Jordi Fernández: Master of Oud and Modern Perfumery

Jordi Fernández represents a unique voice in contemporary perfumery, having carved his path through passion and dedication rather than traditional formal training. Born and raised in Catalonia, Spain, Fernández discovered his calling through early exposure to the mystical scents of incense during religious processions in his homeland. This formative experience would later influence his mastery of sacred and resinous materials.

Unlike many of his peers who studied at prestigious institutions like ISIPCA, Fernández is entirely self-taught. His career began at Eurofragrance, a family-owned company in Barcelona, where his scientific rigor and creative instincts quickly caught attention. The pivotal moment in his career came through immersion in Middle Eastern culture, spending years in the region to understand its rich olfactory traditions. A transformative experience in a Dubai souk, surrounded by the dense, mysterious scent of oud mingled with burning spices, marked the beginning of his expertise in traditional Middle Eastern perfumery.

In 2010, Fernández joined Givaudan as a Senior Perfumer, where he now divides his time between Barcelona and Dubai. This dual-location approach allows him to bridge Western and Eastern perfumery traditions seamlessly. His collaboration philosophy emphasizes knowledge sharing, particularly with young brands, believing that transmission is a form of creation. As a member of the Spanish Academy of Perfume, he continues to elevate the profile of Spanish perfumery on the global stage.

Fernández has earned the title "Master of Oud" through his sophisticated understanding of this complex material. He appreciates oud's multifaceted personality - soft, balsamic, and velvety when burned, yet capable of unfolding rich, animalic depths in fragrance compositions. His expertise shines through in creations like Infusion Velours and Ciel d'Orage for Ojar, where he masterfully balances traditional Middle Eastern elements with contemporary sensibilities.

His versatility extends far beyond oud work. Genetic Bliss for 27 87 showcases his innovation with molecular perfumery, creating a fragrance that adapts to individual body chemistry through five pure molecules including Akigalawood and Javanol. This groundbreaking approach demonstrates his commitment to pushing formulation boundaries while collaborating with scientists to explore new alliances between tradition and technology.

Patchouli serves as another signature ingredient in Fernández's palette, often taking center stage to add richness and complexity to his compositions. His work spans from minimalist to opulent styles, always aiming to create unique sensory experiences that promote well-being and happiness. Notable collaborations include the widely acclaimed Montblanc Explorer, created with Antoine Maisondieu and Olivier Pescheux, and the recent Lucius for Fragrance Du Bois, which represents his first male-focused fragrance for the brand.

Fernández's creative process draws inspiration from travel, cultural encounters, and the beauty of Spanish landscapes. He believes perfume should match one's personality and mood, creating powerful, addictive scents that provoke reactions rather than merely comfort. His commitment to conscious perfumery values natural resources without exhausting them, positioning him as a forward-thinking voice in sustainable fragrance creation.