Juliette Karagueuzoglou’s journey to becoming Vice President Perfumer at International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) began with an innate sensitivity to scent. From an early age, she was deeply aware of the smells around her—her family home, gardens, and even the scent of asphalt after rain left lasting impressions.

A defining moment came at the age of 13, when her aunt, who worked for Christian Dior, introduced her to the fragrance Dune. This experience revealed perfumery as a real profession and set her on her path.

Her scientific approach to fragrance creation was shaped by her studies in chemistry and her training at the prestigious ISIPCA in France. After joining IFF in 2002, she spent several years learning under master perfumers and further refined her skills at the IFF Perfume School.

In 2007, she became a junior perfumer and steadily advanced within the company, ultimately reaching her current leadership position in 2023.

Karagueuzoglou views perfumery as an act of generosity—creating “olfactory markers” that trigger memories and emotions. Her creative process draws inspiration from photography, travel, and synesthetic connections between the senses. She believes in concise formulas and clear storytelling, ensuring each fragrance conveys a strong and meaningful idea.

Karagueuzoglou’s portfolio includes work for prestigious brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Salvatore Ferragamo, Giorgio Armani, and Memo Paris.

Her breakthrough came with L’Homme by Yves Saint Laurent, originally created as a personal fragrance for her partner during her student years. Co-created with Anne Flipo, it became one of her most celebrated works.

Her style is exemplified in Sherwood, a refined sandalwood composition enriched with fruity and spicy facets. The fragrance opens with vibrant blackcurrant and pink pepper, evolves into a floral heart of rose and orange blossom, and settles into a warm base of sandalwood, oakwood, and cashmeran.

The result is a smooth, creamy woody signature that perfectly balances strength and accessibility.

While she does not rely on a single signature ingredient, Karagueuzoglou particularly enjoys working with vanilla for its addictive sensuality and patchouli for its transformative depth.

Her fragrances consistently offer moderate to strong sillage with excellent longevity, creating lasting impressions without overwhelming the senses.

Her creativity and innovation were recognized with the Fashion Group International “Rising Star” Award in 2010.

Juliette Karagueuzoglou represents a modern vision of perfumery—where scent, memory, and emotion merge into a powerful narrative experience.