Ingrid Johnson, a professor of textile development and marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology, says today's synthetic fibers are smaller and softer than the polyester of yesteryear.

NPR: Nanotech in Fashion: The Trend in New Fabrics

Costly land and labour values have forced many perfume makers to move to major cities and increase the use of synthetic materials, said Virginia Bonofiglio, associate chairperson of cosmetics and fragrance marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

BBC: Perfume in Provence: Visit, smell, create