- Patricia de Nicolai Perfumer:
Company:Parfums de Nicolaï
Education: ISIPCA
Web:pnicolai.com
Patricia de Nicolai: A Legacy of Perfumery Excellence
Born into the eminent Guerlain family, Patricia de Nicolai was inherently destined for greatness in the realm of perfumery. As the great-granddaughter of Pierre Guerlain and niece of Jean-Paul Guerlain, she grew up steeped in the legacy of her family’s olfactory creations. After earning a degree in chemistry, Patricia pursued her passion for fragrance, attending the prestigious ISIPCA in Versailles, where she honed her skills in the art of perfumery.
Despite her illustrious pedigree, Patricia faced gender discrimination in the early stages of her career. With the support of her uncle Jean-Paul Guerlain, she worked at Florasynth and later at Quest International, collaborating with Sophia Grojsman on the iconicLancôme Trésorperfume. In a bold move in 1988, she partnered with her husband, Jean-Louis Michau, to launchParfums de Nicolaï—a brand that has since become a cornerstone of luxury fragrance craftsmanship.
Among her most celebrated creations areNew York Intense,Fig Tea,Patchouli Intense,Cuir Cuba Intense, andVanille Tonka. Patricia’s unwavering dedication to quality and artistry has earned her prestigious accolades, including the International Prize for Young Perfumers in 1988 and the French Legion of Honour in 2008. Beyond her work withParfums de Nicolaï, she serves as President of the Osmothèque, France’s renowned perfume archive.
Founded in 1989,Parfums de Nicolaïswiftly gained acclaim for its exceptional quality and creative vision. Patricia and her son, Axel, continue the family tradition of crafting distinguished, elegant fragrances that embody luxury. The brand stands out for overseeing every facet of creation—from sourcing the finest natural essences to manufacturing the final product.
The firstParfums de Nicolaïboutique opened in Paris in 1989, featuring a visible on-site laboratory that offered visitors a glimpse into the brand’s artisanal process. Since then, the company has expanded to boutiques in Paris, London, and beyond, remaining true to the principles that inspired Patricia and her husband: a commitment to artistic vision, craftsmanship, and uncompromising quality.
Over the years, Patricia has introduced groundbreaking scents, including the pioneering Eau Fraîche,Eau d’Été, in 1997, andFig-Teain 2000, which became an instant sensation in Asia. In 2015, she received the Prix Olfactorama in theEnthousiasmecategory forNew York Intense—an Eau de Parfum iteration of her signature fragrance.
