Richard Ibanez: Master of Natural Ingredients at Robertet

Richard Ibanez has built his entire career at Robertet, the renowned French fragrance house celebrated for its expertise in natural raw materials. Based in Grasse, the historic heart of French perfumery, Ibanez discovered his calling when he first entered Robertet's laboratory and experienced what he describes as "the power and magic of perfumes." This pivotal moment launched a distinguished career spanning over three decades.

Ibanez's approach to fragrance creation is deeply rooted in his passion for natural ingredients and artistic expression. His creative process draws inspiration from diverse sources including olfactory memories, everyday encounters, art forms like cinema and music, and cultural experiences. He often imagines the person who might wear each fragrance, using mood boards to guide his vision. The perfumer finds particular inspiration in the sensory richness of markets with their blend of spices, fruits, and fresh herbs, as well as in Moroccan pastries and fine wines.

His signature style reflects Robertet's commitment to natural excellence, often showcasing exceptional raw materials in compositions that balance complexity with wearability. When creating Cuir Garamante for MDCI Parfums, Ibanez demonstrated his ability to craft a sophisticated leather fragrance that opens with spicy saffron and pink pepper, develops into a heart of smooth leather with rose and oud, and settles into a rich base of labdanum, sandalwood, and vanilla.

Throughout his career, Ibanez has collaborated with an impressive array of brands, from mainstream houses like Azzaro and Escada to niche perfumers including Jovoy Paris and Laurent Mazzone Parfums. His versatility shines through creations ranging from the fresh Chrome United for Azzaro to the oriental complexity of Spirituelle for Divine, described as an understated yet sultry composition of rose, spices, and incense.

One of his most celebrated works, Living Lalique, showcases his mastery of premium ingredients. Given creative freedom to use Robertet's finest materials, Ibanez centered the composition around splendid Pallida Florentina Orris Butter, emphasizing its sparkling and powdery facets while drawing inspiration from the Art Deco movement that defines Lalique's aesthetic.

Ibanez's influence extends beyond his own creations through his mentoring role at Robertet. He guided perfumer Serge de Oliveira's development, introducing him to woody notes like vetiver and patchouli. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of creative freedom balanced with consumer safety, believing that artistic evolution is essential in fine fragrance. With his extensive experience and commitment to natural ingredients, Ibanez continues to shape the industry's appreciation for authentic, well-crafted compositions that honor both tradition and innovation.