The Artisan
The Story of Christian Carbonnel (aka Chris Maurice)
Christian Carbonnel, who goes by Chris Maurice in the perfume world, represents the third generation of a family that has shaped Spanish perfumery for nearly a century. His grandfather Maurice Carbonnel established the family business in 1921, first in Alicante then Barcelona, producing high-quality essential oils. Chris literally grew up surrounded by formulas and aromatic materials, trained in the family laboratory under the guidance of his father Francisco Carbonnel and alongside a team of seventeen skilled perfumers. His father's pioneering travels to the Middle East to create oriental fragrances shaped Chris's deep expertise in that tradition. Over his 25-year career, Chris has risen from inheritor of family knowledge to a master perfumer in his own right, modernizing Carbonnel S.A. with cutting-edge technology while preserving the house's commitment to quality. He has collaborated with the world's most prestigious niche houses, building a reputation that extends far beyond Barcelona.
Philosophy
Chris approaches fragrance creation as both a craft rooted in tradition and a form of personal expression. He believes in the transformative power of exceptional raw materials, traveling the world to personally source the rarest and most precious ingredients for his formulations. This meticulous pursuit of quality defines his creative process, allowing him to craft scents that feel both innovative and timeless. His work reflects an understanding that great perfumery sits at the intersection of art and science, requiring both technical mastery and intuition.
Creative Approach
Chris has developed a signature style marked by rich, complex oriental compositions and meticulous attention to material quality. He favors bold, long-lasting ingredients and demonstrates particular skill in working with oud, amber, and exotic spice combinations. His work spans from the opulent, jewel-toned creations he has produced for Xerjoff to more contemporary, nuanced interpretations for houses like Nishane and Zoologist. Whether building a monumental oriental or a refined citrus, he brings the same commitment to depth and character. He gravitates toward fragrances that make a statement while remaining wearable, balancing intensity with elegance.
At a Glance
1999
27+ years of craft
1
Total career creations
1
Single house focus
3.5
Community sentiment
Signature Style
“Chris has developed a signature style marked by rich, complex oriental compositions and meticulous attention to material quality.”
Notable Creations
Alexandria II
Lira
La Capitale
Accento
Erba Pura