Juliette Karagueuzoglou: Emotional Storytelling in Perfume

Juliette Karagueuzoglou's path to becoming a Vice President Perfumer at International Flavors & Fragrances began with a childhood fascination for scents. She vividly recalls the smells of her parents' house, gardens, and even asphalt after rain. At thirteen, a pivotal moment arrived when her aunt, who worked for Christian Dior, introduced her to the perfume "Dune." This experience revealed that perfumery was a genuine profession, setting her life's direction.

Her scientific approach to fragrance creation stems from her chemistry degree and training at the prestigious ISIPCA in France. After joining IFF in 2002, she spent years learning from master perfumers before attending the IFF Perfume School in 2006. Her dedication paid off when she became a junior perfumer in 2007, eventually rising to her current leadership role in 2023.

Karagueuzoglou views perfumery as an act of generosity, creating "olfactory markers" that evoke memories and emotions. Her creative process draws inspiration from photographs, travel experiences, and synaesthetic connections between different senses. She believes in concise formulas and clear storytelling, ensuring each fragrance communicates a strong idea to its wearer.

Karagueuzoglou's portfolio spans prestigious brands including Yves Saint Laurent, Salvatore Ferragamo, Giorgio Armani, and Memo Paris. Her breakthrough came with L'Homme by YSL, originally created as a cologne for her boyfriend while still a student. This fragrance, co-created with Anne Flipo, became one of her most acclaimed works.

Her approach to Sherwood exemplifies her style - a creamy sandalwood composition enhanced with blackcurrant buds and warm spices. The fragrance opens with sparkling fruit and pink pepper, developing into a heart of rose and orange blossom, before settling into a base of sandalwood, oakwood, and cashmeran. This creates a soft, mellow woody signature that demonstrates her ability to balance strength with approachability.

While she avoids signature ingredients, Karagueuzoglou particularly enjoys working with vanilla for its addictive quality and patchouli for its transformative depth. Her fragrances consistently deliver moderate to strong sillage with impressive longevity, creating lasting impressions without overwhelming the senses. Her 2010 Fashion Group International "Rising Star" Award recognized her innovation and creativity in the beauty industry.