Frederic Malle

By the time he resolved to set up his own brand, Frederic Malle had already accumulated a glittering CV in the world of perfumery. His grandfather and mother had both directed Parfums Christian Dior, a heritage that prompted Frederic to launch a career along similar lines. It took him to the Roure Bertrand Dupont, a prestigious laboratory where, after 25 years, he become a world-renowned expert on fragrance.

When there, Frederic became exasperated with the tendency of modern brands to emphasize aesthetics over substance. But he wasn't going to tackle this problem single-handedly. Instead, he gathered together some of the most respected, famous and innovative names in perfumery, commissioning them to formulate a series of scents that prioritized sensory feeling over all else. Frederic makes sure to strike a fine balance between guiding the process and allowing individuals to express their own creativity.