- Dominique Romeo Perfumer:
Dominique Ropion is a preeminent French master perfumer, born in 1955 in Paris. His journey in the world of perfumery began with education at the Roure Bertrand Dupont (now Givaudan Perfumery School) in Grasse, where he nurtured his passion for creating scents.
After completing his studies, Ropion started his career at the renowned Roure Bertrand laboratories. This early experience set the stage for his future success and led to a long - standing friendship and collaboration with Frédéric Malle. Over the years, he has lent his expertise to numerous prestigious fragrance brands. Some of the notable names he has worked with include Christian Dior, Thierry Mugler, Lancôme, Givenchy, Issey Miyake, Yves Saint Laurent, Paco Rabanne, and The Body Shop. Since joining International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) in 2000, he has continued to push the boundaries of fragrance creation.
Ropion's creations are characterized by their precise olfactory balance and immaculate composition. He fearlessly takes risks, striving to craft masterpieces that stand out in the highly competitive fragrance industry. His approach can be likened to great architectural feats, where he artfully balances powerful ingredients with meticulously measured, subtler accords until the fragrance achieves a harmonious equilibrium on its own. As he often says, a good perfume should always seem obvious, though the process of creating such perfection is anything but.
His contributions to the fragrance world have not gone unnoticed. In 2008, he received the Cosmetic Valley’s International Fragrance Prize, also known as the Prix François Coty. In 2012, he was honored with the Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres. In 2010, he won the Cosmetique magazine Oscar, and in 2018, he was named a master perfumer.
Among his extensive portfolio of popular creations are Givenchy Ysatis, Givenchy Amarige, Kenzo Jungle Elephant, Calvin Klein Euphoria, Thierry Mugler Alien, Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, and Lancôme La Vie Est Belle. However, one of his most famous works is Portrait of a Lady for Frédéric Malle, which he developed in collaboration with his friend Frédéric Malle. This fragrance is widely regarded as a masterpiece in the industry and has received widespread critical acclaim.
In 2024, Dominique Ropion launched his own perfume brand called Aphorismes. The name is a nod to his book "APHORISMS OF A PERFUMER", in which he shares his experiences and knowledge accumulated over the years. With this brand, he has the opportunity to express his creativity in a more personal way, away from the commercial constraints of working for other brands.
Dominique Ropion's influence on the fragrance industry is profound. His passion for perfumery and unwavering dedication to excellence have firmly established his reputation as one of the most celebrated and respected perfumers in the world, and his future creations are eagerly anticipated by fragrance enthusiasts globally.
