A nose for reinventing classics
ELLE Singapore|January 2025
CHANEL's in-house perfumer, Olivier Polge, shares how he marries heritage with modernity in every bottle.
JASMINE ALIMIN
A nose for reinventing classics

For over a century, Chanel has been synonymous with elegance, style, and innovation. At the heart of its fragrance legacy is Olivier Polge, Chanel's in-house perfumer since 2013. Born into a family of perfumers, Polge inherited his father Jacques Polge's role, continuing a tradition steeped in expertise and artistry. Yet, his creations-like the timeless N°5 L'Eau, Bleu de Chanel, Gabrielle Chanel L'eau, and Comète are anything but mere reproductions. Instead, they blend heritage with a fresh modernity, mirroring Gabrielle Chanel's revolutionary vision. On his first visit to Southeast Asia, Polge opened up about his craft and tips to finding the perfect scent.

What led you to pursue perfumery?

Growing up, I wanted to do anything but follow in my father's footsteps. I studied art history, thinking I wanted to be an art curator. It wasn't until I was 20, during a summer internship in his lab, that I discovered my love for this craft. My father probably played a role in shaping my professional sensibilities. Over time, I went deeper into understanding his tastes, particularly his love for patchouli and ambery fragrances.

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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 2025-Ausgabe von ELLE Singapore.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

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