When you pick up a bottle of perfume, you’re often drawn by the name on the label — Dior, Versace, Gucci. But behind every iconic scent is an artist whose name rarely appears on the packaging: the perfumer. These “noses” are the creative geniuses who shape how we smell, crafting fragrances that define eras, memories, and even identities.
In this feature, we’re shining a light on three legendary perfumers whose work has changed the way the world experiences scent — from timeless elegance to modern allure.
Jacques Polge — The Architect of Elegance
For more than three decades, Jacques Polge served as the in-house perfumer for Chanel, carrying the legacy of Chanel No. 5 while carving his own path with new olfactory icons. According to an article in Another Magazine, Polge viewed perfumery as a refined form of storytelling — balancing tradition, structure, and harmony.
His creations, like Coco (1984) and Allure (1996), are masterclasses in sophistication — blending timeless floral elegance with modern sensuality. Perhaps his most enduring achievement is Coco Mademoiselle (2001), a sparkling floral chypre that introduced a new generation to Chanel’s iconic style.
As highlighted in his Wikipedia profile, Polge’s genius lay in restraint: never overpowering, always polished, forever timeless. His philosophy shaped Chanel’s olfactory DNA — and in turn, the standard for modern luxury perfume.
Alberto Morillas — The Maestro of Mass Appeal
If you’ve ever worn a perfume that instantly felt right, chances are Alberto Morillas was behind it. The Spanish-born perfumer is known for his intuitive understanding of what people love to smell — fresh, luminous, and effortlessly wearable.
As profiled in his Wikipedia entry, Morillas is a self-taught perfumer whose creations have
defined generations. His portfolio reads like a hall of fame: Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani, CK One by Calvin Klein, and Versace Bright Crystal — all timeless crowd-pleasers.
What sets him apart is his ability to create scents that feel both universal and emotional. CK One, launched in 1994, was groundbreaking — a gender-neutral fragrance that challenged industry norms and captured the spirit of youth culture. His work for Versace (Dylan Blue, Eros Flame) continues to define bold, sensual modernity.
Morillas proves that wearable doesn’t mean simple — his compositions are intricate, balanced, and enduringly popular.
Francis Kurkdjian — The Modern Visionary
At just 26, Francis Kurkdjian created Le Male for Jean Paul Gaultier — a fragrance that became a global phenomenon and remains a bestseller decades later. Since then, he’s become one of the most influential perfumers of the 21st century.
As discussed in an interview with Allure, Kurkdjian blends classic French craftsmanship with a modern artistic approach. His own label, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, is synonymous with sophistication — and his bestseller Baccarat Rouge 540 has achieved cult status for its airy, amber sweetness.
In 2021, he was appointed Creative Director of Perfume at Dior, where he’s reimagining legacy lines with his signature precision and depth. His Wikipedia page details a career built on innovation, emotion, and accessibility — making him a true visionary in contemporary perfumery.
Kurkdjian’s influence extends beyond the bottle; he’s elevating fragrance into a true art form, one that captures mood, memory, and modern identity.
Rediscover Their Legacy
Each of these master perfumers has left a scent trail across decades — from the refined compositions of Polge, to the inviting harmony of Morillas, to the avant-garde elegance of Kurkdjian. Their perfumes don’t just smell good; they tell stories.
At Scent in the City, we celebrate these icons by offering scents that reflect their artistry — whether you’re drawn to the timeless sophistication of Chanel-inspired blends, the mass appeal of Versace-style freshness, or the modern luxury of Kurkdjian-esque creations.
Explore our collection and discover your next signature — crafted by the hidden hands that changed the world of fragrance.