Daniel Josier: Spanish Perfumer Bridging Art and Commerce

Daniel Josier's path to becoming one of Spain's most respected perfumers began with childhood memories of sea air in Castro Urdiales and his mother's beloved Van Cleef & Arpels First perfume. Born in Madrid, he adopted his professional name as both tribute and artistic separation between his personal and creative lives.

His formal education at ISIPCA in Versailles laid the foundation, but his true artistic awakening came through six transformative years under Jean-Claude Ellena's mentorship at Haarman & Reimer. This experience taught him that perfumery extends far beyond technical chemistry into pure artistry and magic.

Josier's career spans both commercial and niche sectors. He's created fragrances for major brands including L'Oréal, Puig, and Unilever, while simultaneously developing his artistic voice. In 2009, he founded L'Atelier del Perfume, followed by his eponymous line in 2014. This dual approach allows him to balance commercial expertise with creative freedom.

His philosophy centers on perfume as "attitude" rather than signature. He believes scent should match one's current mood and state, creating what he calls an "olfactory experience." Each fragrance tells a personal story, drawing from travel, memories, and emotional moments. Sandalwood appears in nearly all his creations, providing texture and comfort that defines his signature style.

Josier's portfolio showcases his storytelling approach to fragrance. His personal tribute "Josune," named after his wife, exemplifies how deeply personal inspiration drives his work. "April 3rd" honors his mother through orange blossoms and memories of her favorite perfume, while "Interdit Absente" captures the mystique of absinthe liqueur.

One of his most intriguing stories involves "Cuero De La Toscana." Originally composed as the first prototype for Tom Ford's Tuscan Leather, Josier's version became a bestseller in his own collection when Ford chose a different direction. This demonstrates how his artistic vision creates value beyond commercial constraints.

Seda, created for Somens in 2020, represents his mastery of musky-fruity compositions. The fragrance opens with bright mandarin and citrus, develops through gooseberry and jasmine, then settles into creamy musk and cedar. This creation embodies his philosophy of "wildness meets romance," showing how he balances contrasting elements.

Working with an "organ" of 1,850 raw materials, Josier's creative process begins with emotional flashes and stories. Development can take three months to eighteen months, reflecting his commitment to translating feelings into scent. His influence extends beyond his own creations through collaborations with brands like Renier Perfumes and Comporta Perfumes, establishing him as a bridge between traditional Spanish perfumery and contemporary niche artistry.