Hamid Merati-Kashani: Master of East-West Fragrance Fusion

Hamid Merati-Kashani represents the perfect synthesis of Eastern heritage and Western precision in modern perfumery. Born in Germany to an Iranian father and German mother, his formative years in Isfahan surrounded by rose fields sparked a lifelong passion for fragrance creation. This multicultural foundation would prove instrumental in shaping his distinctive approach to perfumery.

After relocating to Germany in 1979, Merati-Kashani began his professional journey at Dragoco, where he spent 12 years mastering the fundamentals of fragrance chemistry. Under the mentorship of retired senior perfumer Robert Calkin, he learned not just the technical aspects of perfumery, but the art of translating emotions into scent. His dedication to continuous learning led him to join Firmenich in 1995, where he has remained as Principal Perfumer for nearly three decades.

His career trajectory took him from Cologne to Brazil for six transformative years, then to Geneva, before establishing himself in Dubai over a decade ago. This global experience enriched his olfactory vocabulary, allowing him to understand diverse cultural preferences and raw materials. His philosophy centers on the Firmenich principle of "think client," making him a natural collaborator who believes in learning from others while creating bold, memorable fragrances.

Merati-Kashani's signature technique involves "overdosing" beautiful ingredients far beyond typical market concentrations, resulting in fragrances with exceptional longevity and presence. His multicultural background enables him to seamlessly blend Eastern and Western olfactory traditions, creating compositions that resonate globally while maintaining authentic cultural connections.

Merati-Kashani's portfolio spans prestigious niche and designer brands, with standout creations including Layton, Pegasus, and Percival for Parfums de Marly. His innovative approach transformed feminine concepts into masculine masterpieces, as demonstrated with Pegasus, his first niche creation that twisted traditional gender boundaries.

His work with Goldfield & Banks showcases his versatility, from the spicy-citrus harmony of Ingenious Ginger to the smoky sophistication of Silky Woods Elixir, co-created with Olivier Cresp. The latter earned recognition as a finalist for Indie Fragrance of the Year at The Fragrance Foundation Awards in 2025, cementing his reputation for excellence.

Through his personal brand Fabbrica Della Musa, created with his wife Barbara, Merati-Kashani explores more intimate creative expressions. Fragrances like Oud Tuareg and Ile Bourbon demonstrate his mastery of complex oriental compositions, while Cristallo Bianco showcases his ability to create luminous, accessible beauty.

His influence extends beyond individual creations to mentoring the next generation of perfumers. Working "24 hours a day, seven days a week," as he describes his dedication, Merati-Kashani continues pushing boundaries while honoring traditional craftsmanship. His belief that fragrance affects mood and his mission to bring happiness through scent reflects a deeply humanistic approach to perfumery that ensures his lasting impact on the industry.