- René Morgenthaler Perfumer:
Company:Smart Fragrances
Also worked with: Givaudan
Education: Givaudan Perfumery School
Web:smartfragrances.com
Raymond Matts is a highly esteemed and influential figure in the world of perfumery, with a career spanning nearly three decades. His journey in the fragrance industry has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by numerous achievements and contributions that have left an indelible mark on the global fragrance landscape.
Matts' career began humbly at the Aramis counter in Brooklyn, a starting point that would set him on a path to great success. From there, he advanced to work for prestigious flavor & fragrance houses such as Firmenich and IFF in fragrance development. In these roles, he played a crucial part in liaising with perfumers, salespeople, and clients, which significantly broadened his understanding of the industry from multiple perspectives.
One of the most notable highlights of his career was his time at Elizabeth Arden, where he designed the iconic Elizabeth Taylor's White Diamonds, one of the most celebrated celebrity fragrances to date. This fragrance not only became a best - seller but also set a new standard for celebrity - endorsed scents. Additionally, he consulted on fragrances for renowned brands like Karl Lagerfeld and Nino Cerrutti, further demonstrating his versatility and expertise in creating scents that align with different brand identities.
At the Estée Lauder Companies, Matts held the prestigious position of vice president of Estée Lauder fragrances worldwide. In this role, he was responsible for the strategic, conceptual development, and general management of the company's global fragrance group. His leadership was directly responsible for the successful campaigns of global hits such as Clinique Happy for him and her, Tommy Hilfiger fragrances, Aramis, and Origins, among others. These fragrances became household names, loved by consumers around the world, and his influence on their development was a testament to his marketing acumen and understanding of consumer preferences.
As a freelance fragrance designer, Matts has continued to make waves globally. He has designed fragrances for a wide range of prestigious campaigns, collaborating with various brands to create unique and memorable scents. His work often involves rare and unique combinations of ingredients, which has helped him stand out in a highly competitive industry. For instance, he designed Tommy Hilfiger True Star in collaboration with Beyoncé Knowles, a fragrance that captured the singer's vibrant personality and became a huge success.
Matts also has his own perfume line, Aura de Parfum. He believes that laboratory - made scents can add rich textures to his creations. He uses synthetic ingredients not only for their own olfactory qualities but also to enhance natural essences, making them linger in the air longer. He once cited Stella McCartney's POP perfume, which uses tuberose - scented essence, as an example. This approach not only showcases his innovative thinking but also his commitment to sustainable and creative perfumery.
In addition to his practical work in creating scents, Matts also imparts his knowledge and passion for perfumery as a professor at the Pratt Institute, a private art college in New York. By sharing his experiences and insights with the next generation of perfumers, he is helping to shape the future of the industry. His teachings are not only about the technical aspects of fragrance creation but also about understanding the consumer and the emotional impact that a well - crafted scent can have.
Raymond Matts' contributions to the fragrance industry are vast and far - reaching. His ability to create scents that resonate with consumers on an emotional level, his innovative use of ingredients, and his leadership in the development of major fragrance brands have firmly established him as a true icon in the world of perfumery.
