Leslie Girard

# Leslie Girard: Travel-Inspired Perfumer at Robertet

## Career Journey and Creative Philosophy

Leslie Girard has carved out a distinctive path in modern perfumery through her role at Robertet, one of France's most prestigious fragrance houses. Her journey began with a Master's degree in perfumery, followed by hands-on experience as an assistant perfumer. A pivotal moment came in 2012 when she moved to China for two years, joining Robertet's international team. This experience proved transformative, expanding her creative horizons and deepening her understanding of global scent preferences.

After returning to Grasse, the historic heart of French perfumery, Girard has continued to develop her unique artistic voice. Her creative philosophy centers on personal experience and wanderlust. "Passionate about travel and curious about everything, I draw inspiration from my personal experiences to create unique fragrances," she explains. This approach allows her to craft scents with strong narrative elements and emotional depth.

Girard's style blends curiosity, technical rigor, and spontaneity. She demonstrates a meticulous approach to natural ingredients, translating rich sensory experiences into olfactory stories. Her work spans diverse brands including Maison Crivelli, Amouage, and El Ganso, showcasing her versatility across different fragrance categories. Beyond traditional perfumery, she has ventured into innovative projects like creating bespoke car fragrances for Audi, capturing the essence of Mediterranean summers and alpine winters for luxury interiors.

## Notable Creations and Signature Style

Girard's most acclaimed creation, [Papyrus Moléculaire](/perfume/maison-crivelli-papyrus-moleculaire) for Maison Crivelli, perfectly exemplifies her narrative-driven approach. Inspired by an encounter with tattooed women weaving papyrus leaves while smoking cigarillos, the fragrance contrasts milky, powdery papyrus with rebellious tobacco depths. The composition opens with spicy coriander and black pepper before revealing the unique, book-like dryness of papyrus, supported by creamy sandalwood, tonka bean, and subtle leather accents.

Her portfolio demonstrates remarkable range across fragrance families. For Amouage, she created Imitation Man, a complex floral leather tribute to 1970s New York multiculturalism. The fragrance evolves from an unconventional opening of citruses, spices, and rose to a warm, sensual leather base. Her work for El Ganso, Part Time Hero, showcases her ability to craft fresh, accessible compositions with citrus, rose, and juniper notes.

Girard's creations consistently feature strong character and unexpected contrasts. She skillfully balances natural ingredients to create fragrances that feel both contemporary and timeless. Her work for 100 Bon, including Gingembre & Vétiver Sensuel and Mimosa & Héliotrope Poudré, demonstrates her versatility in creating both bold and gentle compositions. As she continues to push creative boundaries while maintaining her travel-inspired aesthetic, Girard's influence on contemporary niche perfumery continues to grow.