Jean-Michel Duriez

Jean-Michel Duriez is a Master Perfumist who has made a name for himself in the perfume industry for his commitment to creating fragrances that balance rigor and instinct, subtlety and a distinctive signature, resulting in contemporary classicism. He founded the House of Jean-Michel Duriez Paris, one of the very few perfume houses launched by a Master Perfumist under his own name. Duriez’s fragrances are known for their elegance, which he achieves by working with the best ingredients in optimal concentrations. He places great importance on the quality of his raw materials, which he considers to play the main role in the great architecture of his fragrances. “Perfume is a fluid emotion; our lives pulse with its waves,” he says, summarizing his love for the profession. Duriez’s path to becoming a Master Perfumist began at an early age, when he came up with blends of mint and rose petals picked in the family garden, creating a set of fragrances that he carried everywhere. He cultivated this fine sensitivity year after year, which naturally led him to a career as a perfume composer. In 1986, he became “nose” and was the perfumist for the house Jean Patou, and then for Rochas fragrances. He created many perfumes for Jean Patou, Yohji Yamamoto, Lacoste, Escada, Dolce & Gabbana and Rochas. One of Duriez’s driving forces is his pursuit of excellence. He works only with the best raw materials, which he uses in an optimal concentration for each creation. He believes that perfume is aimed at the intimate being and explores the power of perfume far beyond scent. “I don’t make perfumes, I manufacture memories,” he says. In 2016, after 30 years working for major houses, Duriez decided to take the step of launching his own perfume house. The House of Jean-Michel Duriez Paris offers creations rich in emotions, made with the best raw materials. One of his most recent collections, the W/OOD collection, is a purist and authentic act that allows the raw material to move us by transforming it as little as possible. Duriez’s love for transmission is evident in his decision to train two young perfumists, becoming a Master Perfumist in the process. His creations inspire and stimulate emotions, creating memories that last a lifetime.