Jérôme di Marino: Modern Perfumer Bridging Tradition & Innovation
From Alpine Roots to Global Recognition
Born in 1987 in the French Alps of Haute-Savoie,
Jérôme di Marino brings a unique Mediterranean perspective to contemporary perfumery. His childhood was shaped by the contrasting scents of wooden interiors, cedar hedges, and his Italian grandmother's pizzelle cookies infused with lemon and anise. This early olfactory foundation would later influence his approach to creating fragrances that balance comfort with surprise.
Di Marino's path to perfumery began serendipitously during his chemistry studies at Côte d'Azur University. The discovery of ISIPCA, the prestigious perfumery school founded by the Guerlain family, redirected his career from laboratory synthesis to artistic creation. His apprenticeship at Givaudan under Nathalie Cetto provided crucial foundational knowledge, but it was his intensive mentorship with master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian at Takasago that truly shaped his artistic vision.
Under Kurkdjian's demanding tutelage, di Marino studied the pillars of perfumery from Chanel N°5 to contemporary bestsellers, learning not just technical skills but the aesthetics and communication essential for modern perfumers. This rigorous training paid off when his first major creation, Daniel Hechter Black EDP, won a French FiFi award, establishing him as a rising talent in the industry.
Signature Creations & Contemporary Vision
Di Marino's creative philosophy centers on creating "strong accords" through shorter formulas or strategic overdosing of key materials. His favorite ingredients include
tonka bean,
labdanum,
vanilla, and hot spices, which appear prominently in his most celebrated works.
Story of your Life for Etat Libre D'Orange showcases his gourmand expertise with its brioche accord and sophisticated vanilla-rum base.
His work with Une Nuit Nomade demonstrates his versatility across different olfactory families.
Ambre Khandjar presents a powerful oriental amber with modern facets, while
Estrella de la Mañana pushes boundaries with its smoky vanilla and cocoa composition. The
Jardins de Misfah series reveals his ability to work with complex rose compositions, balancing sweetness with sophisticated spice notes.
Travel and cultural discovery fuel di Marino's creativity, with each journey providing new olfactory inspiration. His approach reflects a new generation of perfumers who draw from pop culture, gastronomy, and contemporary art while respecting traditional techniques. Now based at Mane since 2022, di Marino continues developing his vision while expanding the house's presence in Southern Europe, cementing his position as one of the most promising talents in modern perfumery.
