Mathilde Bijaoui’s journey into perfumery began in the vibrant markets of Paris, where her father—a music producer with a passion for cooking—introduced her to the world of spices and aromas. These early sensory experiences, combined with her North African and French heritage, shaped a distinctive creative perspective that would later influence contemporary perfumery.

A defining moment came at the age of thirteen during a visit to the Osmothèque in Versailles, where she discovered that perfumery could be a profession. This realization led her to study chemistry and eventually train at ISIPCA, one of the most prestigious perfumery schools. There, under the guidance of renowned perfumers such as Catherine Bru and Antoine Lie, she developed essential techniques that became the foundation of her creative approach.

In 2004, Bijaoui joined MANE, initially working in Bar-sur-Loup near Grasse before moving to the company’s creative studio in Paris. In 2022, her career took her to New York, where she continues to explore new olfactory territories. Her approach is deeply intuitive—she often associates scents with colors and draws inspiration from food, art, and cultural experiences.

Her signature style blends precision with bold creativity. Bijaoui views perfumery as a language through which artistic ideas are translated into scent. Through innovative technologies like Jungle Essence™, she creates unexpected olfactory profiles from ingredients such as fig or even caviar-like notes, contributing to new fragrance families that blur the line between sweet and savory.

Bijaoui’s portfolio spans both niche and designer brands, including Etat Libre d’Orange, Jo Malone London, Giorgio Armani, and BDK Parfums. One of her standout creations is Like This, developed in collaboration with Tilda Swinton. Inspired by the color orange, the fragrance reflects her synesthetic approach and earned the Specialists Prize at the FiFi Awards in 2011.

With Frustration, she showcases her mastery of gourmand complexity. The fragrance combines warm spices, rum, and vanilla with deeper notes like vetiver and chestnut wood, creating a composition that captures both nostalgic comfort and refined sophistication.

Her work on Myrrh & Tonka for Jo Malone London and the Gris Charnel line for BDK Parfums highlights her versatility across olfactory families. She has a unique ability to make complex compositions feel accessible while maintaining artistic depth.

Beyond her creative output, Bijaoui is also committed to the emotional and human side of perfumery. She leads olfactory workshops for cancer patients, using scent as a tool to reconnect with well-being. Additionally, she mentors emerging perfumers, supporting the next generation within MANE.

Mathilde Bijaoui represents a modern, forward-thinking approach to perfumery—one that seamlessly blends innovation, tradition, and emotional resonance, leaving a lasting impact on the evolving fragrance landscape.