Miroslav Petkov: Bulgarian Master of Middle Eastern Perfumery

Miroslav Petkov's path to becoming one of the most respected perfumers in Middle Eastern fragrance began in his hometown of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Starting as an apprentice at a local production center, Petkov discovered his calling surrounded by raw materials and the art of formulation. His early training with companies like Alen Mak and Refan laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable international career.

Driven by ambition and a passion for creating unique fragrances, Petkov left Bulgaria to pursue opportunities abroad. His journey took him first to Argentina, then to Spain, where his career truly flourished. The breakthrough came when he created the formulas for B9 and Soho for the prestigious American house Bond No. 9. These successes established him as a notable Bulgarian perfumer on the international stage and opened doors to collaborations with luxury brands worldwide.

Now based in Dubai and working with IFF, Petkov has found his artistic home in Middle Eastern perfumery. His approach is guided by instinct and curiosity, viewing fragrance creation as both an escape and a form of meditation. He believes that perfume should transcend trends and resonate on a deeply personal level, bringing joy, surprise, and a sense of freedom to the wearer. This philosophy shines through in his masterful layering of notes, creating complex compositions that tell stories through scent.

Petkov's expertise in Middle Eastern perfumery has shaped his signature style, characterized by deep ambery-woody accords, opulent florals, and complex spice blends. His fondness for natural spices and balsams, developed during his early career, continues to influence his work today. This mastery is evident in creations like Azora, a radiant fruity-floral composition that captures the luxury of an Arabian sultan's legendary ship, and Dolce Amalfi, a unique gourmand blend that transports wearers to the Italian coast with its complex interplay of quince, spices, and creamy vanilla.

His collaboration with Nishane produced Fan Your Flames X, inspired by Rumi's poetry and featuring a tropical interpretation with coconut, rum, and woody undertones. These fragrances showcase Petkov's ability to work across different olfactory families while maintaining his distinctive approach to composition.

Working with prestigious houses including Xerjoff, Nishane, Arabian Oud, and Attar Collection, Petkov has created over a dozen formulas that demonstrate his versatility and technical mastery. His belief that "a good perfume is good everywhere" reflects his understanding of creating fragrances with universal appeal while respecting cultural nuances. Currently continuing his work at IFF and with Spanish company Iberchem, Petkov remains focused on pushing creative boundaries and crafting perfumes that offer both escape and personal connection for fragrance lovers worldwide.