For two decades, Nicolas Dewitte worked behind the scenes of the perfume world, collaborating with some of the most renowned perfumers of his generation. But one day, creation was no longer a choice, but a necessity. This is how Chambre52 came into being, a poetic perfume house, born from hotel rooms, memories, and encounters. In this candid interview, Nicolas talks about the genesis of his brand, the creative process behind his first compositions, and how perfume is a form of self-acceptance and connection for him. A conversation about beauty, nostalgia, and the power of stories in liquid form.
What was the moment you knew you wanted to start your own perfume house?
Ah, that's a beautiful question. I think the desire to launch my own brand had been brewing ever since I entered the perfume world twenty years ago. But I needed to reach a certain point in my life where creation was no longer a choice, but became an absolute necessity.
What does Chambre52 stand for, and what distinguishes it from other perfume houses?
Chambre52 refers to a specific hotel room in a particular hotel in São Paulo. I stayed there for a few weeks, and that room became a place of introspection, inspiration, and connection. The brand originated from the desire to tell stories, moments from my life, shaped by encounters with new people and cultures. Chambre52 is more than a perfume house. It is a universe, a space where people can meet, connect, and share meaningful experiences.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind your first perfume?
Writing has always been a passion of mine – novels, short stories. For Chambre52, I wrote six long stories, each based on a moment, an emotion, something I experienced in hotel rooms over the past twenty years. These stories were translated into fragrance compositions in collaboration with a brilliant nose. The process took about two years, from story to perfume.
How do you personally use perfume in your daily ritual?
During the day, I rarely wear perfume. I spend so much time smelling raw materials and exploring new directions that it would disrupt my senses. But in the evening, it's a different story. I love that ritual, at least five sprays on the neck and chest. Which scent I choose depends on my mood. Tonight, it will be Tobacco Memories.
"chambre52 originated from the desire to tell stories"
— nicolas dewitte
What does beauty mean to you at this point in your life?
For me, beauty nowadays is self-acceptance. It is closely linked to the essence of these exceptional perfumes. Wearing a niche perfume is a powerful gesture. It is a statement, a conscious choice. You embrace who you are and share that with the world around you. That form of self-confidence makes someone truly beautiful.
Which scent evokes pure nostalgia for you, and why?
I always return to Tobacco Memories. It was created as a subversive souvenir, a slightly rebellious nod to the past. I think of friends who smoked endlessly, a glass of Old Fashioned or two, loud music, beautiful boys and girls, those unforgettable night moments that felt like they would never end. It's a scent steeped in memories.
