Read this post in
Arabic
In this exclusive interview with ParfumPlus Magazine, Fabien Javelle reflects on a perfumery journey shaped by science, culture and curiosity.
Introduced to fragrance at ISIPCA in 2014, he quickly recognised scent as both art and emotional language, refining his vision at the École Supérieure du Parfum before entering the industry through functional fragrance creation in Barcelona.
A move to Dubai in 2024 expanded his creative horizons, immersing him in the richness of Middle Eastern scent traditions. Now with CPL Aromas, Javelle shares insights on growth, global influences and the philosophy guiding his evolving signature as a contemporary perfumer.
ParfumPlus: You discovered perfumery as both an art form and an emotional medium during your studies. Was there a defining moment when you realised it was not simply a discipline, but your true calling?
Fabien Javelle: I realised perfumery was a true calling when I began blending raw materials myself.
I discovered how much I enjoyed creating new trials and exploring the different effects each ingredient could bring. In perfumery, we often say that 1 + 1 equals 3 — and that magic is exactly what makes working with raw materials so fascinating.
PP: How did your academic training shape the balance you strike today between technical precision and artistic intuition?
FJ: My background is originally in biology, where laboratory work, experimentation, and molecular understanding were central to my studies.
Being constantly immersed in a scientific environment shaped the way I observe, analyse, and build ideas. This foundation naturally influenced my later approach to perfumery, especially in how I structure compositions and understand the behaviour of materials.
PP: Having worked across both functional and fine fragrance categories, how has this dual experience refined your formulation approach and creative versatility?
FJ: I really enjoy working across categories. Functional perfumery allows me to bring strength, diffusion and impact to my fragrances, often through the use of raw materials that are less common in fine fragrance.
These materials add a distinctive lift, energy, and modernity to my creations. Fine fragrance, on the other hand, helps me soften compositions and bring elegance, depth, and complexity.
It also offers the opportunity to work with beautiful natural ingredients, which adds richness and refinement to the final perfume.
PP: You often cite sandalwood as a favourite accord. What makes it such a powerful and meaningful note within your olfactory palette?
FJ: Sandalwood can be expressed through natural ingredients or through modern synthetic materials such as Javanol or Bacdanol, to name just a few. This diversity gives me great flexibility and allows me to work with sandalwood across many different applications and fragrance types.
I particularly enjoy how its character can be shaped in multiple directions — from a drier, woody, structural profile to something softer, milky, floral, or even subtly rosy. This ability to transform and adapt makes sandalwood an endlessly inspiring material in my creations.
PP: Relocating to Dubai marked an important chapter in your journey. How did this move reshape your creative identity and broaden your scent perspective?
FJ: When I first arrived in Dubai, I was truly struck by how central fragrance is to the culture of the region and to everyday life.
Perfume is not simply an accessory here, but an essential form of expression and identity. This discovery had a profound impact on me creatively, opening my mind and unlocking new olfactive possibilities that I had never previously considered.
PP: When beginning a new composition, what guides you first: emotion, ingredient, brief, or narrative, and why?
FJ: Whenever I create a fragrance, I always begin with the final objective in mind. My approach is largely guided by the brief and the client’s expectations, which provide a clear creative framework.
From there, I focus on identifying the key ingredients that will allow the concept to take shape, ensuring the fragrance delivers both performance and emotion. These ingredients become the foundation through which I build a narrative, translating the idea behind the brief into a scent that feels meaningful and expressive.
PP: From your perspective, what major shifts are currently shaping global fragrance consumer behaviour and expectations?
FJ: The Middle East market is increasingly shaping the global fragrance landscape. It is now inspiring perfumery worldwide through its creativity, boldness, and willingness to push boundaries. We see more and more Middle Eastern brands leading the market and expanding internationally. This shift is fascinating to observe, reflecting how consumers around the world are becoming more open to change and new olfactive expressions.
PP: What drew you to join CPL Aromas, and how does the company’s philosophy support your evolution as a perfumer?
FJ: CPL has always been a very interesting company to me for several reasons. First, it is a family-owned business, and I truly value the feeling of belonging and being part of something long-term and meaningful.
Second, CPL is an extremely creative company, not only in the way fragrances are created, but also through the events, projects, and artistic initiatives it develops. This strongly resonates with me, as art, and particularly photography, play an important role in my life.
Finally, I deeply appreciate the way CPL looks toward the future, especially its commitment to sustainability and its constant search for more responsible ways of working and developing new technologies. All of this makes CPL a company I am genuinely proud to be part of.
PP: Looking ahead, what kind of olfactory legacy or signature style would you like your creations to be remembered for?
FJ: I see perfumery as a dialogue between cultures, techniques, and emotions. I hope that my work reflects that openness — fragrances that feel contemporary yet rooted, shaped by different places and perspectives.
If my legacy is one of curiosity and cross-cultural sensitivity translated into scent, I would be very proud of that.
PP: What message would you like to share with ParfumPlus readers?
FJ: No matter your origins or your profession, I encourage everyone to stay connected to their sense of smell.
It’s a beautiful lens through which to experience life, revealing emotion and meaning in the smallest moments, from daily rituals to spontaneous encounters.
Read this post in
Arabic
Add Comment