An artistic conversation with scent
Francis Kurkdjian

Francis Kurkdjian

French·b. 1969

Luminous, radiant compositions that balance precision with emotion. Known for transparent musks, sophisticated florals, and that distinctive MFK glow.

Often works with:Amber,Musks,Florals,Saffron
My creations are an invitation to choose the scent that suits you daily, because I like the idea that each woman and man can express a part of themselves through perfume.
Interview with Maison Francis Kurkdjian
The Artist

Maison Francis Kurkdjian was born in 2009 from the encounter between Francis Kurkdjian, a renowned perfumer with scores of successful creations to his name, and Marc Chaya, Co-founder and President of the fragrance house. At only 24, Francis Kurkdjian composed his first perfume, "Le Male" by Jean Paul Gaultier, an international best-seller and game-changer of its time. Instead of relying on a very promising start to his career, he decided, as a precursor, to explore new possibilities and give olfactory creation a new artistic dimension. In keeping with his visionary outlook, in 2001 he set up his tailor-made perfume workshop, against the general tendency of perfume democratization, while constantly putting his know-how and sensibility at the service of the greatest fashion designers (Rick Owens, Hedi Slimane, Riccardo Tisci, Alber Elbaz or John Galliano), as well as the most iconic houses (Dior, Guerlain or Saint-Laurent). From 2003, artists like Sophie Calle, Christian Rizzo or Sarkis called on him to compose his first olfactory compositions - the starting point of his quest to break down the boundaries between different fields and the senses. In 2008, he was named Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres.

TrainingISIPCA (Institut Supérieur International du Parfum)
Current RoleFounder & Artistic Director, Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Creative Signature

Approach

Luminous, radiant compositions that balance precision with emotion. Known for transparent musks, sophisticated florals, and that distinctive MFK glow.

Signature Materials

A visionary who transformed the industry, balancing commercial success with artistic integrity. His work bridges the worlds of mainstream appeal and niche craftsmanship.

Creative Signature

Distinctive Notes

GrenadineSweet PeaTunisian Orange BlossomCarawayFir ResinHedioneVirginian CedarIso E Super

Signature Accords

  • Tobacco100%
  • Marine90%
  • Ozonic88%

Derived from 217 compositions in the Scentsation catalog.

The Journey

Career Milestones

1993

Graduates from ISIPCA

Completes his training at the prestigious French perfumery school.

1995

Creates Le Male for Jean Paul Gaultier

An instant classic that became one of the best-selling masculine fragrances of all time.

2001

Opens bespoke perfume atelier

Begins creating one-of-a-kind fragrances for private clients.

2003

First artistic collaboration

Partners with artist Sophie Calle on olfactory installations.

2006

Versailles Off

Creates landmark olfactory installation at the Palace of Versailles.

2008

Named Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres

Receives French government recognition for contribution to the arts.

2009

Co-founds Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Partners with Marc Chaya to launch his eponymous house.

2015

Baccarat Rouge 540 launches

Creates what will become a defining fragrance of the 2020s.

Francis Kurkdjian | Perfumer | Scentsation