Céline Barel: Crafting Emotional Narratives Through Scent

Céline Barel is a distinguished French perfumer celebrated for her ability to infuse fragrances with deep emotional resonance and storytelling. Born in Grasse, the heartland of perfumery, she was immersed in the world of scents from an early age. Her formative years in Morocco further enriched her olfactory palette, exposing her to diverse aromas and cultural influences.

Barel's academic journey began with a Master's degree in Marketing and International Management. However, her passion for fragrances led her to pivot towards perfumery, culminating in her training at the International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) perfumery school. This blend of business acumen and artistic sensibility has been instrumental in her collaborations with both luxury and niche brands.

Her portfolio boasts a range of notable creations:

Aesop's Tacit (2015): A fresh, woody-citrus fragrance characterized by Basil Grand Vert and crisp citrus notes.

Aesop's Aurner (2025): An avant-garde, genderless floral scent blending magnolia leaf, Roman chamomile, and cedar heart, challenging traditional floral fragrance norms.

Zoologist's Squid: An olfactory exploration of the ocean's depths, combining marine notes with incense and ink accords.

Maison d'Etto's Canaan: A unisex tuberose and oud composition that redefines floral fragrances.

Barel's approach to perfumery is deeply rooted in storytelling. She views each fragrance as a narrative, aiming to evoke emotions and memories through scent. Her collaborations often involve interdisciplinary elements, integrating art, literature, and music to enrich the olfactory experience.

Her contributions to the fragrance industry have been recognized with accolades such as the Fashion Group International’s Rising Star Award in 2012. Barel continues to push the boundaries of perfumery, crafting scents that are both innovative and deeply personal.