Franco-Belgian perfumer and founder of Goldfield & Banks (All photos: Goldfield & Banks)
Options: Congratulations on Goldfield & Banks’ arrival in Malaysia.
Dimitri Weber: Thanks. It’s always exciting to open in new countries! I think Malaysians, in particular, will love our collection since the climate is also quite hot and humid like in Australia. We design all our perfumes to perform well in this kind of weather.
Tell us a little about its name. We understand it is both a tribute to Australia’s first botanist as well as the rich natural reserves of the continent, from nature to gold reserves.
You are right. Goldfield & Banks is named after Australia’s gold fields (and the legend that sandalwood grows best in these areas), and also Joseph Banks, Australia’s first botanist.
You are Belgian-born but chose to move to Sydney in 2015. What were the main factors that led to your decision to do so?
I first visited Australia on a work trip and was really moved by the country. The landscapes and botanicals here are so unique, and there are so many special scents. There wasn’t really any perfumery being done here, so I wanted to change that and create something beautiful.
goldfield.jpg
And what was it about Australia that made you choose to uproot and begin a new life so very far away from home?
I met my partner here while I was visiting Australia for the first time, and we decided we wanted to share a home together in Sydney. I have got a strong love of adventure, so moving to the other side of the world never felt like it was a huge decision. I was also at a point in my life where I desired big changes, and I wanted to move to somewhere with more sun than my native countries of France and Belgium.
Tell us about some of your favourite discoveries about Australian botanicals, particularly native Buddha wood and native sandalwood.
I make sure to feature a unique Australian native botanical in each of Goldfield & Banks’ Native Collection perfumes. Western Australian sandalwood is one that we use a lot, since it has such a rich and distinctive scent. It’s also a beautiful way to tie the collection together and establish a sort of DNA. Buddha wood is also part of the sandalwood family, but it smells nothing like the sandalwood we use. Its scent is quite resinous, ambery and spicy, and it remains one of the most fascinating botanicals I have ever come across.
Creating a niche fragrance label is already a bold move in itself, let alone an Australian one. What do you think of it all, looking back, and what have been some highlight moments?
Other than the distance from the French perfume industry, I don’t think there’s much difference between starting a perfume house in Australia and somewhere like Sweden or the UK. It certainly makes logistics a challenge, but perfumers love working with us because of our irreverent approach.
goldfieldmaking.jpg
We first noticed your fragrances in Selfridges. Where else around the world may one find Goldfield & Banks? And which other markets are you looking to open in next and why?
Where do I begin? We’re in a lot of high-end stores around the world, such as Harrods, Selfridges, Bloomingdale’s, Harvey Nichols, Sephora and other very exclusive perfumeries. I won’t say which markets we’re planning on opening next, but we’re working on a few at the moment.
With the great Australian outdoors proving to be such a source of inspiration, share with us your favourite place in the country and why.
Port Douglas in far North Queensland has always been one of my favourite places because it’s both tropical and wild. It has beauty but also a wildness in its native flora and fauna and feels relatively untouched by the world.
Describe a perfect Australian weekend for you.
I love to walk, whether it’s around the beach near my house or in the tropical mountains. I also love shopping for antiques, cooking when I have the time and travelling to see friends.
What are you reading right now?
Nothing — I simply don’t have the time! Growing Goldfield & Banks has been such a whirlwind, and consumes most of my spare time at the moment.
What are you listening to right now?
Mostly French music, but I’m also loving Beyoncé’s new album.
What is your favourite quirky aspect of Australia?
I love how easily Australians accept bad circumstances — even when things aren’t going well, they just say, ‘Oh well’, and get on with their day. It’s like a flippant stoicism.
Goldfield & Banks is available at Amaris KLCC. This article first appeared on Sept 5, 2022 in The Edge Malaysia.
