Jacques Flori: Master of Incense and Mediterranean Elegance

Jacques Flori's path to becoming one of France's most respected perfumers began in an unexpected way. Originally drawn to medicine in his youth, Flori left his studies to pursue his passion for yachting, eventually becoming president of the Yacht Club in Cannes. This love for the sea would later profoundly influence his fragrance creations, bringing maritime freshness and natural elements to his compositions.

His entry into perfumery came through a fortuitous meeting with Jean Mober, owner of the prestigious fragrance house Robertet. Under Mober's mentorship, Flori discovered his true calling and quickly developed into a talented perfumer. Joining Robertet in 1973 as a perfumer's assistant, he steadily progressed to become a Senior Perfumer, a position he holds with gratitude for the creative freedom the house provides.

Flori's artistic vision draws heavily from his deep connection to nature. His fondness for the sea, mountains, and horses permeates his work, creating fragrances that capture the essence of natural environments. This approach has made him particularly renowned for his mastery of complex incense compositions, where he skillfully balances sacred and mystical elements with accessible, wearable qualities.

Jacques Flori's portfolio spans prestigious niche houses, with notable collaborations including Xerjoff, Jovoy Paris, Amouage, and Parfums de Marly. His expertise shines particularly in his incense work, exemplified by La Liturgie Des Heures, a spiritual composition that transforms childhood memories of monastery incense into a sophisticated fragrance featuring cypress, frankincense, and myrrh.

His versatility extends beyond sacred scents to include the nostalgic Psychedelique, a 1970s-inspired patchouli composition that captures the essence of Woodstock-era counterculture. For Xerjoff's Casamorati collection, he created Bouquet Ideale, a spicy oriental blend featuring cinnamon, guaiac wood, and tobacco flowers that celebrates Italian perfumery traditions.

Flori's technical mastery is evident in his ability to work across diverse olfactory families. His Nio demonstrates his skill with Mediterranean citrus compositions, while Richwood showcases his talent for creating rich, woody blends with rose and patchouli. Each creation reflects his philosophy of drawing inspiration from natural raw materials and transforming them into sophisticated, emotionally resonant fragrances.

His influence extends beyond his own creations through his mentorship of younger perfumers at Robertet, sharing his knowledge and passion for the craft. Flori's cheerful personality and willingness to teach have made him a respected figure in the industry, contributing to the development of the next generation of perfumers while continuing to create exceptional fragrances for renowned brands worldwide.