At the age of 15, when he decided to become a perfumer despite his complete lack of knowledge about the profession, Francis Kurkdjian couldn’t possibly have imagined where this path would lead him. However, he quickly understood that it would be replete with discipline and perseverance – values he learned during years of piano and ballet lessons.

For the past twenty years he has channelled his passion, determination and devotion into perfume, which fills his days, and sometimes his nights. His relationship with perfume has deepened over the years while remaining true to the values and tradition of fine perfumery. Yet he consistently seeks to break the moulds, free perfume from its bottle and open up doors leading to new lands.
 

1969
Birth

1985
Decides to become a perfumer

1990
Enrols in ISIPCA, the international school of perfumery in Versailles
Joins Quest International, a fragrance producer
At the same time, enrols in a post-graduate programme at the 
Institut Supérieur de Marketing du Luxe

1993 
Creates Le Mâle, the first men's fragrance by Jean Paul Gaultier

1995 
Joins the New York office of Quest International

1999 
Returns to Paris

2001 
Opens his bespoke perfume workshop 

2003
Launches his first artistic collaboration with Sophie Calle

2004 
Meets Marc Chaya

2006 
Produces his first olfactory installation for Versailles Off

2009 
Co-founds Maison Francis Kurkdjian with Marc Chaya

Wins the Prix François Coty for his lifetime achievements (October 2001)
Is voted nose of the year by Cosmétique Magazine (June 2008)
Is named a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (July 2008)