THE ANSWERS WITH...FRANCIS KURKDJIAN

The legendary perfumer on creative expressions, work-life balance and, of course, fragrances.

- Amos Chin

“I LOVE THE idea that everybody can express a part of themselves through their perfume,” says Francis Kurkdjian, who created his debut fragrance, Le Mâle by Jean Paul Gaultier, in 1995. Despite his stellar track record—the 55-year-old is behind bestselling perfumes for illustrious fashion designers and luxury houses, including Rick Owens, Hedi Slimane and Dior, and established his eponymous fragrance house in 2009— Kurkdjian is constantly exploring the art of creating fragrances in unprecedented ways.

He has pushed the boundaries of traditional perfumery by creating unique olfactory experiences for art exhibitions, dance performances and public installations. These extraordinary contributions to perfumery and the arts earned him the title of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture in 2008. The accolade is awarded to those who have made significant contributions to the arts, literature or the spread of culture.

At his eponymous fragrance house, which was acquired by LVMH for an undisclosed sum in 2017, Kurkdjian continues to champion innovative approaches and the use of high-quality ingredients. The imaginative scents that he has created include the iconic APOM (A Part Of Me) fragrances. In 2021, he was appointed creative director of fragrance at Parfums Christian Dior, further cementing his status as one of the most revered figures in the world of fragrance.

If you could invite any three people, living or dead, to a dinner party, who would they be and why?