Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
2 weeks ago
United Kingdom Christopher Sheldrake is a renowned perfumer, recognized for his significant contributions to fine fragrance creation and his unique stylistic approach, particularly through his extensive work with luxury brands like Chanel and Serge Lutens.
Christopher Sheldrake partnered with Serge Lutens, Artistic Director of Shiseido. Their collaboration led to the launch of Serge Lutens' brand Salons du Palais-Royal in 1992, for which Sheldrake created "Féminité du Bois." This partnership has generated a collection of almost 100 fragrances, including "Ambre Sultan," "5 o’clock au Gingembre,” “Une Nuit en Cellophane,” and “Fille de Berlin.”
Sheldrake had an early passage at CHANEL Paris in 1980. He returned to CHANEL in 2005 with the title of Perfumer - Director of R&D Perfumes, working alongside Jacques Polge and Olivier Polge. He continues to create for CHANEL.
Sheldrake joined QUEST UK, now GIVAUDAN, in 1984, which allowed him to discover global markets. He continues to work with the Givaudan palette of ingredients for his creations with Serge Lutens.
Sheldrake began his perfumery story with a three-month placement at CHARABOT in Grasse, France, where he discovered his passion for ingredients and was hired as an apprentice by Master Perfumer Georges Cœur.
Sheldrake had successive passages at ROBERTET in England, further consolidating his knowledge of natural ingredients and the fine-fragrance world.
Christopher Sheldrake has been appointed as the Perfumer for the brand SPOTURNO, a brand with a history rooted in Corsica, revived by Véronique Coty. Sheldrake's creations are noted for carrying the wake of high perfumery for the brand.
Christopher Sheldrake has created perfumes for Avon.
Christopher Sheldrake has created perfumes for SpaceNK.
Christopher Sheldrake has created perfumes for Rochas.
Christopher Sheldrake’s career in perfumery began in 1974. Initially intending to study architecture, a three-month placement at CHARABOT in Grasse, France, sparked his interest in perfumery ingredients. He was recognized by Master Perfumer Georges Cœur, who subsequently hired him as an apprentice. His early career included periods at ROBERTET in England and CHANEL Paris in 1980, where he deepened his understanding of natural ingredients and the fine-fragrance industry. In 1984, he joined QUEST UK, now GIVAUDAN, which exposed him to global markets and diverse perfumery challenges.
From 1987, Sheldrake spent five years in Yokohama, Japan. During this time, he immersed himself in the local cultures of South Korea and Japan, creating fragrances for a broad range of categories, from luxury items to detergents. This experience provided him with a strong foundation in the complex chemistry of perfumes, navigating technical constraints. A significant turning point occurred in 1989 when he met Serge Lutens, Artistic Director of Shiseido, in Tokyo. This meeting led to a long-standing partnership. In 1992, Sheldrake created “Féminité du Bois” for Lutens’ new brand, Salons du Palais-Royal, which notably disrupted existing fragrance trends. A year later, in 1993, he created “Ambre Sultan” for the brand. This collaboration has since resulted in nearly 100 fragrances, including “5 o’clock au Gingembre,” “Une Nuit en Cellophane,” and “Fille de Berlin.”
In 2005, Sheldrake returned to CHANEL with the title of Perfumer – Director of R&D Perfumes, working alongside Jacques Polge and later Olivier Polge. In this role, he engaged in all aspects of fragrance creation, from agricultural experiments and innovation in extraction methods to supply chain management and manufacturing. He continues to create for Serge Lutens, utilizing what he refers to as his “secret garden”—the Givaudan palette of ingredients—to express his unique passion in different styles. His work is often described as authentic, mysterious, and creative. Beyond his creative work, Christopher Sheldrake is a founding member of the S.I.P.C. (Société International Parfumeurs Créateurs), Vice-Président of the Osmothèque (Conservatoire International du Parfum), and Président of the S.A.O. (Société des Amis de l’Osmothèque).
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
