Christelle Laprade: French Perfumer's "Trash-Glam" Revolution

Born in 1976 in the sun-drenched coastal town of Sanary-sur-Mer in southern France, Christelle Laprade discovered her passion for scent through the aromatic landscapes of her childhood. The Mediterranean garrigue, with its wild herbs and sun-baked earth, became her first olfactory classroom. This early fascination with smell led her to the prestigious ISIPCA in Versailles in 1997, where she studied under master perfumers Maurice Roucel and Dominique Ropion.

Laprade's career trajectory took her from the fragrance capital of Grasse to the bustling energy of New York City, where she currently works at Symrise's creative studio. Her journey through major fragrance houses - from Expressions Parfumées to MANE USA, and finally to Symrise in 2006 - shaped her into a perfumer who seamlessly blends scientific precision with raw creativity. The eclectic styles and vibrant energy of New York have become integral to her artistic vision, fueling her unique aesthetic she describes as "trash-glam."

This fearless fusion of refinement and rebellion defines Laprade's approach to perfumery. She creates fragrances that embody duality - sophistication meets crudeness, masculinity dances with femininity. Her compositions are built with a feel-good sensibility and bold twists that challenge conventional perfumery. For Laprade, fragrance is intimate, touching the soul like a second skin, and she believes perfume should be fun, emotional, and anything but ordinary.

Laprade's most celebrated work comes through her extensive collaboration with Mind Games, where she has created an impressive portfolio including Blockade, French Defense, Ruy Lopez, and Sissa. Each fragrance tells a story inspired by chess strategy, translating complex game theory into olfactory experiences. Her En prise demonstrates her mastery of contrasts with its fresh citrus opening yielding to sweet crystalline sugars and intimate saffron.

The perfumer's innovative approach shines in creations like Double Attack, where she utilizes multifaceted chocolate notes to deliver bittersweet, woody compositions that captivate on multiple levels. Her Queening celebrates achievement with royal orris and vanilla sweetness, while Scholar's Mate pays homage to partnership through harmonious spice and wood accords.

Beyond Mind Games, Laprade has crafted fragrances for major brands including Calvin Klein, Banana Republic, and Commodity. Her work with Commodity's Milk trilogy showcases her ability to create opposition - soft, cozy textures against tough, charred elements. Throughout her career, she maintains a strong commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, working with companies that support farmers and prioritize responsible sourcing. Based in New York, Laprade continues pushing boundaries in olfactory art, creating fragrances that resonate emotionally while challenging perfumery conventions.