Maïa Lernout

Maïa Lernout was born in Paris and shaped early by summers in the south of France, where the landscapes of the Luberon sparked a lasting passion for scent. She studied perfumery at ISIPCA, then began her training at Robertet — where she discovered the world of natural extracts — before going on to work with Créations Aromatiques, Kao, and Biolandes. At Biolandes, starting in 2006, she helped develop laboratories focused on rose, cistus, vanilla, and iris.

She joined Takasago in 2010, where she built a creative partnership with Francis Kurkdjian and signed fragrances for Kenzo, Elie Saab, Nina Ricci, Burberry, and Molton Brown. Her work gravitates toward luminous florals and high-quality natural materials — a sensibility that comes through in standout projects like LolitaLand, Rose Extase, Her Elixir de Parfum, Le Parfum Royal, and Gentleman Society for Givenchy, which was named Men's Fragrance of the Year in 2024.

Drawn to light and contrast, she approaches perfumery as a meeting point between art and science — with the goal of creating something that evokes joy and stays with you.