“You will always be fond of me. I represent to you all the sins you never had the courage to commit.”

― Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

Grimoire Perfumes founder Troy (Trung) Vu joins us to explore the rich intersection of fragrance, aesthetics, mythology, and artistic expression. A self‑taught perfumer, Troy’s creative path winds through years as a classically trained dancer, a makeup artist, and a decade spent in luxury retail and cosmetics. These experiences shape his approach to scent as an invisible art form built on instinct, memory, structure, and imagination.

Troy shares how the golden era of perfumery—from the 1920s to the late ’90s—continues to influence his work, inspiring fragrances that are bold, character‑driven, and unburdened by trend. His world is steeped in folklore, ritual, the macabre, and global mythologies, all of which inform the tone and storytelling behind each Grimoire creation.

We also dive into the role of aesthetics through exploring classic literature the The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.

Fragrances mentioned:

Caleche - Hermes

Gold Woman - Amouage

Ambre Eccentrico - Armani Prive

Florabotanica - Balenciaga

Garden Roses - Burberry

Book discussed:

The Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde

Find Troy and Grimoire Parfums on

Instagram:

@troyperfumes