Francis Kurkdjian and female perfumers redefine olfactory art

The world of high perfumery is being highlighted through new artistic explorations and the rising influence of female creators. A new documentary produced by Terminal 9 Studios, titled ‘ICON(S): Maison Francis Kurkdjian’, explores the career of perfumer and artistic director Francis Kurkdjian. The film details the creation of ‘L’Alchimie des Sens’, a multisensory olfactory installation presented at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, and features dialogues between Kurkdjian and various artists, including chef Anne-Sophie Pic and composer David Chalmin.

Parallel to these cinematic tributes, the industry is seeing a significant shift driven by female perfumers. Renowned figures such as Mathilde Laurent, Olivia Giacobetti, and Christine Nagel are shaping the identities of major luxury houses. In Italy, Laura Bosetti Tonatto has gained international recognition for her work with the Vatican Museums, the Hermitage, and various celebrities. A new generation of Italian women is also emerging in the niche and artistic perfumery sector, focusing on the connection between scent, memory, and territory.