Marie Hugentobler
# Marie Hugentobler: Master of Minimalist Perfumery
## Career & Artistic Vision
Marie Hugentobler stands as one of perfumery's most compelling contemporary voices, bringing over twenty years of international experience to her craft at Firmenich. Her journey into niche perfumery reached new heights through her transformative collaboration with Véronique Le Bihan, founder of Atelier Materi. Their first meeting in Mougins sparked a creative partnership that would redefine how raw materials could be sublimated through minimalist artistry.
Hugentobler's philosophy centers on "sublimating without polishing" - a approach that preserves the unique subtleties of each ingredient while elevating them to new heights. Her formulas are notably concise, featuring only the most accurate ingredients necessary to tell each fragrance's story. This precision reflects her deep understanding that true artistry lies not in complexity, but in the masterful handling of contrasts.
The perfumer draws particular inspiration from exploring dualities - freshness against sensuality, shadow against light. This philosophy shines through in creations like [Narcisse Taiji](/perfume/atelier-materi-narcisse-taiji), where she contrasts the green, fresh aspects of narcissus with its more animalic, honeyed facets. Her palette favors woods and spices, with special affection for the sparkling notes of pink pepper, the green pungency of cardamom, and the marine freshness of Calone.
## Notable Creations & Sustainable Innovation
Hugentobler's portfolio with Atelier Materi showcases her ability to transform single raw materials into complex olfactory experiences. [Cacao Porcelana](/perfume/atelier-materi-cacao-porcelana) exemplifies her collaborative approach, working with a French Maître Chocolatier to achieve perfect roasting of white cocoa beans. The result reveals sensual nutty, milky, and balsamic notes without excessive sweetness, maintaining the crisp woodiness of the bean.
Her work with [Iris Ebène](/perfume/atelier-materi-iris-ebene) demonstrates her commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. Using natural iris from the Atlas dry valley, she creates a textured, leathery composition that feels like cashmere on the skin. The fragrance required over six years of processing to produce the precious iris absolute, highlighting her dedication to premium raw materials.
[Bois d'Ambrette](/perfume/atelier-materi-bois-d-ambrette) showcases her skill with rare vegetal musks, featuring hand-harvested ambrette seeds from Peru's tropical dry forests. Meanwhile, [Poivre Pomelo](/perfume/atelier-materi-poivre-pomelo) draws inspiration from David Hockney's "Portrait of an Artist," creating a polychromatic landscape of bright, luminous citrus and spice.
Recognized as a rising star in perfumery, Hugentobler continues to challenge traditional industry approaches while embracing innovation, including discussions about artificial intelligence in fragrance creation. Her work represents the future of ethical, sustainable luxury perfumery.
