Jacques Cavallier | Perfumer

A language of materials learned in Grasse and carried around the world

Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud grew up in a Grasse family of perfumers. His father and grandfather practised the craft, while his mother worked for Edmond Roudnitska. As a child, he learned materials through scented blotters prepared by his father, making notes on what he smelled.

His later career included creations for Issey Miyake, Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Dior and Lancôme. He has also maintained a long creative relationship with Bvlgari and became Louis Vuitton’s in-house perfumer in 2012.

Based at Les Fontaines Parfumées in Grasse, Cavallier-Belletrud connects that early education with work for international houses. His daughter Camille has followed him into perfumery, adding another generation to the family’s practice. In 2024, the Fragrance Foundation honoured him with its Lifetime Achievement Perfumer Award. In the accompanying interview, he emphasised the freedom and discipline his parents encouraged, and the importance of continuing to approach creation with passion.