Marie Salamagne

Master Perfumer at dsm-firmenich

30 September 2026, at dsm-firmenich, Paris

Did you know that there are more astronauts than master perfumers in the world?

Behind every iconic fragrance lies one of the world’s rarest professions. It takes more than fifteen years of training, an extraordinary olfactory memory, and exceptional creative talent to join the select circle of master perfumers whose creations become part of our collective memory.

For this evening, LeadHers invited their guests behind the scenes at dsm-firmenich, one of the world’s leading fragrance innovators.

The evening began with a private tour of Flowers Are Watching Us, an immersive artistic and olfactory experience that reimagines floral perfumery through the lens of art, science, and innovation.

It was followed by an exclusive conversation with Marie Salamagne, Master Perfumer at dsm-firmenich and one of the most acclaimed fragrance creators of her generation.

How does one become a master perfumer? Why are so few people able to master this craft? How does a fragrance come to life, and what gives it the power to evoke memories, stir emotions, and endure through time?

Drawing on her remarkable career, Marie Salamagne offered a rare glimpse into a profession where science meets artistry, and where intuition, creativity, and technical excellence come together to create fragrances enjoyed by millions around the world.

Named Perfumer of the Year and the creative force behind celebrated fragrances for Prada, Gucci, Jo Malone London, Maison Margiela, and Dries Van Noten, she shared her journey, her creative process, and the secrets behind one of the world’s most exclusive professions.