François Demachy

Names: François Demachy (English, French) · Франсуа Демаші (Ukrainian) · Франсуа Демаши (Russian)
Born: Cannes, France
Specialization: perfumer; in 2006–2021 master perfumer of Dior; author of fragrances for Acqua di Parma, Fendi, Emilio Pucci

Born in Cannes, he spent most of his life in Grasse, where his father had a pharmacy. He first studied dentistry and physiotherapy but chose perfumery and trained at the Charabot school. For many years he worked at Chanel as director of research and development, creating fragrances for Chanel, Ungaro, Bourjois and Tiffany. In 2006 he became master perfumer of Christian Dior and director of fragrance development for LVMH: he created Sauvage (2015) and new versions of Dior Homme and Miss Dior. He also worked for other LVMH houses — Fendi and Acqua di Parma; in 2021 he was succeeded at Dior by Francis Kurkdjian.

Demachy is a master of bold, confident classics. His fragrances have a clear structure and great projection: fresh citrus, spices and ambery accords combine into compositions that are instantly recognisable and last for hours. Yet in his Mediterranean works for Acqua di Parma he shows a light, sunny side — transparent and joyful.