The Fragrance Foundation presented its Second Annual Connections Luncheon and Networking Event to shine a spotlight on the talent and innovation of diverse perfumers and brands. Connections is part of TFF’s signature #FragranceForwardTFF initiative launched in October 2021 to advance diversity and representation across the full spectrum of the fragrance industry.

TFF Connections 2023 brought together brand owners, media, influencers and style makers to herald the beginning of New York Fashion Week and share insights on the topic of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The event featured an intimate series of presentations with brand owners and perfumers, highlighted by a lively discussion with each moderated by TFF President Linda G. Levy. Featured participants included Perfumers Adriana Medina and Linda Song, Givaudan and Catherine Selig, Takasago; Founders Carlos Huber, Arquiste Parfumeur; Erica Anderson and Ingrid Nilsen, The New Savant; Malaika Jones and Tai Beauchamp, Brown Girl Jane Fine Fragrances; Bernardo Möller and Giancarlo Perez, House of Bö Fragrances; Chris Collins, World of Chris Collins; and, Teri Johnson, Harlem Candle Company.

“#FragranceForwardTFF is The Fragrance Foundation’s signature DEI initiative,” said Ms. Levy. “It’s our commitment to ensuring that the industry truly reflects – and celebrates – all communities through access, education, mentorship, professional development and recruitment. Each and every day, our 200+ members are working to foster and support the representation we’re seeing in the marketplace from exciting brands – reflecting diversity at its finest.”

Launched in fall 2021, #FragranceForwardTFF:

● expanded Scents of Success, a career development workshop series that began at HBCU Spelman College and now includes nearly 10 institutions of higher learning.

● presented groundbreaking webinars on industry perspectives featuring diverse leaders from an array of brands, perfumers and retailers.

● galvanized the industry to dedicate itself to the #FragranceForwardTFF DEI pledge that calls for a commitment to being “fragrance forward” in hiring practices, advancement opportunities, mentorship, recruitment and inclusivity.

● announced a groundbreaking initiative with the New York Urban League (NYUL), one ofthe nation’s oldest Civil Rights organizations. The Fragrance Foundation Catalyst

Initiative is creating opportunities and meaningful exchanges between the fragrance sector and NYUL’s Diversity Lab cohort.

“#FragranceForwardTFF continues to make significant strides, building a movement across multiple pillars,” adds Sharné Jackson, Executive Director, The Fragrance Foundation. “We are excited about the future and are inspired to continue to move forward, together as an industry –and with the amazing organizations and individuals who have joined forces with us to make a difference.”

The vast majority of USA fragrance consumers are Hispanic and African American. The Fragrance Foundation is leading the industry to ensure that the industry truly represents these consumers. The Fragrance Foundation is gearing up for Hispanic Heritage Month, by highlighting Hispanic-owned fragrance brands as well as Hispanic perfumers and creatives.

All Pics By Rob Kim/Getty Images

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