"Alien" is not a very conventional-sounding name for a perfume. What's the story behind it?

In the Mugler universe, almost all the fragrances are comprised of one word. A few years ago, I mentioned the name "Alien" to Vera [the president of Thierry Mugler Parfums] and she was in shock. She was also magnetised by the name.

Getting final approval to use that name also required more than five years of negotiations with 20th Century Fox.

It's a little bit superstitious too - my first fragrance, Angel, started with an "A". It also has five letters.

The name is certainly controversial whilst remaining very Mugler. It also tells a story. It symbolises distance, a link, even an alliance with others, or with what seems distant from us but which in reality is perhaps not so.

Your perfumes have always stood out from others, with their unusual names and scents, how do you explain this?

I want my fragrances to be olfactory experiences, impressions that remain well after you have smelt or worn them. Different. Audacity is my secret and real value.

There are so many fragrances that launch in the same way, without a story, dream or anything extraordinary about them. And in fact they smell so similar that they don't have their own character or personality.

Thierry Mugler fragrances are always recognisable and have a distinct olfactory signature.

Apart from fashion, perfume and photography, do you have any other passions?

I am a very private person but I will share with you that I have a passion for travel.

What can you say about your next fragrance?

Expect the unexpected. A new olfactory experience.

That's all I can say. People and travel are my sources of inspiration.

Rangsita Sirivanich

The Nation