Ralf Schwieger

Born in Germany, Ralf Schwieger discovered his fascination with the unique interplay between science and art in perfumery as a chemistry student. After studying fragrance chemistry in Berlin, Ralf boldly decided to move to Grasse and immerse himself in perfumery training at the prestigious Roure Bertrand Dupont.

Ralf Schwieger's career spans renowned fragrance houses such as Givaudan and Mane and collaborations with top brands like YSL and Hermès. He has created iconic fragrances like Eau des Merveilles and its popular flankers for Hermès. However, his passion for creativity and playfulness truly shines through his work for niche perfume houses like Etat Libre d'Orange, where he crafted Fils de Dieu and The Afternoon of a Faun, and Atelier Cologne, where he designed the much-loved Orange Sanguine.

Ralf describes his approach to perfume making as a two-part game, where the first part is intellectual or conceptual, and the second part is a more extended process of sensory research. This results in perfumes that are both cerebral and intuitive, reflecting his background in science and his artistic aspirations. He also views perfumery as a playful endeavor inspired by the dynamic triangle between art, science, and industry.

The most popular perfumes he composed are Mugler Womanity, Hermès Eau des Merveilles, Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine, Yves Saint Laurent Baby Doll, Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensée, Frederic Malle Lipstick Rose.

Ralf Schwieger's olfactory influences range from his childhood explorations of German forests to the works of legendary perfumers like Edmond Roudnitska and Germaine Cellier. Various aspects of life, including the art of cooking, contemporary dance, the beauty of nature, and Japanese culture, inspire him. Ralf's appreciation for raw materials, both natural and synthetic, is evident in his creations, where he masterfully combines them in unexpected proportions.