Today’s perfumer of the day is no other than Jo Malone. When we hear the name Jo Malone, we picture the fragrance brand, Jo Malone London. Often forgetting the woman behind the name.
Born Joanne Lesley Malone CBE, Jo’s name became synonymous with birth fine perfumery, minimalism, and quite luxury. Her colognes are among the most sought-after “clean” fragrances, and her candles are found in modern homes with a minimalist aesthetic.
This being said, Jo Malone also founded another fragrance company, Jo Loves. Not only that, she has also created numerous fragrances for Zara. But how did she get here?
From Bexleyheath to Global Recognition
Born on November 5, 1963, in Bexleyheath, South East London, Jo Malone faced early challenges, including severe dyslexia and leaving school at 13 to care for her mother after a stroke. Despite these difficulties, Malone discovered a passion for fragrance, which led her into the beauty industry at the age of 20 as a facialist and developer of scented products.
In 1990, Malone founded Jo Malone London, introducing her first fragrance, Nutmeg & Ginger, which quickly became a signature scent. Jo Malone took a concept that was very popular in the Middle East, scent layering, and made it popular in the Western market.
The brand built its identity around scent pairing, where every scent is designed to be layered with others, making it a core part of their brand philosophy and marketing from the very beginning.
*In 1999, she sold Jo Malone London to Estée Lauder Companies but remained as creative director until 2006.
Jo Loves
In 2011, Malone launched Jo Loves, a new venture focusing on more unconventional scents and packaging. After selling her first company, Jo struggled to get back into her previous creative flow. The fragrance industry had evolved and changed rapidly, and Jo was starting to doubt her ability to create something iconic ever again.
Until one quiet day, during a serene moment in Parrot Cay, Jo felt the spark again. That was the day Pomelo was born. The first fragrance by the brand, inspired by creativity, joy and purpose. Jo went on to create Green Orange & Coriander, which was inspired by her childhood kitchen. After that, the creative juices continued to flow. There are currently about 27 fragrances in Jo Love’s inventory, all inspired by Malone’s personal memories and experiences. The company also expanded into bath, body, and home products.
Accolades and Achievements
Malone’s contributions and achievements earned her awards, including an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 2008 and a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2018. She has also shared her life story as a castaway on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs.
Notable Creations
Jo Malone is best known for her brands Jo Malone London and Jo Loves, but here are some other notable creations:
1. Jo Malone – Wood Sage & Sea Salt
Jo Malone’s Wood Sage & Sea Salt is a fresh, earthy, mineral unisex fragrance. It is reminiscent of the rugged, windswept coast of Britain. Featuring notes of sea salt, sage, and umbrette, it is an excellent everyday scent.
2. Zara – Emotions N°09 – Vetiver Pamplemousse
Vetiver Pamplemousse by Zara is a citrusy fragrance with notes of grapefruit, mandarin orange, and vetiver. Recommended for summer, this fragrance by Zara wears beautifully during the daytime. Vetiver Pamplemousse is part of a larger collection made by Jo Malone for Zara.
3. Jo – Loves Rose & Dates
Rose & Dates by Jo Loves is a rich, warm, and subtly sweet floral fragrance. It features notes of rose, date, and blackcurrant. Launched in 2025, this fragrance is one of the latest creations by Jo Malone.
Stay tuned for next week’s perfumer, as we’ll feature another remarkable talent.
Find Jo Malone’s fragrance creations and more at V Perfumes, your go-to 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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