Three exceptional perfumers. Three different creative worlds. One rare opportunity to meet them.
- Aug 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 27
Fragrance is often experienced through a bottle, a name or a beautiful trail left on the skin.
But what happens before the fragrance reaches the bottle?
Who creates it? What inspires them? How does an idea become a composition? And what does it really mean to be a perfumer?
At Paris Odyssey Parfum, we believe that discovering fragrance means discovering the people behind it.
For our first three sessions in Paris, we are delighted to welcome three exceptional figures of French and international perfumery: Marc-Antoine Corticchiato, Ilias Ermenidis and Olivier Cresp.
Each has followed a very different path. Each has developed a distinctive creative language. And each offers a unique perspective on one of France's most fascinating creative traditions.
Marc-Antoine Corticchiato
14 September 2026
Marc-Antoine Corticchiato, Perfumer and Founder of Parfum d’Empire
Born in Morocco to a Corsican family, Marc-Antoine Corticchiato grew up surrounded by powerful olfactory landscapes: his family's citrus groves in Morocco, the Corsican maquis and the world of horses.
His fascination with the scent of plants eventually led him to study chemistry. He completed a doctorate focused on aromatic plant extracts before pursuing his perfumery training at ISIPCA, the renowned French school of perfumery.
His scientific background remains deeply connected to his creative work. Before becoming a perfumer, he spent years researching aromatic plants and extraction techniques, developing an intimate knowledge of natural raw materials.
In 2002, he founded Parfum d'Empire, an independent French fragrance house whose creations reflect his fascination with nature, history, cultures and the emotional power of scent.
His approach to fragrance is deeply personal: for Corticchiato, a perfume is above all a story told on the skin.
On 14 September, Paris Odyssey Parfum guests will have the opportunity to meet Marc-Antoine Corticchiato, hear about his journey and discover the creative thinking behind his work.
Ilias Ermenidis
19 October 2026
Ilias Ermenidis, Principal Perfumer at dsm-firmenich
Ilias Ermenidis is a Principal Perfumer at dsm-firmenich and one of the most internationally experienced creators joining our first Paris Odyssey Parfum sessions.
Born in Istanbul and raised in Athens, Ermenidis discovered the world of fragrance at an early age through his father's fragrance and flavour factory in Istanbul. He later came to Paris to study perfumery and went on to build an international career spanning Paris, Geneva and New York.
His creative portfolio reflects this international perspective, with creations for houses and brands including Parfums de Marly, Nishane, Calvin Klein, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Nina Ricci and Vera Wang, among others.
But behind this impressive list of creations lies something much more personal: a fascination with the artistic and emotional dimensions of fragrance.
During the 19 October Paris Odyssey Parfum experience, guests will have the rare opportunity to sit down with Ilias Ermenidis over an intimate lunch and discover the person, stories and creative process behind the perfumer.
Olivier Cresp
16 November 2026
Olivier Cresp, Master Perfumer at dsm-firmenich
Few names carry as much weight in contemporary French perfumery as Olivier Cresp.
Born in Grasse, the historic heart of French perfumery, Cresp grew up surrounded by the world of fragrance and natural raw materials. His family had been involved in the trade of perfume ingredients for generations.
He joined Firmenich in 1992 and became a Master Perfumer in 2006, establishing himself as one of the most respected creators in the industry.
His career spans decades and an extraordinary portfolio of internationally recognised fragrances, including Angel by Thierry Mugler, Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana, Black XS by Paco Rabanne, Nina by Nina Ricci, Black Opium and Mon Paris by Yves Saint Laurent.
His work has been recognised with numerous distinctions, including the Fragrance Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award.
On 16 November, Paris Odyssey Parfum guests will have the opportunity to meet this remarkable figure of contemporary perfumery and discover the experience, intuition and craftsmanship behind a lifetime dedicated to fragrance.
Join us in Paris
Our first three Paris Odyssey Parfum experiences are now confirmed.
14 September 2026
Marc-Antoine Corticchiato
19 October 2026
Meet Ilias Ermenidis
16 November 2026
Meet Olivier Cresp
Paris Odyssey Parfum is an exclusive one-day immersion into the hidden world of French fragrance, combining privileged encounters, exceptional places, expert knowledge and the creation of your own signature scent.
Spaces are limited.
