Manos Gerakinis: “The only true luxury is time”

In conversation with Manos Gerakinis about slow perfumery, artistic integrity and the future of niche fragrances

Anyone who has spent time in the world of niche fragrances knows the feeling: the selection grows, the names more numerous, the stories louder. But what remains is the desire for substance – for creations that not only smell good but also tell a story. In an industry where so-called niche brands are springing up like mushrooms, it's brands like Manos Gerakinis that remind us what it was all about. As someone who has been deeply involved with niche perfumery for years – as a lover, a collector, but also a critical observer – it was a particular pleasure for me to interview the founder of Manos Gerakinis Parfums , the first Greek luxury niche fragrance house. In our conversation , Manos Gerakinis speaks candidly about the challenges of an industry in transition, about his vision of slow perfumery, and about what truly makes a fragrance unforgettable.

Time as the greatest luxury

For Gerakinis, it all began in 2012 with a personal experiment. The well-known fragrance Sillage Royal It was originally intended only for himself. A blend of floral, spicy, woody, and ambery notes – powerful and unforgettable. The impressive presence and the admiration the fragrance repeatedly received led to the realization that this creation could serve as the foundation for something greater. Thus, what began as a personal olfactory expression evolved in 2014 into the founding of Manos Gerakinis Parfums, the first Greek niche luxury perfume house.

Scent Amor: While much has changed in the market, the brand is celebrating its 10th anniversary today. Manos Gerakinis , how do you perceive the current developments in niche perfumery?

Manos Gerakinis: “When I first attended Esxence in Milan in 2018, around 200 brands were present – many of them still very small at the time. Today there are over 450. This shows how much the market has grown, but also how saturated it has become. Many brands that originally represented a niche – characterized by small production runs and a personal relationship between manufacturers and customers – are now being repositioned as ‘luxury.’ This transformation often goes hand in hand with the support of large corporations and a corresponding restriction of creative freedom.”

scent amor: I, too, am increasingly noticing this shift at trade fairs, in boutiques, and at new collection launches. But Gerakinis doesn't simply criticize this trend – he offers a counter-proposal: Slow Perfumery . A concept that immediately appeals to me. Not out of nostalgia, but because it's radically logical. Because quality requires one thing above all: time.

Manos Gerakinis: “Especially regarding the creative process, I personally advocate for the advantages of ‘slow perfumery,’ because the concept of luxury is certainly relevant. At Manos Gerakinis Parfumes, we take the necessary time – for the conception of a fragrance, for the raw materials, for the composition, and for selecting the right retailers. Because time is the true luxury. And that, for me, is precisely what makes the crucial difference between niche and mass-produced goods. ”

Between one's own vision and trust in the abilities of others

Scent Amor: The fragrance collection from Manos Gerakini's Parfums bears the name of its founder, but not every fragrance is solely his own creation. How can we imagine the creation of such a fragrance, and how difficult is it to convey one's own vision in collaboration with other perfumers?

Manos Gerakinis: “My academic career began with undergraduate studies in political science, followed by two postgraduate degrees in economics. But my passion for fragrances, which has been with me since childhood, ultimately led me to the high art of perfumery. From the very beginning of my journey, I collaborated with perfumers whose expertise was invaluable. I see myself more as an artistic director. In this role, I am responsible for the overarching vision, the conceptual framework, and the creative inspiration. The perfumers, with their expertise, are tasked with transforming this vision into a tangible fragrance experience. One's own vision must be clear, but it is equally important to be able to communicate it to the perfumer in a way that is understandable and respectful.”

The role of the artistic director is crucial in the perfume-making process and should be treated with the utmost respect. Even the most accomplished perfumers often rely on external reviewers to examine their compositions and provide suggestions for refinement, further highlighting the importance of collaborative oversight .

Scent Amor: What particularly impresses me is that Gerakinis doesn't insist on control, but on dialogue. It's this blend of clear ambition and openness that is evident in his compositions . A beautiful example of this is the collaboration between Manos Gerakinis and perfumer Chris Maurice for the fragrance Meθexis , which was a finalist at the prestigious Fragrance Foundation Awards in the United Kingdom.

Manos Gerakinis: “When I suggested to Chris Maurice that we create a fig-based fragrance, he was initially anything but enthusiastic – he simply didn't like that note. But through creative exchange, we ended up with a fragrance that not only delighted us but also the public. The creation process of Meθexis demonstrates once again how crucial the role of the artistic director is in the successful creation of a fragrance. ”

Authenticity born of conviction

scent amor: Just like scent amor in its curated selection of niche fragrances, Manos Gerakinis also relies on the power of the invisible.

We both believe that fragrances can express more than words. Could you nevertheless try to put into words the motivation and vision behind your fragrances?

Manos Gerakinis: “The motivation and vision behind my fragrances has always been to create an emotional experience—something that transcends mere words. My goal is to create perfumes that evoke deep, personal connections and offer wearers a sense of identity, a moment of introspection, or a memory brought to life. Every fragrance I create is an exploration of art and emotion, where carefully selected ingredients blend into a narrative that speaks directly to the soul. My vision is to create perfumes that reach their wearers on a personal level, tell stories, and take them on an olfactory journey. Ultimately, it's about capturing the essence of a moment, a feeling, or an idea and bringing it to life through fragrance, offering each wearer a unique experience. ”

Scent Amor: We often talk about authenticity and emotional depth. In an industry where provocation is often prioritized over content, what does it mean for you to remain authentic in the context of today's niche perfumery? Do you see a difference between distinctiveness and mere provocation?

Manos Gerakinis: “Authenticity is based on a commitment to creating fragrances that are not only of high quality, but also reflect a sincere vision, a deep understanding of the craft, and respect for the consumer’s emotional connection to scent. In a world where trends often dominate, remaining authentic means prioritizing creativity and meaningful expression over fleeting commercial success. The difference between distinctiveness and provocation lies in the intention: distinctiveness is based on originality and emotional depth, offering a unique, lasting experience, whereas provocation often seeks attention without substance, focusing on shock value rather than genuine, thoughtful expression. For me, in niche perfumery, true distinctiveness is about evoking emotions and memories, not provoking a reaction for its own sake. ”

Where is the journey headed? – a look into the crystal ball

For Manos Gerakinis, the future of niche perfumery lies in the challenge of maintaining the delicate balance between artistic integrity and evolving consumer desires. He believes that in the increasingly saturated market, those brands that uphold craftsmanship, creativity, and authenticity as core values will flourish. The appeal of niche perfumery will remain for those seeking exclusivity and high-quality, personalized experiences. He is confident that, thanks to its commitment to time-honored techniques and its bespoke creations, niche perfumery will continue to be a prominent and evolving art form.

scent amor: And what is the goal of Manos Gerakini's fragrance collection? International growth or a focus on special fragrance creations for connoisseurs?

Manos Gerakinis: “Honestly, I don’t know. We simply give our best every day – and that’s more than enough for me. The most important thing is to move forward with creativity and integrity, to keep our minds and hearts open, and to remain true to the art of fine perfumery. ”

A beautiful thought – and one I wholeheartedly agree with. In a time when so much is becoming arbitrary, it is precisely brands like Manos Gerakini's perfumes that demonstrate that the word "niche" is not a marketing term, but an attitude.

At the end of our conversation, I asked him if he could summarize his love for niche perfumery in a single sentence.

His answer: “The only true luxury is time – make yours fragrant and unforgettable.”

There's nothing to add to that, in my opinion.

If you too would like to experience what it means when time, craftsmanship, and emotion merge in a fragrance, then take a look at our selection of Manos Gerakini perfumes. Each extrait tells its own story – multifaceted, full of character, and far from the ordinary.

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