Théo Belmas: French Perfumer Blending Art and Chemistry

Théo Belmas represents a new generation of French perfumers who bring diverse artistic backgrounds to fragrance creation. Born in the South of France, Belmas discovered his passion for perfumery at age 14, drawn to its unique blend of botany, chemistry, and art.

His educational path reflects this multidisciplinary approach. After earning a Bachelor's degree in molecular chemistry from the University of Toulouse, Belmas pursued the specialized ICAP Master's program at the University of Montpellier. This intensive course covered botany, fragrance formulation, and chemistry. Simultaneously, he studied contemporary dance at the Conservatoire of Montpellier, developing skills that would later influence his creative process.

Belmas began his professional career in 2015 as a Junior Perfumer at Concept Aromatique near Grasse. This role required mastering around 1,000 raw materials through daily practice and repetition. In 2019, he joined Symrise in Germany as a technical perfumer, specializing in natural ingredients and reformulations. By 2022, he moved to Symrise's Paris creative center, and in 2023, he was appointed Perfumer at their Dubai Creative Center.

His artistic background in dance and music continues to shape his approach to fragrance. Belmas believes that "a passion always feeds on the other," drawing inspiration from choreographer Ohad Naharin, classical music, and contemporary art. This interdisciplinary perspective allows him to create fragrances that express emotional depth and trigger genuine reactions in wearers.

Belmas gravitates toward amber and oriental structures, appreciating their strong sillage and distinctive character. He also enjoys crafting woody-spicy compositions, often incorporating powerful ingredients like Atlas cedarwood oil, cardamom absolute, and frankincense resinoid. His philosophy centers on the "symbiosis between intimate and universal" - creating personal expressions that resonate with many people.

His collaboration with Prague-based niche brand Pigmentarium began in January 2023, marking a significant milestone in his career. Oratorio, his debut creation for the brand, exemplifies his artistic vision. This fragrance captures the contrast between urban dynamism and timeless spirituality, inspired by his experiences traveling between Prague and Paris.

The composition opens with rare Madagascar mandarin and Egyptian neroli, creating an elegantly tart, clean introduction. The heart reveals spiritual incense and cedar complemented by jasmine, while the base combines opoponax resin with patchouli oil for a balsamic, cooling finish. This structure demonstrates Belmas's skill in balancing light and dark elements within a single composition.

Belmas continues to innovate at Symrise, working on new natural ingredients and contemporary reformulations. His technical expertise combined with artistic sensibility positions him as an influential voice in modern niche perfumery. He aims to explore "infinite olfactive fields" by reconstructing traditional accords and introducing fresh perspectives to established fragrance families.