundation Awards this June.
But that is how Sorokina’s story unfolded—and her timing was impeccable. Luxury indie fragrances have never been hotter. An Industry Research Biz report on the Luxury Niche Perfume market states that it was valued at $2970 million in 2023 and is expected to reach $7420 million by 2032, representing over a 16% compound annual growth rate. Pamela Vaile, a private marketing and branding consultant whose clients have included L’Oréal, Bath & Body Works, Revlon, and Laura Mercier, worked side-by-side with Sorokina on the development of the IRFĒ fragrances and says their timing was just right. “Look at what’s going on globally, post-pandemic, what we’re finding is that the consumer is totally in love with luxury right now, it’s all about treating ourselves. Niche luxury perfumes are [experiencing] double digit growth since 2021 when stores opened again,” she says. “We are in the sweet spot of fragrance category. This is what the consumer wants.”
The original Maison IRFĒ was the creation of Princess Irina Alexandrovna Romanova (yes, those Romanovs; she was the first granddaughter of Tsar Alexander III and the only biological niece of Tsar Nicolas II) and Prince Felix Yusupoff, who combined their initials and together founded the couture house in 1924 in Paris.
Inspired by this origin story—and with fashion aspirations of her own—Sorokina acquired Maison IRFĒ in the aughts and relaunched it in 2008 with a haute couture collection at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. She followed that up with a ready-to-wear collection in 2009, which was carried by 200 retail stores globally. While designing for women around the world, Sorokina became intrigued by their personality types and began viewing them as female archetypes. That vision became the basis of the five IRFĒ eau de parfum profiles:
Smoldering Pepper is nominated for The Fragrance Foundation Award and was created by perfumer Alexis Grugeon at DSM-Firmenich to represent a “sexy, sensual woman.” Top notes include black pepper, saffron, olibanum; the heart is labdanum, patchouli Indonesia, and cypriol; and the base contains vanilla bourbon, smoked leather, and oud. “This is a very personal fragrance,” says Vaile.
Marshmallow Musk was also created by Grugeon and is all about romance. “Think of a woman wearing lace or a ballerina dress,” says Sorokina. “It’s very feminine.” This blend boasts top notes of Earl Grey tea and magnolia and lavender petals; heart notes of jasmine, marshmallow cotton, and iris nectar; and a base of powdery musk, fluffy woods, and airy vanilla notes.
IRFĒ Saffron Leather is a gender-neutral scent inspired by someone who is “unstoppable and focuses on the business part of their life,” says Sorokina. Perfumer Ilias Ermenidis gave it a fresh green note at the top, saffron and burnt rose at the heart, and a warm leathery base that invokes the feel of leather (although no animal products are used in any IRFĒ fragrance). “These fragrances are all made with sustainable practices and consideration for kindness to earth, people, planet. It’s critical to this brand,” says Vaile. Saffron Leather is nominated for the CEW Beauty Award for Best Personal Scent: Gender Neutral.
Centifolia Rose is a fragrance that captures “the essence of the modern femme fatale—someone who turns heads,” says Sorokina. The top notes include pink pepper, pear, and bergamot; the heart is comprised of rose Damascus, orris, and neroli; and the sensual base boasts cedarwood, sandalwood, and white musk. It was created by DSM-Firmenich perfumer Honorine Blanc, who says her inspiration was a lady in red: “I looked at the IRFĒ red dress created by Olga. You need to have courage and a certain character to wear red. She is daring and brave.” Centifolia Rose is nominated for the CEW Beauty Award for Best Personal Scent: Women.
Patchouli Forever Worn strives to project the “feminine allure” of a “moody lady” who is “emotional and mercurial” says Sorokina. The fragrance combines three varieties of patchouli, tobacco, and sweet honey notes and was created by perfumer Frank Voelkl, who is also known for crafting Le Labo Santal 33. Voelkl says of Patchouli Forever Worn: “The scent is unforgettable.”
In addition to developing personality-driven fragrances (a unique approach, to be sure), the IRFĒ fragrance bottle was also Sorokina’s creation. She designed it in Paris eight years ago and says it “has a connection with the past…and is reminiscent of the dolls from my childhood.”
“The beauty of the brand is that [Sorkina] is so connected to art world and fashion world,” says Vaile. “There’s a multi-dimensional, richness to this brand.”
Neiman Marcus launched the five luxury fragrances ($285 for 50 ML) in April and will offer a Discovery Kit in June ($95 for five vials 3 ML each). Other fragrance specialty retailers will carry IRFĒ, including Atelier d’Emotion and Maison 10 in New York City, Stella Flame Gallery in Bridgehampton, Attic Koncept in Beverly Hills, and Curio at Faena Bazaar in Miami, among others. IRFĒ is now based in New York.
Sorokina’s next fragrance dream? Because she designs her scents “with appeal on a global scale,” expect IRFĒ fragrances to expand into Dubai and Europe soon.
Source: www.cew.org
Maison IRFÉ Celebrates Double Nomination
at the Prestigious 2024 Cosmetic Executive Women’s
Fragrance Awards
New York, April 2024
New York, NY -Maison IRFÉ, a new comer in the world of luxury fragrances, is proud to announce its recent nominations for the esteemed 2024 Cosmetic Executive Women’s (CEW) Fragrance Awards. In a remarkable recognition of excellence and innovation, Maison IRFÉ’s latest fragrance collection has been honored in two distinct categories, highlighting the brand’s commitment to olfactory artistry and creative excellence.
The 2024 CEW Fragrance Awards, known for celebrating the finest achievements in the fragrance industry, recognized two of Maison IRFÉ’s new creations: Centifolia Rose and Saffron Leather. These nominations underscore Maison IRFÉ’s mastery in blending traditional perfumery with modern sensibilities, crafting scents that resonate with today’s diverse and discerning consumers.
Centifolia Rose: The Centifolia Rose Eau de Parfum by Maison IRFÉ draws its inspiration from the iconic "Lady in Red", a figure enamored with the color of passion and power. This fragrance embodies a femme fatale, one who effortlessly commands any room with her presence. Just like the essence of woman power, it is bold, complex, diffusive, and rich, offering a unique olfactory experience. Evoking a sense of both being lost and found, this scent captures the enigmatic allure of those who embrace the strength and allure of the color red.
Saffron Leather: The Saffron Leather Eau de Parfum by Maison IRFÉ draws inspiration from the essence of the "Tuxedo Lady," a figure who effortlessly transitions from trying on ten dresses to stepping out in jeans with a grace that is both understated and keen. This fragrance embodies elegance and discerning taste, defining sophistication in every refined note. Just like the Tuxedo Lady herself, it exudes unstoppable grace through its composition, capturing the allure of refined lines and timeless style in a bottle.
“We are deeply honored by these nominations, which reflect the passion, dedication, and creativity that Maison IRFÉ puts into every bottle,” said Olga Sorokina, the owner of Maison IRFÉ. “Our team is committed to pushing the boundaries of perfumery, and it is incredibly rewarding to see our efforts recognized by the Cosmetic Executive Women’s Fragrance Awards.”
The winners of the 2024 CEW Fragrance Awards will be announced at the upcoming gala event, an occasion for the beauty industry to celebrate amazing new fragrances.
IRFE Fragrance Receives Prestigious Nomination for Best New Indie Fragrance Award by The Fragrance Foundation
New York, March 2024
New York, NY – Maison IRFE is thrilled to announce that our signature fragrance, the IRFE Smoldering Pepper Fragrance, has been nominated for the esteemed Best New Indie Fragrance award by The Fragrance Foundation.
The Fragrance Foundation Awards, often referred to as the "Oscars of the fragrance industry," celebrates excellence in perfumery and recognizes outstanding achievements in fragrance creation.
The IRFE Smoldering Pepper Fragrance, crafted with meticulous attention to detail and inspired by the timeless elegance of Maison IRFE, has captivated the senses of fragrance enthusiasts worldwide since its launch.
"We are deeply honored and proud to receive this prestigious nomination from The Fragrance Foundation," said Olga Sorokina, the owner of Maison IRFE. "This nomination is a testament to the dedication and creativity of our creative team, led by Perfumer Alexi Grudgeon from Firmenich, and it reinforces our commitment to pushing boundaries and creating memorable olfactory experiences "
The Best New Indie Fragrance category highlights the innovative spirit and unique offerings of independent fragrance brands, making this nomination particularly meaningful for Maison IRFE.
The winners of the Fragrance Foundation Awards will be announced at a gala event on April 11th, where industry leaders, influencers, and fragrance enthusiasts will come together to celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship of perfumery.
As Maison IRFE eagerly awaits the results, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Fragrance Foundation and our dedicated supporters for their continued encouragement and appreciation.
For its centenary, Maison IRFE has created
a new Fragrance Collection
New York, January 2024
This year will mark 100 years since the founding of the IRFE Fashion House in 1924 in Paris. In honor of this event, creative director Olga Sorokina created a new collection of fragrances, consisting of five different scents, inspired by five different female characters.
The bottles were created according to the design of Olga Sorokina by specialists from the FRANCELAB Company, the fragrances were produced by the famous Company DSM FIRMENICH. Inspired by the elegance of the brand’s iconic dresses, each bottle is a miniature fashionista doll, complete with a silver metal head and shoulders exuding sophistication. The lower part of the bottle showcases multi-colored glass, mirroring the vibrant hues of our signature dresses. Elevate your fragrance game with the touch of couture flair. Each doll has its own dress color and character.
The bottles were created according to the design of Olga Sorokina by specialists from the FRANCELAB company, the fragrances were produced by the famous company DSM FIRMENICH.Inspired by the elegance of the brand’s iconic dresses, each bottle is a miniature fashionista doll, complete with a silver metal head and shoulders exuding sophistication. The lower part of the bottle showcases multi-colored glass, mirroring the vibrant hues of our signature dresses. Elevate your fragrance game with the touch of couture flair. Each doll has its own dress color and character.
Maison IRFE opens showroom on Fifth Avenue in New York
New York, February 2023
In February 2023, Maison IRFE opened a Showroom at 745 5th Avenue, Suite 510, New York, NY, 10135.
The Showroom is located in the heart of Fashion New York, in the beautiful art deco Bergdorf Goodman Building
