Jerome Epinette is a renowned French perfumer who has worked with several high-profile fragrance houses, such as Byredo, Atelier Cologne, Frapin, and Olfactive Studio, among others. He was born and raised in Burgundy, France's famous wine region, and from an early age, he became fascinated by the complexities of winemaking. However, he also had a strong interest in perfumery, which led him to choose a career in this field.
After earning a master's degree in biochemistry from the University of Burgundy in Dijon, France, Epinette entered the Grasse Institute of Perfumery, where he honed his skills in the art of creating scents. In 2003, he joined the Paris office of Robertet, a leading fragrance and flavor company, and was part of the team that launched the New York Creative Center in 2006. He now lives and works in New York.
Epinette has earned recognition for his use of exceptionally high-quality natural ingredients, which he elegantly combines with the finest synthetics to create unique and captivating fragrances. He has created numerous best-sellers and critically acclaimed perfumes for brands ranging from mass-market giants like Victoria's Secret and L'Occitane en Provence to niche leaders like Atelier Cologne and the Decennial line by Luckyscent. However, he is perhaps best known for his collaboration with Ben Gorham in creating the successful Byredo line, where he personally developed the majority of the scents.
Epinette's approach to fragrance creation is characterized by his attention to detail, the use of mood boards, and the importance he places on following the evolution of a perfume on the skin. He has a distinct style marked by his use of patchouli and sandalwood, which he combines in various ways to create a unique olfactory experience. Recently, he also collaborated with the Floral Street perfume house, creating the Electric Rhubarb fragrance in partnership with the Chelsea Flower Show.