Pascal Gaurin

Pascal Gaurin, a renowned French perfumer and VP Senior Perfumer at IFF, has left an indelible mark on the world of fragrances. With a portfolio that includes fragrances for prestigious brands such as Michael Kors, Vera Wang, Tom Ford , and more, Gaurin's passion for perfume has led to a brilliant career.

As a child, Pascal Gaurin was fascinated by his surroundings; he smelled everything from food and plants to furniture and soil. His fascination with craftsmanship was a way to connect with his great-grandfather, a bronze sculptor. At fifteen, he met a tailor who instilled in him a love of beautiful materials and a passion for detail. Yet, it wasn't until much later, after reading an article about the perfume industry in Vogue, that he truly became interested in a career as a nose.

During his preparation for HEC, an interview with Jacques Polge, describing his career, was a revelation. Gaurin decided that creating perfume would be his sole obsession. He began his journey by studying at the prestigious ISIPCA in France. A year after completing his perfumery studies, he was recruited by IFF, a world leader in the creation of fragrances and flavors.

Gaurin's early career at IFF took him all over the world; he worked in Hong Kong for two years, creating fragrances for markets such as China, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. This culture shock taught him humility and helped him understand Asian customs and olfactory preferences. In 1997, Gaurin moved to his dream city, New York, where he would further develop his illustrious career.

Since joining IFF, Pascal Gaurin has risen to VP Senior Perfumer. He has created fragrances for an impressive range of brands including A Lab on Fire, Avon, Banana Republic, By Kilian , Calvin Klein , Carine Roitfeld, Christian Lacroix, Dalegerard, Diana Vreeland, Diesel, EAUSO VERT, Emanuel Ungaro, Ésika, Giorgio Armani , Givenchy , Graff, Harajuku Lovers, Henry Rose, Hugo Boss , Karl Lagerfeld, Liz Claiborne, MojoMagique, Natura, O Boticário, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren , Scents of Wood, Sofia Vergara, Taffin Fragrances, Tom Ford, Vera Wang and Zoologist Perfumes.

Pascal Gaurin is known for his affinity for rich essences, such as resins and deep woods. He draws inspiration from his grandparents' home in Creuse, France, where the dark forests evoke a sense of mystery and enchantment. Gaurin enjoys working with "frontal materials" that require a sculptor's hand to master, such as cistus labdanum, patchouli, and Cashmeran®.

Gaurin's approach to perfume creation is deeply influenced by film and music. A devotee of directors like Martin Scorsese, David Fincher, and Ridley Scott, he watches dozens of films a week to escape reality. Inspired by a wide range of musical artists, from Radiohead and the Rolling Stones to Pearl Jam and Guns N' Roses, Gaurin harnesses the energy and emotion each song evokes in his creative process. He often conceptualizes a perfume commission in musical terms before delving into the olfactory elements of his creations.