Barbara Zoebelein

Barbara Zoebelein, born in Germany, discovered her passion for fragrances at an early age. Fascinated by the world of scent, she pursued her interest in aroma by studying chemistry and perfumery, which led to her outstanding career as a senior perfumer. Zoebelein’s training laid the foundations for her innovative approach to creating fragrances, combining strong scientific training with a deep understanding of the emotional and experiential aspects of scent. Zoebelein’s career began in 1985 at Henkel, a well-known German company specialising in detergents, cleaning products, adhesives and beauty care. Her dedication and talent quickly caught the attention of Givaudan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of flavours, fragrances and cosmetics. During her 15 years at Givaudan, Zoebelein honed her skills in major cities such as Paris, Geneva, Hong Kong and New York, working on a range of projects for the company. In 2003, Zoebelein joined Drom, an international fragrance house that sees perfumery as a human adventure synonymous with freedom and exchange. This philosophy resonated deeply with Zoebelein, aligning with her values and enabling her to express her creativity fully. Zoebelein’s unique approach to creating perfumes is characterised by her ability to capture the essence of emotions, places and experiences in a bottle. Her remarkable “nose” allows her to transform intangible concepts into aromas that can be worn, as demonstrated by her innovative work on Little Black Dress Eau de Parfum for Avon. Tasked with translating the essence of a garment into a fragrance, Zoebelein focused on the timeless and elegant nature of the little black dress, creating a scent that reflects its versatility and sophistication. Zoebelein finds inspiration in the world around her, often drawing on her travels, personal experiences and connections with different cultures. Her creations stand as a testament to her innate talent for weaving intricate stories and emotions into fragrances that resonate with people around the world. Among her many achievements, some of Barbara Zoebelein’s most popular fragrances include: Throughout her illustrious career, she has created iconic fragrances for numerous brands, such as Avon, Guess, Hard Candy, Jequiti, La Martina, Lalique and Louis Widmer.