Kamila Lelakova: Rising Star of Modern Perfumery

Kamila Lelakova represents a new generation of perfumers who blend classical training with multicultural experiences. Growing up surrounded by the pine forests and mountains of Eastern Europe, her earliest scent memory of chamomile flowers in her mother's bath would later influence her natural approach to fragrance creation.

Lelakova discovered perfumery by chance and was immediately fascinated to learn it was a profession. She began her career in customer evaluation at a small family-owned fragrance company before pursuing formal training. Her education followed the classical Roure perfumery method at Aromatic Flavours & Fragrances (AFF UK), where senior perfumers with diverse backgrounds mentored her. The rigorous first year focused on studying natural and synthetic materials, followed by creating accords and complete fragrances across various categories.

Currently a Senior Perfumer at CPL Aromas UK, Lelakova has created fragrances for prestigious brands including Boadicea the Victorious, Clive Christian, and The 7 Virtues. Her work with Defender for Boadicea the Victorious marked a historic moment as she became the first female perfumer for the brand. This achievement reflects her growing influence in an industry where female voices continue to gain recognition.

Lelakova's creative approach is distinctly visual. She draws inspiration from mood boards, colors, shapes, and textures when selecting ingredients. Her specialization in Middle Eastern-style fragrances led her to travel extensively throughout the region, immersing herself in its unique fragrance culture. This dedication shows in her love for materials like oudh oil and her favorite ingredient, sandalwood, which she appreciates for its soft, creamy character.

Her portfolio showcases remarkable versatility. Crab Apple Blossom for Clive Christian demonstrates her ability to work with fresh, aquatic compositions, while Defender reveals her mastery of complex, bold fragrances combining spicy, floral, and leathery elements. The latter opens with rebellious ginger and grapefruit, develops through night-blooming jasmine and myrrh, and settles into a rich base of leather and resins.

Lelakova's commitment to sustainability appears in her work on biodegradable fragrance ranges. Despite the challenges of working with a smaller palette of eco-friendly ingredients, she believes the positive environmental impact outweighs these limitations. Her philosophy emphasizes emotional involvement in the creative process and respect for individual cultures, viewing perfume as a deeply personal representation of different traditions. This thoughtful approach, combined with her technical expertise and artistic vision, positions her as an influential voice shaping the future of modern perfumery.