Passionate Perfumer: Talking With The Designer Behind Your Favorite Fragrances

If I were to ask who designed your recently-acquired Louis Vuitton Dora bag, you might be able to casually toss out the name Nicolas Ghesquière. Fashion-forward women know Alexander Wang is backing Balenciaga, Riccardo Tisci is designing for Givenchy and Raf Simons is in charge of the collections at Dior, but can you name the designer behind the fragrances sitting on your vanity? We spoke with the man behind some of your favorite fragrances at Dior, Acqua di Parma and Guerlain—Francis Kurkdjian.  A master perfumer, Kurkdjian has had his own atelier since 2001, a place where socialites, celebrities and the well-heeled flock for his custom-made fragrances. His eponymous label reflects his own creativity at work and houses a collection of over 20 different fragrances for men and women. Some of our favorites include the unisex Aqua Universalis and APOM femme, strong scents that showcase Kurkdjian's talent, creativity and passion for fragrance.