Emilie Bevierre-Coppermann: Master of Counterintuitive Perfumery

Emilie Bevierre-Coppermann's path to becoming a Master Perfumer began with a life-changing encounter at age 13. Meeting a perfumer from Rochas sparked her passion and set her on a clear trajectory toward fragrance creation. She pursued organic chemistry studies before enrolling at the prestigious ISIPCA in Versailles, laying the foundation for what would become an extraordinary career.

Starting at Florasynth in 1993 (later acquired by Symrise), Coppermann has remained loyal to the company throughout her journey, earning the title of Master Perfumer in 2016. Her portfolio spans over 160 fragrances, working with prestigious brands including Balmain, Burberry, Carolina Herrera, Givenchy, Paco Rabanne, and Van Cleef & Arpels.

What sets Coppermann apart is her counterintuitive approach to fragrance creation. She delights in unexpected combinations, using wood notes in women's fragrances or incorporating warm spices into fresh compositions. Her philosophy centers on creating something disruptive yet harmonious, always maintaining a sense of playfulness and lightness in her work.

Raised by "hippie parents" and a Chanel-devoted grandmother, her diverse upbringing may have contributed to her unique perspective. She draws inspiration from everywhere - travel, literature, art, and people - describing herself as a "real sponge" for gathering creative ideas. Her extensive travels to India, Colombia, and Bali have built an "inexhaustible supply of olfactive memories" that inform her creations.

Coppermann's talent has earned significant industry recognition, including the prestigious François Coty Prize in 2018 and the Perfume Extraordinaire award from The Fragrance Foundation in 2019 for Hallucinogenic Pearl by A Lab on Fire. Her creation Savane di Seta for Salvatore Ferragamo won Best Women's Fragrance at the Accademia del Profumo in 2022.

Among her notable works are iconic fragrances like Black XS for Her by Paco Rabanne, Carolina Herrera's 212 VIP Men and CH Men, and Givenchy's Play for Him & Her. Her niche creations showcase her experimental side, including Gardez for Mind Games and Angham for Oman Luxury.

Gardez exemplifies her unconventional approach, featuring an unexpected popcorn note alongside sophisticated leather and cedarwood. The fragrance opens with apricot and blackberry leaf, transitions through orris and jasmine, creating a modern blend that challenges traditional fragrance categories.

Angham demonstrates her mastery of oriental compositions, combining saffron and clove with apple in the opening, developing through floral heart notes before settling into a rich base of ambergris, precious woods, and leather. This bold creation showcases her ability to balance complexity with wearability.

Coppermann's legacy lies in her willingness to take intuitive risks while maintaining technical excellence. Her minimalist approach - starting with a strong idea and building sophistication around it - has influenced contemporary perfumery and continues to inspire new generations of perfumers.