Nadège Le Garlantezec: French Perfumer Creating Dreamlike Scents

Nadège Le Garlantezec represents a new generation of French perfumers who blend scientific precision with profound emotional depth. Her journey began with chemistry studies, driven by the conviction that this foundation would lead her to perfumery. This scientific background proved invaluable when she developed synesthesia during her studies, allowing her to mentally visualize scents - a skill that became essential to her creative process.

After completing her chemistry degree, Le Garlantezec pursued her passion at ISIPCA in Versailles, one of France's most prestigious perfumery schools. Her talent was recognized early when she won the "Prix International du Jeune Parfumeur-Créateur" in 2006, an award that celebrated her innovative approach and emotional depth in fragrance creation. She joined Givaudan, where she trained under the mentorship of accomplished perfumer Antoine Maisondieu and was promoted to Junior Perfumer in 2010.

Le Garlantezec's creative philosophy centers on emotion and the ability of fragrance to transport wearers into dreamlike universes. She believes her fragrances reveal more about her than words can express. Her approach is characterized by composing short, impactful formulas that rarely exceed 60 ingredients, allowing each scent to speak for itself. This minimalist approach reflects her belief that perfumery is a highly studied art at the intersection of creativity and science.

Her first project creating a scented candle was transformative, solidifying her passion and establishing a sense of wonder she strives to maintain throughout her career. This emotional connection to her work defines her artistic vision and sets her apart in contemporary perfumery.

As a Senior Perfumer at Givaudan's Paris fine fragrance team, Le Garlantezec has created fragrances for prestigious brands including Lancôme, Prada, Narciso Rodriguez, and Memo Paris. Her collaborative approach has produced some of the industry's most celebrated scents, including Lancôme Idôle, Prada Paradoxe, and Narciso Rodriguez Narciso Rouge.

Her work with Memo Paris showcases her ability to create evocative, travel-inspired fragrances. Flåm captures the magnetic energy of northern lights with bright bergamot and bitter orange opening into creamy jasmine and vanilla warmth. Inverness demonstrates her mastery of woody compositions, blending iris butter and mate absolute with rich sandalwood and guaiac wood to evoke the Scottish Highlands.

Le Garlantezec's industry recognition includes Prada Paradoxe winning Fragrance of the Year at the 2023 Fragrance Foundation Awards. Her collaborative work with fellow Givaudan perfumers like Shyamala Maisondieu and Antoine Maisondieu has produced multiple award-winning fragrances, establishing her as a respected voice in contemporary perfumery.

Her preference for short formulas and focus on emotional storytelling contribute to her unique signature in the fragrance world. Le Garlantezec continues to push boundaries while maintaining the sense of wonder that first drew her to perfumery, ensuring her creations transport wearers to worlds of dreams and imagination.