- Roger Pellegrino Perfumer:
Company:Firmenich
Web:firmenich.com
Roger Pellegrino, a celebrated perfumer of the 1980s and 1990s, became an iconic figure whose name remains synonymous with some of the 20th century’s most exceptional fragrances. Throughout his distinguished career, he collaborated with esteemed luxury brands including Cacharel, Giorgio Armani, Jacques Bogart, Leonard, Rochas, Ted Lapidus, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Versace. Notable creations such asAnaïs Anaïsfor Cacharel,Armani Eau pour Homme,Nocturnefor Caron, andEau de Courrègesare remembered as quintessential scents that defined their era.
Perhaps the most emblematic fragrance of Pellegrino’s illustrious career isAnaïs Anaïs, a collaboration with fellow perfumer Raymond Chaillan, who had recently joined Firmenich. The story begins when Chaillan, inspired by a bouquet of lilies on his desk, was tasked with crafting a fragrance for young women centered around this ingredient. Pellegrino’s approach to perfume-making—marked by originality and collaborative innovation—shaped the fragrance’s evolution.
Chaillan spent nearly 18 months refining the scent, balancing the intoxicating floral bouquet with a woody, slightly sharp base, iteratively adjusting notes to perfect the composition. When he struggled to finalize the fragrance, Pellegrino stepped in, proposing the addition of bright blackcurrant notes. After 137 trials, their partnership birthedAnaïs Anaïs—a scent Chaillan later described as his most obsessive creation, and Pellegrino regarded as one of his most beautiful works.
Among Pellegrino’s most enduring fragrances are:
Cacharel Anaïs Anaïs: A delicate, romantic floral classic that evokes youthfulness and tender innocence.Jacques Bogart One Man Show: A bold, masculine blend of woody, spicy, and herbal notes, leaving a powerful impression.Versace Versace L’Homme: A sophisticated fragrance balancing citrus, floral, and woody accords for a charismatic aura.Giorgio Armani Armani Eau Pour Homme: A refined composition of citrus, spices, and woods, embodying the elegant Armani ethos.Van Cleef & Arpels Gem Eau de Toilette: A luxurious scent weaving together floral, fruity, and oriental notes for an opulent experience.
Pellegrino’s legacy in perfumery is defined by his innovative spirit and collaborative vision, which solidified his status as a master of scent. Decades later, fragrances likeAnaïs Anaïscontinue to enchant generations, proving his artistry timeless.
