In the heart of Paris, where art and aroma intertwine, Mathilde Bijaoui crafts fragrances that are more than mere scents—they are narratives that evoke emotion, memory, and imagination. Her creations are olfactory tales, each bottle a chapter in a sensory novel that invites the wearer to embark on a personal journey.
Mathilde's passion for perfumery was ignited during a childhood visit to the Osmothèque in Versailles, a conservatory dedicated to preserving historical fragrances. This experience revealed to her the profound storytelling potential of scent, setting her on a path to become a perfumer. She honed her craft at ISIPCA, the renowned French perfumery school, and joined the fragrance house MANE in 2004. Her diverse heritage, with a North African father and a French mother, infuses her work with a rich tapestry of cultural influences.
Mathilde's approach to fragrance creation is deeply synesthetic; she perceives scents in colors and textures, allowing her to compose perfumes that resonate on multiple sensory levels. Her compositions often blend unexpected elements, creating harmonious contrasts that surprise and delight.
One of her most acclaimed works is "Like This," a collaboration with actress Tilda Swinton for Etat Libre d'Orange. This fragrance captures the warmth and comfort of home, blending notes of pumpkin, ginger, and immortelle to evoke a sense of cozy familiarity. Another notable creation is "Gris Charnel" for BDK Parfums, a scent that weaves together fig, black tea, and sandalwood to conjure the ambiance of a Parisian evening.
Mathilde's portfolio is extensive, encompassing collaborations with Jo Malone, where she crafted "Myrrh & Tonka," a rich and enveloping fragrance that balances the resinous depth of myrrh with the creamy sweetness of tonka bean. Her work with Zadig & Voltaire resulted in "This is Us!," a unisex scent that embodies youthful freedom through notes of vanilla, sandalwood, and musk.
Her creations are not confined to a single style or theme; instead, they reflect a dynamic range of inspirations, from the earthy allure of "Velvet Oriental Musk" for Dolce & Gabbana to the ethereal elegance of "Magnolia Rosae" for Lancôme. Each fragrance is a testament to her ability to translate complex emotions and concepts into olfactory experiences.
Mathilde's dedication to her craft extends beyond the laboratory. She engages in olfactory workshops aimed at enhancing well-being, particularly for individuals undergoing medical treatments. Through these initiatives, she harnesses the therapeutic power of scent to provide comfort and connection.
In every bottle she creates, Mathilde Bijaoui offers more than a fragrance; she offers a story, an emotion, a piece of art that lingers in the memory long after the scent has faded. Her work invites us to explore the profound ways in which scent shapes our experiences and connects us to the world around us.
