- Christian Astuguevieille Perfumer:
Christian Astuguevieille, born in 1946 and based in Paris, is a remarkable figure in the world of aesthetics.
He has had an extensive and influential career. Early on, he worked as a perfumer for renowned houses like Molinard, Rochas, and Nina Ricci. His collaboration with Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons is particularly notable, during which he crafted around 60 highly individualistic perfume series. As the creative director of Comme des Garçons' fragrance line since 1994, he introduced avant - garde scents that defied traditional norms. For instance, he came up with the concept of "anti - perfume" with Odeur 53, which was a radical departure from conventional perfumery at that time. He also played a key role in developing unique scents such as those inspired by everyday objects like the smell of a hot copy machine or the odor of tar, bringing a sense of the unexpected to the world of fragrance.
Beyond perfumery, Astuguevieille wears many hats. He has served as a jewelry designer and art director for Hermès. In addition, he is a well - known sculptor, furniture designer, and has his own studio, Holly Hunt, where he creates furniture, lights, fabrics, leather goods, and artworks. His works often draw inspiration from the symbols and rites of ancient civilizations in Asia and Oceania, as well as Japanese aesthetics, which is evident in his use of materials like rope to wrap objects or in creating his own imaginary writing systems. His diverse and innovative body of work has earned him international recognition and has left an indelible mark on multiple creative industries.
