Perfumer
Jean Carles
Jean Carles, a French perfumer, was born on January 12, 1892, in Grasse, a city in southern 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 bold compositions.
In addition to his work as a perfumer, Carles was also an educator and mentor. He founded the Roure Perfumery School in 1946, 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 introduced a pioneering approach to learning natural and synthetic raw materials in perfumery, and it has helped countless perfumers refine their craft.
Despite suffering from anosmia toward the end of his life, Carles continued to create fragrances using only his memory of scents to guide him. His son, Marcel Carles, helped him by smelling and commenting on his creations. This remarkable feat has earned him comparisons to Beethoven, who continued composing music after becoming profoundly deaf.
Carles’s legacy in the fragrance industry is immeasurable. 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 honor his contributions, Givaudan, the company that now owns Roure Bertrand Fils et Justin Duppont, has dedicated a rose in his honor 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 seeking to leave their mark on the world of fragrances.
