Andrew French
Andrew French entered the fragrance world with a business degree and an instinct for scent. After a stint in corporate finance, he turned to perfume, apprenticing with seasoned noses in London’s boutique labs. In 2012 he founded Castle Forbes, a label that marries the gravitas of British heritage with a contemporary edge. Over the past decade he has released nine distinct fragrances, each bearing his signature blend of crisp citrus, warm woods, and subtle spice. French treats each bottle as a conversation between past and present, inviting wearers to experience a moment of quiet confidence. His rise has been steady, built on relentless testing, close collaboration with raw material suppliers, and a willingness to challenge conventional accords without abandoning elegance.
The hits
Notable creations
The signature
How Andrew composes
French’s technique hinges on clear structure and contrast. He builds a strong opening with bright bergamot or pink pepper, then layers a heart of lavender, geranium, or tea leaf before anchoring the dry down with oakmoss, sandalwood, or ambergris. He favors natural extracts, but he is not shy about integrating synthetics that enhance longevity or add unexpected facets. His compositions often feature a subtle metallic edge, a nod to his engineering background, and a balanced finish that avoids overpowering the skin. The result feels refined, approachable, and unmistakably his.
Philosophy
What drives Andrew
French believes that perfume should anchor memory while sparking curiosity. He starts every brief by asking what feeling the wearer will carry into a room, then translates that emotion into a scent architecture. Sustainability guides his ingredient choices; he prefers responsibly sourced absolutes and supports small‑batch growers. Rather than chasing trends, he lets the character of each material dictate the composition, allowing the perfume to reveal itself over hours. For him, a successful fragrance is a quiet statement that endures long after the first spray.
The houses