Kévin Mathys: Rising Star in Contemporary Perfumery

Kévin Mathys represents a new generation of perfumers who combine traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Growing up in the French countryside, his fascination with scents began in childhood as he experimented with mixing colognes, naturally leading him toward a career in perfumery. This early passion was driven by an innate curiosity about why certain perfumes are more attractive than others and how they are constructed.

His journey into professional perfumery began with self-directed online learning about raw materials before pursuing formal studies in Montpellier. Mathys then secured a trainee perfumer position at Bell F&F in Leipzig, where he was mentored by Sebastian Reuter. Initially considering a career as a cosmetic chemist due to his passion for chemistry, he discovered that perfumery offered the perfect blend of science and artistry. As a student, he honed his skills by creating his own blends with essential oils and various notes.

Currently working as a perfumer at CPL Aromas in their Dubai division, Mathys has established collaborations with prestigious brands including Electimuss, Fragrance Du Bois, Kajal, and Neesh Perfumes. His creative philosophy centers on the belief that perfume serves as an emotional trigger, allowing him to become part of people's lives through his creations. He particularly enjoys working with leather, woods, and amber, noting their versatility in both masculine and feminine fragrances.

Mathys has gained recognition for his carefully thought-out and innovative fragrance creations. Among his notable works are Caspian Cherry and Patchouli Of The Underworld for Electimuss, as well as Voyage à Paris for Fragrance Du Bois. His creation "Kajal IV" achieved recognition as a finalist in the Independent Category for the Art and Olfaction Awards in 2024, highlighting his growing influence in the industry.

His creative process often begins with visualizing a scent or finding inspiration in a name or word that stands out. He then sketches basic accords and slowly refines them through what he describes as trial and error - smelling, adjusting, and fine-tuning. For Caspian Cherry, he envisioned a decadent dessert from a Roman banquet, building around cherry and faceting it with chocolate, coffee, honey, and cinnamon, then balancing the sweetness with earthy patchouli and sandalwood.

Mathys has a particular fondness for Vetiver Haiti Oil, appreciating its multifaceted nature that encompasses woody, noble, citrusy, leathery, and earthy qualities. His philosophy emphasizes being distinct without being unorthodox, using beloved notes in unprecedented ways. He believes in continuous learning, comparing perfumery to learning a language where understanding the culture and history behind it is crucial for fluency.