Perfumer Profile: Jordi Fernández
Jordi Fernández is a name reshaping the landscape of modern perfumery. Senior perfumer at Givaudan and often nicknamed “Master of Oudh”, he’s credited for a wave of fragrances that feel at once daring, innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.
Our multi award-winning magazine, The Scented Letter, featured Jordi in an in-depth interview by editor Jo Fairley, earlier this year, uncovering just how inspiration strikes – sometimes in his Mediterranean hometown, in bustling Paris or Dubai, or in the quiet, creative spaces of Givaudan’s labs.
Jordi’s approach is of course technically incredible (the way he transforms what we think we know about a ‘fruity’ fragrance has to be smelled to be believed!), but also profoundly personal and collaborative. “A fragrance is never finished – there’s always another layer to explore,” Jordi confided in his conversation with Jo. He sketches ideas on paper, refines them across hundreds of tweaks, and believes the character of a perfume emerges only through trial, teamwork, and moments of inspiration. ‘Nature inspires me – sometimes I’m trying to capture the exact sensation of a sea breeze’ he revealed, ‘other times, the sunset over Middle Eastern dunes.’
For Jordi, it transpires, perfumery is a way of seeing the world – whether it’s through raw materials like patchouli, which he describes as ‘the power of the earth’, or the complexity of oudh, which he says ‘unfolds a rich, animalic depth’ with just a tiny addition.
To read the full and truly fascinating interview, treat yourself to the gloriously glossy print copy of The Scented Letter: renowned for the most in-depth profiles, facts, industry news and interviews with both master perfumers and up-and-coming names – always the best for your nose.
Jordi’s fragrances brim with his signature multifaceted style – sometimes opulent, sometimes minimalist, always full of texture and unexpected delight. Here are just a few highlights from his prolific portfolio…
Maison Crivelli Oud Maracujá
Oud Maracujá is a jungle-bright collision where luminous passionfruit and Turkish rose fizz over the smoky, animalic richness of oud and patchouli. Saffron sprinkles golden spice through the heart, while labdanum, leather and vanilla soften the base, adding glowing comfort. Jordi’s touch is to balance tropical exhilaration with deep, addictive woods – a daring journey from orchard sunlight to incense-shadowed forest.
£220 for 50ml extrait de parfum harveynichols.com
Nishane Oudous Lux Solis
Oudous Lux Solis beams with a sunlit opening of tropical fruits and juicy Italian mandarin, chilled by the sparkle of pomelo and ginger. Layers of honeyed cistus and aquatic calone shimmer in the heart, leading into a smoky, resinous fusion of oud, Indonesian patchouli and Akigalawood. The result is like radiant warmth and depth mingling together – Jordi’s vision of sunlight over rich, mysterious woods.
£310 for 100ml extrait de parfum harrods.com
Michael Kors Pour Femme
Pour Femme glows with a vibrant rush of mandarin orange and blackcurrant, tingled by pink pepper. The heart unfolds soft jasmine, lily of the valley and romantic Bulgarian rose, while the base smooths into sensual vanilla, earthy patchouli and delicate musk. Jordi brings lightness and clarity to classic florals, wrapping each petal in warmth, creamy sophistication and modern, long-lasting beauty.
£48.75 for 30ml eau de parfum boots.com
BDK Impadia
Impadia begins like the perfect Paris morning – juicy pear, zesty bergamot and mandarin, all uplifting and fresh. The floral heart mingles Turkish and Bulgarian rose with radiant orange flower, their petals whispering of elegance and modernity. Vanilla absolute and sensual sandalwood form the lingering, plush base, each note layered with superfine detail – a fragrance that’s effortless, chic and wholly embracing, like a memory of sunlight on skin.
£190 for 100ml eau de parfum harrods.com
Moncler Sunrise pour Homme
Sunrise pour Homme is clean mountain air captured in scent form. Bergamot, lemon and a dash of spicy pink pepper open the composition with sparkling clarity. Suede and aromatic clary sage create smooth texture, while Haitian vetiver, frankincense and patchouli form a magnetic, woody base. Sunrise feels both invigorating and grounding – the essence of confidence and effortless style, Jordi’s skill at bringing the outdoors directly to you.
£76 for 60ml eau de parfum debenhams.com
If you crave more from Jordi Fernández – his creative rituals, how he blends Mediterranean roots with global visions, and the inside story behind his latest launches – don’t miss our full feature in the print issue, A World of Ingredients! Our exclusive Working Nose series of interviews is where every fragrance lover can discover true (and rare) insight into the way their favourite perfumer’s mind works. And perhaps find their next olfactory obsession. We’re sure if you delve into Jordi Fernandez’s extensive back-catalogue of compositions, you’ll fall for many (as we, and countless others of fragrance lovers, have).
So now you only have to decide which of his works you’ll explore first. Dive in – nose deep! There’s much to adore as you explore…
Written by Suzy Nightingale
