- Dominique Moellhausen Perfumer:
Perfumery as an Abstract Art Form
"Perfumery stands as the most abstract form of art, where the artist crafting a fragrance wields a palette of emotions and images. The spectator or beneficiary engages with this art in diverse ways, awakened by the emotional depth the creation unleashes. I discovered that my creative spirit, initially expressed through poetry and painting, finds its perfect medium in the play of scents."
A Multicultural Upbringing
Raised in an open, multicultural environment, Dominique Moellhausen was immersed in the fascinating diversity of fragrances from a young age, nurturing a unique sensibility to the world’s ethnicities and cultures. Born in Milan on March 9th, 1992, she is the daughter of a Paraguayan mother of Dutch descent and a German father.
The Education of a Free Spirit
Dominique describes herself as a "life traveller," perpetually chasing new experiences and embracing every moment of her journey. Her philosophy of living in the "here and now" stems from her cosmopolitan family roots. Since childhood, she has traveled globally with her father Anthony, president of the family business, and mastered four languages: Italian and Spanish (her mother tongues), English, and French. After specializing in modern languages in high school, she lived in London and Paris to study International Affairs and Business. Post-graduation, she honed her perfumery vocation at the Grasse Institute of Perfumery, a prestigious international school. Her educational path seamlessly aligned with her inherent artistic talents and the Moellhausen family’s 50-year legacy in the fragrance industry.
Perfume as a Global Communication Code
As a Perfumer and R&D Vice Director at Moellhausen, Dominique believes perfume is a universal language, capable of evoking different emotions based on the wearer’s personal experiences. This perspective emerged from her "free spirit" years in Paris and London, her travels, and her insatiable curiosity. She explores global tastes, fashions, habits, and culinary preferences daily, driven by the desire to understand cultural nuances that inform her craft.
An Artistic Talent
Dominique’s passions span painting, poetry, and—above all—fragrance composition. "This is the art form that feels most authentic to me. When I realized my thoughts and creative drive could be expressed through such an evocative and powerful medium, I was captivated. A perfumer tells a story through research while keeping a secret—a beautiful, intimate ability."
Fashion and Perfume: A Deep Dive
Dominique explores the relationship between fashion and perfumery not just professionally, but to understand modern psychological landscapes. "Fragrance expresses our most intimate self, open to interpretation, while fashion communicates more directly. Perfume is candid—we can’t disguise our personality. We unconsciously choose scents that resonate, never wearing one merely because it’s trendy."
A World of Inspiration
For Dominique, inspiration is everywhere: a person, a dish, a landscape, an ingredient, or even an adjective, book, or story. "Depending on the brief, I start with the narrative—translating words into raw materials. If specific ingredients are requested, I focus on harmonizing and contrasting them to craft a fragrance that both the client and I can love."
Objectivity and Creativity
Dominique’s strength lies in objectivity. "Personal taste must not override the creative process. I balance artistic originality with client needs, ensuring the final fragrance aligns with the brand’s identity. Teamwork, structured processes, and Moellhausen’s decades of expertise help me stay focused, never letting creativity overshadow the goal."
