Nail varnish, hot plastic and new Pokémon cards are among the smells Quentin Dorado remembers. In his conversation with Divinity, he explains how these memories become ideas for Sora Dora, who he works with, and why he singles out Mallow. This is an editorial summary of that conversation.
From selling perfume to developing his own ideas
Dorado first worked in niche perfume sales. He got to know different fragrances and the people who make them, then decided to develop ideas of his own.
He finds inspiration in objects, people and moments he remembers. The smell of new Pokémon cards or nail varnish can interest him as much as flowers. He begins by working out which memory or emotion he wants to convey.
What the name Sora Dora means to him
He connects the name Sora Dora to his great-grandfather Antoine Soradora and his family’s interest in perfume. In the conversation, he also explains other meanings within the name and mentions the investor who supported the project.
Sora Dora – Jany
The people who turn an idea into a fragrance
He works with the Flair Paris team, naming Amélie Bourgeois, Anne-Sophie Behaghel, Camille Chemardin and Margaux Le Paih-Guérin in the conversation.
Dorado brings a memory and an idea, then works with the perfumers to express them through scent. Together they adjust sweetness and the other notes until they reach the impression he has in mind.
Sora Dora – Mallow
Why he singles out Mallow
His personal choice is Mallow. He connects it with childhood sweetness, with notes that make it more interesting to him than a simple scent of sweets.
If Mallow’s fruity, powdery sweetness appeals to you, read our guide to raspberry fragrances. For sweet scents with more summer fruit, explore our summer gourmand perfumes.
Sora Dora – Seven
His approach to trends
Dorado says he first thinks about the story he wants to tell through a perfume. He listens to the market but does not want to follow a trend simply because it is popular. He also accepts that his personal choices will not appeal to everyone.
You can explore individual perfumes and their notes in the Sora Dora collection at Divinity.
For more stories about making perfume, read our conversations about L'Orchestre and music and Pigmentarium and Prague.
