Perfumer Spotlight Part 2) OLIVIER CRESP
In the second installment of this series I will once again be touching on a perfumer who shaped the current generation of the art. Like JC-B, Cresp also hails from Grasse, France and comes from a family deeply rooted in the fragrance industry, one that continues with his son Sébastien Cresp.
One thing about Cresp that I heavily relate to is a pursue in business studies but the decision to follow his passion in perfumery. Starting his career at Quest International, it didn’t take long for Olivier to begin making a name for himself. He now holds the title of Master Perfumer at dsm-firmenich, having created many classics such as Black Opium by YVES SAINT LAURENT PARFUMS, Light Blue by DOLCE&GABBANA and cult classic Angel by Thierry Mugler Parfums.
My top 5 Olivier Cresp Fragrances:
1) Bracken Man by AMOUAGE: One of the greatest Fougeres (fern like) ever created, this fragrance hails in my top 5 Amouage of all time (along with a few others that will be featured in future installments). This aromatic beauty is masterfully blended and features a blend of spices, woods, and greens. The Lavender, Clove, Cypress, Nutmeg combo in the top is balanced with lemon and Bergamot. The Heart doubles down on the woods with both cedar and sandal, while adding cinnamon and geranium to bridge the gap. The rundown consists of a perfectly done patchouli and musk combo that firmly puts it in masterpiece contention.
2) Sedley by Parfums de Marly:
Oh boy do I love a good Mint and Sedley’s Spearmint is one of my favorites. Made in tandem with HAMID MERATI - KASHANI, this fresh more mature blue offers an exquisite blend of aquatic, citrus and florals, with firmenich’s aldehydic Hivernal, and Solar notes propping up the incredible spearmint. This has a much more mature feel to it then most “blues” and that is in part thanks to the lavender and geranium combo blending with the mix of cedar and sandalwoods, a sophisticated white musk, and a dash of frankincense in the base.
3) Gentleman Reserve Privee by GIVENCHY
Much like mints and cherry, my boozy collection is right up there with my tobacco. Most of the fragrances I will feature will be “niche” because that is where I lean as a connoisseurs and creator, but credit where credit is due this is a must have in any collector’s wardrobe. I like to diversify my boozy scents and this is one of the best whisky fragrances you can find. Its other most prominent notes are Chestnut, Iris, Indonesian Patchouli, Virginia Cedar, and Haitian Veriver. It’s mixed just like the best scotch whiskey’s you’ll find, just more affordable.
4) Awake by Akro Fragrances by Olivier Cresp: Wouldn’t be right to make a top 5 list and not include at least one from his own line… but make no mistake awake deserves its spot in this list. This gourmand is simple yet elegant, and is one of my favorite coffee scents, featuring Brazilian coffee, lemon, cardamom, and Vetiver. Giving it its name’s sake.
