Perfumes de Doug Falcone

“Givaudan made me realise that I could have a rational business-minded career, while also making the most of my creativity”, says cross-category perfumer Doug Falcone. Describing his mind as an equal mix of rational and artistic, Doug’s early ambitions to pursue graphic design were thwarted by his rational estimation that going into business was a safer career path. Ultimately, Doug was hired by Givaudan directly after graduating from university, before attending perfumery school, and the assessors pointed to his talent and interest. Born and raised in Long Valley, New Jersey, Doug is an outdoors and action sports enthusiast—whether climbing, snowboarding, surfing or hiking. It therefore comes as no surprise that Doug’s interests lie in the realm of natural creations, favouring the fruity floral rosyfolia and, in particular, the complexity of patchouli. “Some of my best creations, in my opinion, occupy the woods and natural space, drawing inspiration from the scents of pine forests or from those that bring to mind the top of a mountain,” he says. A business graduate, Doug credits his unusual, chemistry-free training to his experimental creative process, in which he makes a conscious effort to be playful and take risks—reflecting his relaxed attitude. Alongside Givaudan’s entrepreneurial spirit, when it comes to what he likes most about his profession, it is “the ability to express myself within a ‘shadow industry’ that most people take for granted. It’s great to be able to operate behind the curtain, creating anonymously for consumers.””