Rosendo Mateu (1945–2021) was one of the most influential figures in modern perfumery. Born in Spain, he entered the fragrance industry at just 15 years old as an apprentice at Puig in Barcelona. His passion and talent led him to Grasse, where he trained at the prestigious Roure school (now part of Givaudan) under Marcel Carles. He later continued his education in Geneva with Firmenich and in Paris with IFF.

Over a career spanning more than five decades at Puig, Mateu played a key role in shaping Spanish perfumery. Among his most iconic creations are Agua Brava (1968), Brummel (1975), and Quorum (1981), along with fragrances for major brands such as Carolina Herrera, Paco Rabanne, and Nina Ricci. In 2010, he was honored with the prestigious title of Master Perfumer in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field.

After retiring from Puig, Mateu founded Rosendo Mateu Olfactive Expressions in 2015 together with his son Joan. This deeply personal project allowed him to explore refined, sensual compositions using high-quality materials such as musk, sandalwood, amber, and neroli.

His collaboration with Zoologist on Northern Cardinal showcases his talent for creating vibrant compositions that blend fresh bergamot with spicy, floral, and woody nuances. Mateu’s legacy lies not only in his powerful yet elegant creations, but also in his vision of perfumery as a harmonious fusion of science and poetry.