Delphine Lebeau | Perfumer

A change of direction from medicine to scent

Delphine Lebeau initially considered medicine before an article about perfumers introduced a different way to combine science and creativity. Chemistry studies, quality-control experience at Guerlain and training at the Givaudan-Roure perfumery school followed.

Her career has included work at Givaudan, Takasago, Fragrance Resources and IFF. Among her published credits are Fan di Fendi, Fan di Fendi Pour Homme and L’Acquarossa, several developed with other perfumers. These projects reflect the close collaboration often involved in creating a fragrance identity for a fashion house.

Accounts of Lebeau’s practice emphasise simplicity and a preference for making each element of a formula serve a purpose. Memories of Parisian markets and perfume shops form part of her sensory background, while a close connection between smell and touch informs her response to materials. The perfumes below provide a way to explore those ideas through finished compositions rather than a fixed list of favourite notes.