Perfumer
Jean Carles
Jean Carles, French perfumer, was born on 12 January 1892 in Grasse, a city in the south of France known as the world capital of perfume. He began his career in perfumery at an early age and, by the age of twenty, was already known for his creativity and talent.
Carles joined Roure Bertrand Fils et Justin Duppont, a renowned perfume house in Grasse, where he quickly established himself as one of the most gifted perfumers in the industry. He soon became the company’s chief perfumer and created some of the most iconic fragrances of the 20th century. His fragrances, which included Miss Dior, Ma Griffe and Shocking, were widely popular and celebrated for their innovative and daring compositions.
In addition to his work as a perfumer, Carles was also an educator and mentor. In 1946, he founded the Roure Perfumery School, where he served as its first director. He developed the Jean Carles Method, which is still widely used today to train aspiring perfumers. His method represented a pioneering approach to learning about natural and synthetic raw materials in perfumery and has helped countless perfumers hone their craft.
Despite suffering from anosmia towards the end of his life, Carles continued creating fragrances using only his memory of scents to guide himself. His son, Marcel Carles, helped him by smelling and commenting on his creations. This remarkable feat has earned him comparisons with Beethoven, who continued composing music after becoming profoundly deaf.
Carles’s legacy in the fragrance industry is incalculable. He was a visionary perfumer, a dedicated educator and a mentor to many. His contributions to the industry have inspired countless perfumers and continue to shape the sector today.
To honour his contributions, Givaudan, the company that now owns Roure Bertrand Fils et Justin Duppont, has dedicated a rose in his honour in the Jardin des Senteurs in Argenteuil, France, the current headquarters of the Givaudan Perfumery School. The Givaudan Perfumery School, founded by Carles, has left a significant mark on the fragrance industry by passing on his legacy and expertise to generations of young perfumers. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of perfumers who want to leave their mark on the world of fragrances.
