Christelle Laprade’s journey into perfumery began in the south of France, in the coastal town of Sanary-sur-Mer. Surrounded by the aromatic richness of the Mediterranean landscape—wild herbs, sun-warmed earth, and sea air—she developed an early sensitivity to scent that would shape her creative identity.

She pursued her passion at ISIPCA in Versailles, where she studied under renowned perfumers Maurice Roucel and Dominique Ropion. This rigorous training laid the foundation for a career that would take her from Grasse to New York, where she now works at Symrise’s creative studio.

Over the years, Laprade has gained experience across major fragrance houses, including Expressions Parfumées, MANE USA, and Symrise, which she joined in 2006. Her move to New York introduced her to a vibrant and eclectic creative environment that deeply influences her style. She describes her aesthetic as “trash-glam”—a bold blend of elegance and rawness, refinement and rebellion.

Her fragrances explore contrasts and dualities, merging softness with strength and sophistication with edge. For Laprade, perfume is an intimate form of expression—something that resonates emotionally and feels like a second skin. Her work reflects a belief that fragrance should be expressive, joyful, and unconventional.

Laprade’s collaboration with Mind Games stands out as a defining chapter in her career. For the brand, she has created a series of fragrances inspired by the strategic world of chess, including Blockade, French Defense, Ruy Lopez, and Sissa. Each composition translates intellectual concepts into sensory experiences.

In En Prise, she demonstrates her skill in contrast, combining a fresh citrus opening with sweet crystalline notes and the warmth of saffron. Double Attack highlights her innovative use of chocolate, transforming it into a complex blend of bitter, woody, and gourmand elements.

Her fragrances Queening and Scholar’s Mate further illustrate her storytelling approach—one celebrating triumph through iris and vanilla, the other evoking partnership through harmonious spices and woods.

Beyond Mind Games, Laprade has created fragrances for global brands such as Calvin Klein, Banana Republic, and Commodity. Her work on Commodity’s Milk trilogy reflects her fascination with opposites, combining soft, comforting textures with darker, roasted nuances.

Throughout her career, Laprade has remained committed to responsible and ethical practices, working with partners who prioritize sustainability and support ingredient producers. Based in New York, she continues to challenge traditional perfumery, creating emotionally engaging fragrances that push creative boundaries.