Yousmellgreatwhatisit

This week’s guest on is recognisable by his first name alone - and is someone that’s been at the vanguard of niche and luxury perfumery throughout the 21st century. is the Founder of . He’s had a long and storied career that’s taken him from working personally with the Guerlain family to setting up the ‘Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie’ in the Salon de Parfums in , then going on to create his own brand, Roja London. You can listen now via the link in my bio and in my stories.

I sat down with Roja in the brand’s boutique in Burlington Arcade in London in April 2026. We chatted about his background, his career, his favourite products - and what he thinks about the man who looks back at him in the mirror. This was a hugely enjoyable conversation - and thanks to Roja for being so kind, thoughtful and generous with his time.

Roja mentioned the following products from his morning and evening routines:

- Effaclar Toner beauty - Sublimage Eye Serumbeauty - Antaeus stick deodorant
- Bespoke perfume

I’ll be moderating a panel at this year’s Esxence in Milan on 4th June at 12.30pm. The topic is ’Tiktokification - Is TikTok transforming fragrance?’ We’ll be talking about what’s happening online, but also how social media is impacting the decisions of brands, buyers and retailers earlier in the process.

My panelists will be Andrea & Chiara Valdo, the Co-Founders of Jusbox Perfumes , Vesa Kalho - the Chief Brand Officer of Fraegra and Brandon Winfield - Content Creator. If you’re at Esxence this year it would be great to see you in the Conference Hall, Thursday 4th June at 12.30pm.

This week’s guest on Man in the Mirror is Max Foucaut, a young designer I met earlier this year. I was hugely impressed with the collection and then I found out he has also released a trio of fragrances to sit along side the menswear, so I had to chat to him on the podcast! You can listen now via the link below. Alternatively, just search ‘Man in the Mirror podcast’ on Spotify, Apple, YouTube or any other platform.

https://li.sten.to/mitmmaxfoucaut

Max was born in Paris, educated in Southern California and studied in London at Central St Martins. (there’s a song in there somewhere!) His designs take all those contrasting cultures and environments and create something fresh - there’s elements of French workwear, relaxed Californian silhouettes and then the precision and craftsmanship of Savile Row in London. I particularly loved a boxy indigo jacket in the Max’s latest collection shown at Paris Fashion Week, there’s incredible details in the cut and the pockets (see picture 2 in the carousel.) Max is a name to watch out for - and an exciting future talent in the fashion and fragrance industries. I’m thrilled he agreed to spend some time talking to me about his life and his work.