Jennifer Cooper/E!What's life like for the fragrance master to the stars?
For the random individual, sensory overload—but for Harry Slatkin, CEO of PartyLite, it all makes perfect scents.
When the "king of home fragrance" (dubbed by The New York Times) isn't hanging with his besties (Vera Wang and Tommy Hilfiger), the candle connoisseur dedicates every waking moment to family, traveling the world and inducing your fondest memories…one wick at a time.
What was your first job?
My first real job was a company my brother and I started when I was 15 and he was 17. It was called Samuels and Jay—our middle names. We did table and bed linens à la Porthault but in modern patterns. We sold it everywhere from Saks to Bloomingdale's to I Magnin (that dates me) and even JCPenney.
Tell us about your office décor.
I purchased my new company PartyLite about two months ago, so my office is currently under construction in NY. I think it's going to be limestone walls with English and Russian furniture. I don't want a clean box, which is too sterile and doesn't stimulate my creative side. PartyLite is in 23 countries, so I am on the road a lot. My other office is my Louis Vuitton carry-on suitcase and Hermès oversize Birkin bag.
What is your personal favorite scent?
I have a personal scent I always wear that was created for me by Christophe Laudamiel, one of the great perfumers of our time. He created the sent with me 10 years ago and he is just 30 now. It is called "Harry's Bomb."
Which celebrities adore your candles? And which ones do they like?
This is like Kiss and Tell, and that wouldn't be nice. I can only tell you that from Madonna to Oprah to Elton John to Mrs. Clinton to the royal families in Europe—we have our fans!
What's the best part about your job?
The people—I love meeting people and hearing about their passions and ideas. It energizes me!
Who are some of your career heroes?
Alan "Ace" Greenberg, who I worked for when I was a director of Bear Stearns. I learned all by business manners from him as he was all about honesty, integrity and customer rules. Another is my best friend Tommy Hilfiger—he has advised me on all my business dealings and partnered with me as well. He has taught me that no matter what, your reputation means more than money.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
If you don't understand something, always say so and never fear the unknown.
Finish the sentences below:
Today for lunch I had… Chopped Chef Salad (I was at Cipriani).
The first website I log onto every day is… CNN and PartyLite.
My usual Starbucks order is… Decaf Mocha Frappacino Grande light, no whip.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would… I would be laying on a beach dreaming of my next candle.
My favorite place to visit is… Claridge's in London. It's like a second home, and Martin, the concierge, has been making me and my family comfortable for years.
My favorite Instagram account is… Giancarlo Giammetti and Valentino's…sometimes so funny and often so beautiful and Cabana Magazine.