Olivier Polge

The name Olivier Polge is synonymous with the modern perfume elite. Born in 1974 in the heart of the perfume world, Grasse, he seemed destined to continue the family legend. His father, the legendary Jacques Polge, was Chanel's chief perfumer for many years. However, Olivier dreamed of a career as a pianist and studied art history before fragrances finally called him. His training and internships at Charabot and AC&M, followed by a job at the New York office of the giant IFF, laid a solid technical foundation enriched by international experience.

The path to the top and iconic fragrances

Polge's career took off rapidly in the 2000s. His early works instantly became bestsellers and defined the spirit of the era. His debut was the sensual Dior - Pure Poison, created in a stellar collaboration. This was followed by the innovative Dior Homme in 2005, which turned the concept of men's perfumery upside down with its iris and leather accords. And in collaboration with Dominique Ropion, he gave the world one of the biggest hits of the decade — the dazzling Viktor & Rolf - Flowerbomb. This period was also marked by such diverse but equally successful works as the exquisite Guerlain - Cuir Beluga, the energetic Burberry - The Beat, and the daring Kenzo - Power.

Collaboration with the greatest brands

Before joining Chanel, Olivier Polge's portfolio was enriched by fragrances for the most influential fashion and beauty houses. He created perfumes for Yves Saint Laurent, Mugler, Giorgio Armani, and Lancôme. It was for the latter that he co-created Lancôme's optimistic superhit La Vie Est Belle. His talent has been recognized with the industry's highest awards: in 2009, he was named Perfumer of the Year by The Fragrance Foundation and received the prestigious Prix International du Parfum.

Heir to the legend at Chanel

In 2013, fate came full circle: Olivier Polge joined the House of Chanel, and in 2015, he officially replaced his father as the chief perfumer. This mission combines a huge responsibility to the heritage and the courage of an innovator. His first and brilliant task was to adapt the house's main symbol, the No. 5 fragrance, for a new generation. This led to the creation of the light and transparent Chanel No. 5 L'Eau, as well as the updated Chanel No. 5 Eau Première 2015. He boldly expands the exclusive Les Exclusifs line, creating such masterpieces as the rose-violet Misia and the amber-vanilla Boy.

Signature style and new icons

Olivier Polge's style is an elegant bridge between classic French perfumery and modern accords. He masterfully works with white flowers, pure musks, and transparent woody notes, creating fragrances that feel like a second skin. Under his leadership, new public favorites were born: the sunny and freedom-loving Chanel - Gabrielle, an intense version of the iconic Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense, as well as the cozy Coco Mademoiselle L'Eau Privée for bedtime. His creations for the Les Eaux de Chanel collection, such as the coniferous Paris - Édimbourg and the powerful amber-balsamic Le Lion de Chanel, prove that under his leadership, the Chanel heritage is not only preserved but also boldly evolving.