Francis Kurkdjian
FranceFrancis Kurkdjian sees fragrances as an expression of individuality. The son of Armenian immigrants grew up in Paris, where he was exposed to fine arts at a young age. This led... Read more
Interesting Facts
Francis Kurkdjian sees fragrances as an expression of individuality. The son of Armenian immigrants grew up in Paris, where he was exposed to fine arts at a young age. This led him to develop a love for art and people.
He unfortunately was denied a classical ballet education because he did not pass the entrance examination to the Paris Opera. Two years later, he decided to follow his second great passion, fragrances. He completed his training at the renowned "Institut Supérieur International du Parfum" (ISIPCA) in Versailles, and graduated in 1993. His first professional stage took him to "Quest International" in Paris. But Francis Kurkdjian wanted more. In addition to his creativity, it was his strong business sense that helped him pave his way to the top. He went on to earn a master's degree at the Paris Institute of Luxury Marketing. His first success came in 1995 when he created "Le Mâle" for Jean Paul Gaultier. This was followed by (selection):
Elizabeth Arden, Green Tea
Yves Saint Laurent, Kouros Eau d'été
Armani, Armani Mania
Kenzo, KenzoKi Lotus blanc
Versace, Jeans couture Glam
Lancôme, Miracle Homme l'Aquatonic
Joop!, Muse
Dior, Cologne Blanche
Guerlain, Rose Barbare
Elie Saab, Le Parfum
Burberry, My Burberry
Francis Kurkdjian worked for most of these big names over the decades. In parallel with his work as a perfumer, he founded his own company "Maison Francis Kurkdjian" together with Marc Chaya in 2009. He was awarded for his work several times, and has been involved in countless art projects. One of the highlights of his creative work was the reconstruction of the perfume of Marie Antoinette, a journey through time that took him directly to the beginnings of perfume making in France. He’s been working as creative director for Christian Dior since October 2021.
He unfortunately was denied a classical ballet education because he did not pass the entrance examination to the Paris Opera. Two years later, he decided to follow his second great passion, fragrances. He completed his training at the renowned "Institut Supérieur International du Parfum" (ISIPCA) in Versailles, and graduated in 1993. His first professional stage took him to "Quest International" in Paris. But Francis Kurkdjian wanted more. In addition to his creativity, it was his strong business sense that helped him pave his way to the top. He went on to earn a master's degree at the Paris Institute of Luxury Marketing. His first success came in 1995 when he created "Le Mâle" for Jean Paul Gaultier. This was followed by (selection):
Elizabeth Arden, Green Tea
Yves Saint Laurent, Kouros Eau d'été
Armani, Armani Mania
Kenzo, KenzoKi Lotus blanc
Versace, Jeans couture Glam
Lancôme, Miracle Homme l'Aquatonic
Joop!, Muse
Dior, Cologne Blanche
Guerlain, Rose Barbare
Elie Saab, Le Parfum
Burberry, My Burberry
Francis Kurkdjian worked for most of these big names over the decades. In parallel with his work as a perfumer, he founded his own company "Maison Francis Kurkdjian" together with Marc Chaya in 2009. He was awarded for his work several times, and has been involved in countless art projects. One of the highlights of his creative work was the reconstruction of the perfume of Marie Antoinette, a journey through time that took him directly to the beginnings of perfume making in France. He’s been working as creative director for Christian Dior since October 2021.
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