Beyond the bottle
Of Armenian descent, born in Paris and trained at ISIPCA, he burst onto the scene with Jean Paul Gaultier's Le Male, which became one of the best-selling masculine fragrances in history. In 2009, he founded Maison Francis Kurkdjian, which has since become a byword for refined, luminous perfumery. Baccarat Rouge 540, his most iconic creation, has achieved a cultural status that transcends the fragrance world.
“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.”
franciskurkdjian.com
Sets up a made-to-measure perfume workshop and composes for designers including Rick Owens, Hedi Slimane, Riccardo Tisci, Alber Elbaz and John Galliano.
First artistic collaboration, with Sophie Calle; later work with Christian Rizzo and Sarkis.
First olfactory installation, for Versailles Off. Later: the Grand Palais, Villa Medici and the Palace of Versailles.
Named a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters in France.
