François Merle-Baudoin: Fifth-Generation Master from Grasse

François Merle-Baudoin represents the pinnacle of traditional French perfumery excellence, carrying forward a remarkable five-generation legacy from the historic fragrance capital of Grasse. Born into this aromatic heritage, where his grandfather created the iconic Anaïs Anaïs, Merle-Baudoin discovered his passion for fragrance at the tender age of six. By twelve, he was already working in his family's laboratory, developing an intimate understanding of natural ingredients that would define his future creations.

His formal training at Roure's prestigious fragrance school in Grasse provided the technical foundation for what would become a truly global career. Unlike many perfumers who remain rooted in European traditions, Merle-Baudoin has embraced an international perspective, working across France, Singapore, and Australia. This multicultural exposure has enriched his olfactory imagination, allowing him to blend traditional Grasse craftsmanship with bold, innovative creativity.

What sets Merle-Baudoin apart is his ability to make even the most challenging ingredients approachable. His work with Fragrance Du Bois showcases this talent perfectly, where he transforms potent natural oud oil into compositions that maintain their authenticity while appealing to Western sensibilities. His philosophy centers on quality ingredients and artful blending, comparing perfumery to cooking where proportion and harmony are everything.

Merle-Baudoin's portfolio spans diverse fragrance families and cultural inspirations, demonstrating remarkable versatility. For Fragrance Du Bois, he has created sophisticated compositions like Oud Noir Intense, a masterclass in transforming animalistic ingredients into mesmerizing blends of spicy florals and smoky resins. His Sahraa Oud captures the untamed wilderness of Arabia, while London Spice offers a fresh, contemporary take on masculine elegance with spearmint and marine notes.

His collaboration with Australian brand Goldfield & Banks reveals another facet of his artistry. Pacific Rock Moss, co-created with Carine Certain Boin, translates the Australian coastline into an aquatic masterpiece of lemon, sage, and cedar. Southern Bloom showcases his ability to work with rare materials, featuring the precious Boronia absolute - one of the world's most expensive perfume ingredients.

Beyond commercial success, Merle-Baudoin contributes to fragrance education through his role at Senses International, developing scent training programs that help industry professionals better understand and communicate about fragrances. His innovative spirit extends to co-founding Dermalume, which blends pure fragrance with skincare, demonstrating his forward-thinking approach to scent experiences. Through works like Brume Du Matin, which captures the essence of dawn on the French Riviera, he continues to bridge traditional perfumery with contemporary sensibilities.