Francis Kurkdjian

Country: France

But for a few points on an entrance exam, Francis Kurkdjian might have been a dancer. In in early 80’s, having come just short of admission to the prestigious Paris Opera School of Dance, the multitalented Kurkdjian opted instead to study perfumery at ISIPCA Versailles, and by the young age of 26 he already had an international bestseller- Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male- to his credit. After a decade-long run of creating major fragrances for prestigious brands including Dior, Elizabeth Arden, Versace and Yves Saint Laurent, Kurkdjian embraced his next challenge by jumping into niche perfumery with both feet, opening Maison Francis Kurkdjian as well as collaborating on popular niche lines like Juliette Has A Gun and Indult.

Kurkdjian’s long and distinguished career has seen him lauded by his industry and his country, awarded the prestigious Prix Francois Coty as well as the national honor of being named a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government. With such achievement under his belt before even the age of 50, we can’t wait to see what this truly transcendent talent will create next.

Francis Kurkdjian perfumer image