Julie Marlowe—professionally also known as Julie Dunkley—has carved out a distinctive place in British perfumery through her bold, narrative-driven approach. Her journey began in 1988 with a laboratory apprenticeship at FD&O, marking the start of a remarkable career spanning more than three decades.

Her true passion for fragrance was ignited in 1991 at Belmay Fragrances, where she worked as a laboratory technician under the guidance of Lisa Hipgrave. Through dedication and natural talent, she progressed to trainee perfumer and ultimately to a fully established perfumer, building a strong foundation in both technical precision and artistic expression.

Her career path has taken her through respected fragrance houses such as Symrise, Phoenix Fragrances, and currently Sozio UK, where she serves as Senior Perfumer. Her leadership within the industry is further highlighted by her role as President of the British Society of Perfumers, a position she has held in both 1997 and again in 2023/2024.

Marlowe is distinguished by her fearless approach to challenging conventional fragrance boundaries. Her work is defined by bold ingredients used in high concentrations—what she describes as “overdosed” compositions—creating powerful and expressive olfactory experiences that defy convention.

Marlowe’s most celebrated work comes from her collaboration with Beaufort London, where she developed a collection that redefines maritime perfumery.

Her fragrance Fathom V, winner of the 2017 Art and Olfaction Award, exemplifies her ability to translate complex narratives into immersive olfactory experiences.

Creations such as Tonnerre, inspired by the Battle of Trafalgar, and Vi et Armis, reflecting the voyages of the East India Trading Company, demonstrate her mastery of smoky, spicy, and woody accords. She often incorporates unconventional materials such as gunpowder, birch tar, and ink to create deeply atmospheric compositions.

Cœur de Noir merges literary inspiration with olfactory artistry, combining black ink, spiced rum, and the scent of leather-bound books into a tribute to maritime fiction.

With Lignum Vitae, she showcases her innovative spirit by blending woody, metallic, and salty accords inspired by marine chronometers.

Marlowe’s legacy lies in her fearless exploration of challenging olfactory territories. Her fragrances consistently push boundaries while maintaining refinement and wearability, creating powerful experiences that transport the wearer across time, place, and emotion.

She stands as a leading voice in atmospheric perfumery—crafting fragrances that are both provocative and deeply captivating.