NEXT IN NICHE:
PERFUMER FLORIAN GALLO
In our ongoing series Next in Niche featured in Le Parfum Magazine Chapter 7, we spotlight the talents shaping today’s niche fragrance industry. This time, we step into the world of Florian Gallo, perfumer at dsm-firmenich. Raised in a family of scientists and guided by a deep love of cooking, he developed a sensitive nose early on.
His path into perfume unfolded gradually, shaped by memories and travels. From creating new recipes inspired by his mother’s kitchen to formative years in Grasse and international projects at dsm-firmenich, each chapter sharpened his perspective. In the Q&A below, Florian shares how he found his calling as a perfumer and takes us behind the scenes of his latest creation, Le Grand Saut by Bontemps Paris.
“PERFUME IS, ABOVE ALL, AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE PERSON WHO WILL WEAR IT”
Creative style:
Sensitive, adventurous, and daring
Loves to use:
Sesame accords, truffle notes, contrasting naturals and synthetics
Latest creation:
Le Grand Saut by Bontemps Paris
How did you become a perfumer?
I come from a family of scientists and thought I would follow a similar path. Yet from childhood, I was already creating recipes inspired by the spices of my Armenian mother’s kitchen, an early sign of the sensitivity that led me to perfume. Stays in Grasse opened my eyes to the world of fragrance, and after training at ISIPCA and Robertet, I joined dsm-firmenich. There, I worked on international projects with inspiring mentors. Winning the French Society of Perfumers Award in 2019 confirmed my calling.
What inspires your creations?
My inspirations are emotional, from mimosa in Cannes to orange blossom brioches shared with my grandfather. I’m also inspired by contrasts, innovation, and cultural encounters, like my time in Argentina and China. Even a fig and hibiscus dessert recently sparked a new accord idea.
What’s your dream project?
The next one! I’m eager to explore diverse projects, collaborate with inspiring designers, and bring unique ideas to life. At the same time, I’m building Bontemps Parfum with my wife and brother, a house dedicated to turning fragrance into emotional storytelling and immersive experiences.
What is your latest niche perfume creation?
My latest niche perfume is Le Grand Saut by Bontemps Paris. The idea was to build it around a duo of ingredients, because every big leap is easier when you’re accompanied. In Le Grand Saut, a hidden touch of Jamaican rum brings depth and boozy warmth, giving the vetiver an unexpected twist.
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READ MORE IN LE PARFUM MAGAZINE CHAPTER 7
In “Next in Niche: Upcoming Noses” on page 38, you can explore more stories of upcoming perfumers like Florian Gallo.
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