- Ugo Charron Perfumer:
Ugo Charron is a rising star in the world of perfumery, celebrated for his innovative and boundary-pushing creations. Hailing from the Sancerre region of France, Charron's olfactory journey began at a young age, ignited by Patrick Süskind's novel "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer." This literary encounter opened his eyes to the vast and invisible world of scent, sparking an unwavering desire to become a "composer of scent."
Charron's educational path combined a passion for chemistry with a love for the arts. He pursued intensive studies in chemistry, leading him to an engineering school, where he gained a solid understanding of the scientific aspects of perfume. Recognizing the need for a more fragrance-focused degree, he then joined the aromas and fragrances master's program at the University of Montpellier, fully immersing himself in his true passion.
His professional journey has been equally diverse and enriching. Charron's first experience in the industry was at L'Oréal in Paris, where he worked on formula stability. While this provided a valuable foundation, he soon sought more creative outlets. His big break came when he met his first mentor, Christophe Laudamiel, through an online conference. This led to a nearly four-year traineeship, during which he traveled between New York and Berlin, and even had the opportunity to visit Madagascar to help develop essential oils. Laudamiel taught him invaluable lessons, such as "smell and feel before creating" and "never dilute a strong idea," which have become guiding principles in Charron's work.
In 2020, Charron joined Mane's New York office, where he has continued to hone his craft and collaborate with a variety of brands. His work is characterized by a unique blend of creativity, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of the emotional power of scent. He has a remarkable ability to translate complex ideas and emotions into olfactory experiences, creating fragrances that are both captivating and memorable.
One of Charron's notable creations is the "Golden Hour" perfume, developed for Cercle in collaboration with Mane. This bold and alluring fragrance features notes of bergamot and Mane's exclusive Coffeewood, creating a scent that is both modern and timeless. Another standout is "Sidama" for Gentleman's Nod, a perfume that celebrates the rich aroma of coffee, taking the wearer on a sensory journey through the world of coffee roasting.
Charron's work extends beyond traditional perfumery. He has also been involved in creating scents for candles, such as those for Keap Candles. In this context, he has had to grapple with the unique challenges of candle fragrances, such as ensuring proper diffusion and choosing ingredients that perform well in a candle setting. His commitment to using a minimum number of ingredients, while still achieving high-performance fragrances, showcases his dedication to both creativity and sustainability.
In addition to his work in the commercial fragrance industry, Charron has also been involved in more experimental and artistic projects. He has collaborated with individuals with unique perspectives, such as Emmanuelle Dancourt, a journalist with congenital anosmia. Together, they created "Ume Ma," a fragrance that explores the concept of scent from a non-olfactory perspective, using synesthetic language and a deep understanding of Dancourt's personality and experiences.
Charron's contributions to the world of perfumery have not gone unnoticed. He has received acclaim for his work, including awards and recognition within the industry. His innovative approach to fragrance creation, combined with his technical proficiency and artistic vision, make him a perfumer to watch in the ever-evolving world of scent. As he continues to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of what a fragrance can be, there is no doubt that Ugo Charron will leave an indelible mark on the world of perfumery.
