Perfumers don’t receive the recognition they deserve, as the fragrance industry often shines the spotlight on brand names rather than the talented individuals behind our most beloved perfumes.
That’s why we’re thrilled to launch our new weekly series, “Perfumer of the Day!” Each week, we’ll pick a perfumer and delve into their life, career, and creations, discussing their unique style and contributions to the fragrance industry.
Our First Perfumer: Olivier Cresp
And who better to kick off this series than the legendary Olivier Cresp? Born in 1955 in Grasse, France, the world’s perfume capital, Cresp’s future was written in the stars. He already had the family background that set him right on a beautifully scented path. His great-grandfather cultivated roses and jasmine, and his father and grandfather traded in raw materials.
As a child, instead of bedtime stories, Cresp and his family would inhale the fresh blooms gathered that day. It’s no surprise that he calls the smell of bergamot in his grandparents’ garden his first scent memory.
From Grasse to Global Recognition
While his story started in Grasse, Cresp’s journey as a perfumer began in the United States in the 1970s. He sharpened his skills learning from perfumers Jean-Louis Sieuzac and Jean-Claude Ellena. In 1992, Olivier joined Firmenich, a leading fragrance company, where he continues to create perfumes to this day. He was awarded the title of Master Perfumer in 2006. In 2018, Cresp also founded his family brand Akro.
Iconic Creations
Olivier Cresp is celebrated for his minimalist style, creating fragrances that are simple and authentic. With over 430 perfumes in the database, Cresp has an impressive portfolio, creating some of the world’s most recognizable and beloved scents. He’s particularly famous for pioneering gourmand fragrances, a genre described as edible notes.
Some of his most iconic creations include:
Thierry Mugler’s Angel: This fragrance, launched in 1992, is a unique blend of patchouli and sweet notes.
Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue: A fresh and vibrant beach-scent that is reminiscent of the Mediterranean.
Paco Rabanne’s Black XS: A bold and rebellious fragrance with sweet and woody notes.
Nina Ricci’s Nina: A sweet and whimsical fragrance with notes of apple and caramel.
Other notable fragrances include Penhaligon’s Peoneve, Estée Lauder Modern Muse, and YSL Black Opium (as part of a quartet of perfumers).
Then and Now
Throughout his career, Olivier Cresp has created hundreds of fragrances, and he’s not going anywhere. Cresp was one of the perfumers who came out with the most perfume creations in 2025, and I believe this collection will only be growing moving forward.
Out of the hundreds of fragrances Cresp created or co-created throughout his career, most of them often feature gourmand, amber, and floral notes. I believe he has reached a point in his career where he is recognized for a distinct scent profile, and he adheres to it. He does it well, so why change? But I think he might start dabbling into things out of his comfort zone, then again, that could just be me.
As of 2025, Olivier Cresp remains at Firmenich, while also working on his brand, Akro. As a Master Perfumer, he mentors new talent. Cresp’s son, Sebastien, has followed in his footsteps and is also a perfumer at Firmenich.
Olivier Cresp’s journey from the flower fields of Grasse to becoming a master perfumer is a testament to his talent, passion, and dedication. Stay tuned for next week’s perfumer, as we’ll feature another remarkable talent in the world of perfume!
Find all of Olivier Cresp’s fragrance creations and more at V Perfumes, your favorite perfume shop in Dubai. Shop at the best prices in the UAE and Gulf region and don’t miss out on exclusive offers online and in-store.
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