Cécile Matton’s journey into perfumery began far from the traditional centers of fragrance creation. Born in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, she spent her early years immersed in intense climates and rich natural scents. This environment sharpened her olfactory sensitivity and laid the groundwork for her distinctive creative vision.

After moving to France at the age of fourteen, she began experimenting with fragrance materials, marking the beginning of her passion for scent. Her path was not entirely conventional—she initially pursued pharmacy studies before joining the prestigious Givaudan Perfumery School in Grasse in 1992. There, under the mentorship of Jean Guichard, she refined her skills while contributing to projects for major brands such as Nina Ricci and Cartier.

Her international experience expanded during her time in New York with International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), before she joined MANE in 2007 as a Senior Perfumer. Matton defines herself more as an artisan than an artist, emphasizing the hands-on, material-driven nature of her work. Her approach is rooted in pleasure and emotional impact, creating fragrances that connect deeply with the wearer.

Often referred to as the “Jeweler Perfumer,” Matton brings the same attention to detail to scent creation as she does to jewelry design. She favors ingredients such as nutmeg, green chypre accords, and Orcanox™, combining complexity with natural elegance.

Matton’s portfolio spans both major fashion houses and niche fragrance brands. Her breakthrough came with YSL Baby Doll (1999), a fragrance that quickly gained critical acclaim. She later contributed to successful creations such as Bonbon by Viktor & Rolf and Stronger With You by Giorgio Armani, while also pioneering innovative directions—such as the use of salty accords in Mugler’s Womanity, helping to shape a new olfactory trend.

Her collaborations with Etat Libre d’Orange highlight her experimental side. Exit the King reinterprets the classic chypre structure with modern materials like Orcanox™ and clean, aldehydic accords, creating a narrative-driven fragrance that reflects themes of transformation and decline.

In Remarkable People, she explores bold contrasts—combining sparkling grapefruit and champagne notes with an unexpected spicy heart inspired by curry. The result is a fragrance that challenges conventions while remaining wearable.

Awarded “Perfumer of the Year” in 2018 by Cosmétique Mag, Matton continues to shape contemporary perfumery through her dedication to high-quality materials and sustainable practices. Working on multiple projects simultaneously, she maintains a disciplined and collaborative approach that ensures each creation carries her signature blend of refinement, emotion, and craftsmanship.