- Sophie van Balen Perfumer:
Sophie Labbé is an acclaimed perfumer celebrated for her remarkable contributions to the world of fragrance. Hailing from France, she has carved out a niche for herself with her unique olfactory creations that blend artistry and science.
Growing up in a country renowned for its rich perfume heritage, Sophie was exposed to the allure of scents from an early age. This early immersion ignited her passion for perfumery, leading her to pursue a formal education in the field. She attended the prestigious ISIPCA (Institut Supérieur International du Parfum, de la Cosmétique et de l’Aromatique Alimentaire), where she honed her skills in fragrance composition.
Sophie's journey in the perfume industry has been nothing short of impressive. After graduating from ISIPCA, she began her career at Givaudan, one of the world's leading fragrance and flavor companies. During her tenure at Givaudan, she worked on a diverse range of projects, collaborating with some of the industry's most talented minds. Her work there allowed her to develop her signature style, characterized by a delicate balance of notes and a keen sense of harmony.
In 2019, Sophie made a significant move to Firmenich, another major player in the fragrance world. This transition provided her with new opportunities to explore and innovate. At Firmenich, she has continued to create exceptional perfumes that resonate with consumers worldwide.
One of the hallmarks of Sophie's work is her ability to draw inspiration from a wide variety of sources. She often finds inspiration in nature, whether it's the delicate fragrance of a blooming flower, the earthy scent of freshly turned soil, or the invigorating aroma of the ocean. These natural elements are skillfully translated into her perfumes, creating scents that are both evocative and timeless.
Sophie's portfolio of creations is extensive and diverse. She has crafted perfumes for some of the most prestigious fashion and beauty brands, each one reflecting her unique vision and creativity. For example, she co-created Boss Bottled Bold Citrus by Hugo Boss. This Woody Aromatic fragrance for men, launched in 2025, opens with a zesty blend of primofiore lemon and bergamot, leading to a heart of honeyed elemi extract and green geranium bourbon, and finishing with a rich, earthy base of patchouli and vetiver.
She also played a crucial role in developing several of Bvlgari's SPLENDIDA line. The BVLGARI SPLENDIDA IRIS D’OR, ROSE ROSE, and JASMIN NOIR were all masterfully crafted by her. The BVLGARI SPLENDIDA JASMIN NOIR, for instance, reinterprets the brand's classic Jasmine Noir. Sophie increased the proportion of petit grain jasmine absolute in the formula to emphasize the extraordinary sensory charm of jasmine. The result is a fragrance that is both elegant and seductive, with a captivating contrast between the pure white jasmine scent and the precious woody notes.
Sophie Labbé's work as a perfumer not only showcases her technical expertise but also her deep understanding of the emotional power of scent. Her perfumes have the ability to transport wearers to different places and evoke a wide range of emotions, making her one of the most respected and sought-after perfumers in the industry today.
