Shyamala Maisondieu: Multicultural Perfumery Pioneer

Shyamala Maisondieu's path to becoming one of perfumery's most celebrated talents began in Malaysia, where her multicultural upbringing profoundly shaped her artistic vision. Born to a Malay and Indian family, she grew up surrounded by the intoxicating scents of frangipani, jasmine, and her mother's carefully prepared spices. This early exposure to diverse aromatic traditions would later become the foundation of her innovative approach to fragrance creation.

After studying chemical engineering in London and discovering her passion for perfumery while living in Hong Kong, Maisondieu trained at the prestigious Givaudan Perfumery School in France. Her journey from consumer products to fine fragrance culminated in joining Givaudan's elite perfumer team in 2016, where she has since created over 80 distinctive scents.

Maisondieu's creative philosophy centers on transforming traditional perfumery codes through her international perspective. She describes her approach as poetic, inventive, and romantic, always seeking to blend comfort with exotic sensuality. Her multicultural heritage, which her father taught her to view as a gift rather than a difference, allows her to create fragrances that speak to diverse audiences while maintaining universal appeal.

Her signature style often features warm spices reminiscent of her Malaysian roots, combined with fresh citrus notes and sophisticated florals. She has a particular affinity for iris, ylang-ylang, and the unexpected combination of polar opposites that create memorable olfactory experiences.

Maisondieu's portfolio spans prestigious brands from Tom Ford to Lancôme, with each creation showcasing her ability to translate cultural experiences into captivating scents. Her collaboration on Lancôme's Idôle, created alongside Adriana Medina-Baez and Nadège Le Garlantezec, exemplifies her team-oriented approach and global perspective. The fragrance's "Clean & Glow" accord aimed to create a universally appealing scent that empowers the wearer.

Among her notable creations, Bloody Wood for Liquides Imaginaires demonstrates her innovative spirit, transforming the concept of grand cru Burgundy wine into an olfactory experience that balances metallic florals with rich fruit and oak barrel accords. Her work with 27 87 includes Hamaca, which captures the essence of a tropical beach vacation through marine accords and Venezuelan tonka bean, and Per Sé, a modern clean fragrance that showcases her mastery of aldehydes and contemporary aesthetics.

The industry recognized her exceptional talent with the prestigious Prix François Coty in 2019, acknowledging her significant contributions to modern perfumery. Her creations consistently demonstrate technical excellence while maintaining emotional resonance, from the playful sweetness of Aquolina Pink Sugar to the sophisticated sensuality of Tom Ford Velvet Orchid.

Maisondieu's legacy lies in her ability to embrace diversity as a source of creative strength, paving the way for a more inclusive vision in perfumery while creating fragrances that tell compelling stories across cultural boundaries.