NEXT IN NICHE:
INSIDE THE CREATIVE WORLD OF
PERFUMER AITANA LÓPEZ DE CARRIÓN

How did you become a perfumer?
No one around me worked in perfume, yet I always felt a quiet pull towards scent. I was good at chemistry at school and fascinated by botany and medicinal plants, which led me to study pharmacy. My education was very scientific, but I have always been drawn to the creative world too. Art, design, fashion, even philosophy have long inspired me.
After graduating as a pharmacist, I felt unsure about my next step. I knew I did not want to work in a pharmacy or in the pharmaceutical industry. It did not feel like my true calling.
Then came a defining moment. One day, walking through the centre of Madrid, I stumbled upon an exhibition dedicated to scent. It was an immersive installation exploring the role of fragrance in society and the way smell connects us on a deeply emotional level. It felt like a revelation. Suddenly, everything clicked into place. In that instant, I knew I wanted to devote myself to the world of perfume.
I started researching how to enter the industry and discovered ISIPCA, the prestigious perfume school in Versailles where many celebrated perfumers trained. That is where my journey truly began.

What inspires your creations?
I find inspiration in observation, experimentation, and the different cultures I have encountered while travelling or living abroad. But you do not have to journey far to feel inspired. There is quiet beauty in daily life. An ordinary moment can suddenly stir something within you or ignite a fresh idea.
Art and design constantly fuel my creativity. Colour, especially, plays a central role in my process. It shapes my mood, reflects my identity, and gives each fragrance emotional depth. If I had to choose one colour that defines me, it would be orange. It’s bright, vivid, and full of energy and warmth. It captures the spirit I try to bring into every perfume I create.

What’s your dream project?
I thrive on collaborating in creative projects, especially those that explore new media and weave scent into the experience. I love the idea of building immersive worlds where fragrance becomes part of the story, leaving a lasting impression.
On one hand, I always enjoy working on artistic projects where there are no budget constraints, as this freedom lets creativity flow without limits and encourages bold experimentation. On the other hand, I also appreciate projects with clear constraints. Restrictions can sharpen creativity. They push me to think differently and discover inventive solutions within a set framework. However, my ultimate dream is to one day launch my own brand and curated collection of fragrances!