Explore the illustrious career of Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud at Firmenich, where he created some of the
most iconic fragrances in the world including Bvlgari au The Blanc
Early Career and Beginnings
Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud was born on January 24, 1962, in France. He began his career in the world
of perfumery by joining the company Charabot. After three years at Charabot, he moved to the fine
fragrance lab at Quest International in Naarden, Netherlands.
In 1988, Cavallier joined PFW Aroma Chemicals B.V. This experience further honed his skills and
prepared him for the significant roles he would later take on in the industry.
Joining Firmenich: A Turning Point
In 1990, Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud made a pivotal move by joining the Swiss fragrance and flavor
conglomerate Firmenich. This step marked a significant turning point in his career, enabling him to
collaborate with some of the most prominent names in the industry.
At Firmenich, Cavallier worked with renowned perfumers like Alberto Morillas and Olivier Cresp, creating
iconic fragrances for brands such as Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, and Givenchy. His tenure at
Firmenich was characterized by a series of successful and innovative fragrances.
Iconic Creations and Collaborations
During his time at Firmenich, Cavallier collaborated with Alberto Morillas to create memorable scents like
Calvin Klein's Truth and Carolina Herrera's Chic. He also worked with Olivier Cresp on popular
fragrances like Cacharel's Amor Pour Homme Tentation and Christian Dior's Midnight Poison.
Cavallier's collaborations extended to working with Chantal Roos on Issey Miyake's L'Eau d'Issey, a
fragrance that became iconic in the 1990s. His work with Tom Ford at Yves Saint Laurent led to the
creation of fragrances such as Cinema, M7, and Nu.
Innovations in Fragrance Chemistry
Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud is renowned not just for his creativity but also for his innovative use of
fragrance chemistry. Despite his deep knowledge of natural components, some of his most successful
perfumes featured synthetic molecules.
One such molecule is methylbenzodioxepinone, known as Calone 1951 or 'watermelon ketone.' This
synthetic molecule imparts a light, airy, sea-breeze scent with an aqueous watermelon feel. Cavallier was
one of the first to incorporate this scent into the 'marine' category of fragrances, using it in perfumes like
Aqua di Gio and L'Eau d'Issey.
Legacy and Impact on the Industry
Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud's legacy in the fragrance industry is immense. His innovative approach and
numerous successful collaborations have left an indelible mark on modern perfumery.
Cavallier considers Giorgio Armani's Acqua di Gio and Issey Miyake's L'Eau d'Issey to be among his
most successful creations. His contributions have not only shaped the portfolios of luxury brands but also
influenced industry trends and the development of new fragrance categories.
most iconic fragrances in the world including Bvlgari au The Blanc
Early Career and Beginnings
Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud was born on January 24, 1962, in France. He began his career in the world
of perfumery by joining the company Charabot. After three years at Charabot, he moved to the fine
fragrance lab at Quest International in Naarden, Netherlands.
In 1988, Cavallier joined PFW Aroma Chemicals B.V. This experience further honed his skills and
prepared him for the significant roles he would later take on in the industry.
Joining Firmenich: A Turning Point
In 1990, Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud made a pivotal move by joining the Swiss fragrance and flavor
conglomerate Firmenich. This step marked a significant turning point in his career, enabling him to
collaborate with some of the most prominent names in the industry.
At Firmenich, Cavallier worked with renowned perfumers like Alberto Morillas and Olivier Cresp, creating
iconic fragrances for brands such as Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, and Givenchy. His tenure at
Firmenich was characterized by a series of successful and innovative fragrances.
Iconic Creations and Collaborations
During his time at Firmenich, Cavallier collaborated with Alberto Morillas to create memorable scents like
Calvin Klein's Truth and Carolina Herrera's Chic. He also worked with Olivier Cresp on popular
fragrances like Cacharel's Amor Pour Homme Tentation and Christian Dior's Midnight Poison.
Cavallier's collaborations extended to working with Chantal Roos on Issey Miyake's L'Eau d'Issey, a
fragrance that became iconic in the 1990s. His work with Tom Ford at Yves Saint Laurent led to the
creation of fragrances such as Cinema, M7, and Nu.
Innovations in Fragrance Chemistry
Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud is renowned not just for his creativity but also for his innovative use of
fragrance chemistry. Despite his deep knowledge of natural components, some of his most successful
perfumes featured synthetic molecules.
One such molecule is methylbenzodioxepinone, known as Calone 1951 or 'watermelon ketone.' This
synthetic molecule imparts a light, airy, sea-breeze scent with an aqueous watermelon feel. Cavallier was
one of the first to incorporate this scent into the 'marine' category of fragrances, using it in perfumes like
Aqua di Gio and L'Eau d'Issey.
Legacy and Impact on the Industry
Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud's legacy in the fragrance industry is immense. His innovative approach and
numerous successful collaborations have left an indelible mark on modern perfumery.
Cavallier considers Giorgio Armani's Acqua di Gio and Issey Miyake's L'Eau d'Issey to be among his
most successful creations. His contributions have not only shaped the portfolios of luxury brands but also
influenced industry trends and the development of new fragrance categories.