Stéphane Bengana: Master of French and Arabic Perfumery

Stéphane Bengana represents a unique bridge between traditional French perfumery and the rich traditions of Middle Eastern fragrance creation. Born in Clermont-Ferrand, this master perfumer's journey began with rigorous academic training at ISIPCA in Versailles, where he earned both a Master's Degree in Chemistry and a specialized diploma in perfumery.

His early career in Paris with Haarmann & Reimer laid the foundation for his expertise, but it was his move to Grasse that truly shaped his artistry. Working as a trainee perfumer at Payan Bertrand in the heart of France's perfume capital, Bengana developed his deep appreciation for natural ingredients and classical French composition techniques.

The defining moment of his career came with his bold relocation to Dubai, where he spent nine years at CPL Aromas, eventually rising to Perfumery Director. This immersion in Middle Eastern culture transformed his creative perspective. As Bengana himself explains, "I don't know if Arabic perfumery came to me or me to it, but one thing is for sure, I'm in love with this unique perfumery."

Currently working with Symrise, one of the world's leading fragrance houses, Bengana brings over two decades of experience to every creation. His perfectionist approach and passion for fragrance development shine through in collaborations with both established houses and innovative niche brands like Fragrance Du Bois.

Bengana's portfolio showcases remarkable versatility, from creating fragrances for royalty to crafting modern gourmand sensations. His most prestigious commission came in 2012 when he co-created "Adamas" for Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. This collaboration with fellow perfumer Ange Stavrevska drew inspiration from classic scents of the coronation era, incorporating ingredients from Commonwealth countries.

His expertise in gourmand compositions reached new heights with Minuit et Demi, a collaboration with influencer Demi Rawling for Fragrance Du Bois. This 2020 creation exemplifies Bengana's ability to translate contemporary desires into sophisticated olfactory experiences. The fragrance opens with vibrant cardamom and pimento, evolving into a decadent heart of caramel and coffee, before settling into a warm base of cashmeran, musk, and bourbon tobacco.

The success of Minuit et Demi, which earned a Fragrance Foundation Award shortlist in the UK, demonstrates Bengana's skill in creating fragrances that resonate with modern audiences while maintaining technical excellence. The composition's moderate to strong sillage and impressive longevity showcase his mastery of ingredient balance and projection.

Bengana's other notable works include "Nubes" for Santa Eulalia and "Hero" for Symrise, each reflecting his ability to adapt his style to different brand aesthetics while maintaining his signature attention to natural ingredients and cultural authenticity. His legacy continues to grow as he explores new collaborations that honor both his French training and his love for Arabic perfumery traditions.