Sonia Constant: Master Perfumer Redefining Modern Fragrance

Born in Paris in 1987, Sonia Constant discovered her calling at age 16 when she first learned about perfumery as a profession. Despite initial family doubts about succeeding in such a competitive field, her determination led her to the prestigious ISIPCA in Versailles, where she studied under influential mentors including Dominique Ropion and Francis Kurkdjian.

Her journey began with practical training at Givaudan, where she worked as a lab assistant for renowned perfumer Olivier Pescheux, who became her mentor and taught her the fundamentals of fragrance creation. After completing her studies in 2001, she spent three additional years at the Givaudan Perfumery School in Paris, where Christine Nagel further shaped her understanding of scent storytelling and formula construction.

Constant's loyalty to Givaudan has defined her career trajectory, officially joining their Fine Fragrance team in Paris in 2006. Her versatile approach ranges from transparent florals to heavy orientals, with a distinctive rose accord that became her early signature. She draws inspiration from travel, memories, and even culinary experiences, often carrying a Leica camera and Moleskine notebook to capture scents and moments that later translate into fragrances.

Constant's portfolio spans major international brands including Tom Ford, Narciso Rodriguez, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Mugler. Her notable creations include Tom Ford's Ombre Leather and Noir Extrême, Narciso Rodriguez's For Her Pure Musc series, and Jean Paul Gaultier's La Belle. Each fragrance demonstrates her ability to create emotional connections through scent, viewing perfumery as an art form comparable to music or painting.

In 2017, she co-founded Ella K Parfums with her husband Olivier Gagliardi, allowing greater creative freedom to express her personal vision. Her work with Liquides Imaginaires showcases her experimental side, creating complex compositions like Fortis with its earthy spices and smoky woods, Dom Rosa featuring sparkling champagne and damascena rose, and Fleuve Tendre with its sophisticated spicy-animalic harmony.

Constant's fragrances often feature her favorite materials including ambroxan, cashmeran, orange flower, and orris, combined with cardamom, vetiver, and sandalwood. Her creative process embraces mistakes and surprises, sometimes resembling what she describes as a "Calder Mobile" where different notes meet to create new ideas. Her synaesthetic abilities allow her to translate colors, shapes, and sounds into scents, making her one of the most innovative voices in contemporary perfumery.