Francis Kurkdjian

Francis Kurkdjian is a celebrated perfumer renowned for his groundbreaking and evocative creations. Born on May 14, 1969, near Paris, France, at the age of 13, he pursued his passion by studying at the esteemed Institut Supérieur International du Parfum, de la Cosmétique et de l'Aromatique Alimentaire (ISIPCA), graduating in 1993. At just 25, he skyrocketed to fame with the creation of "Le Mâle" for Jean Paul Gaultier, an iconic fragrance that became a global bestseller and reshaped the fragrance industry.

In 2009, Kurkdjian co-founded Maison Francis Kurkdjian with Marc Chaya, offering a visionary approach to perfumery by blending classical French techniques with contemporary innovation. Among its celebrated creations are Baccarat Rouge 540 and Aqua Universalis, both of which exemplify Kurkdjian’s artistry. Beyond his Maison, Kurkdjian’s career includes collaborations with luxury houses such as Dior, Guerlain, and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as ventures into bespoke perfumery and olfactory art installations. In October 2021, he was appointed head of Christian Dior's Perfume Creation Department.