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    SILLORIA

    Perfumer Profile

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    Malaysian-born, London-educated, and Grasse-trained, Shyamala Maisondieu embodies the modern perfumer. She arrived in the industry almost by...More

    The Artisan

    The Story of Shyamala Maisondieu, Adriana Medina-Baez, Nadège Le Garlantezec, Sonia Constant

    Malaysian-born, London-educated, and Grasse-trained, Shyamala Maisondieu embodies the modern perfumer. She arrived in the industry almost by accident, spotting a newspaper advertisement in Kuala Lumpur seeking chemistry graduates willing to relocate. A meeting with a working perfumer sealed her fate. She studied at Givaudan's perfumery school in Grasse under Francoise Marin, before building her career in consumer products. In 2016, she joined Givaudan's fine fragrance team. Her 2019 Prix François Coty win confirmed what the industry already sensed. She co-created Lancôme Idôle, the French beauty house's first major launch since La Vie Est Belle, and her portfolio spans designer brands (Coach, Rochas), accessible labels (Yves Rocher, Mugler), and niche houses (État Libre d'Orange, Les Liquides Imaginaires). She lives between worlds, just as she was raised between cultures.

    Philosophy

    Maisondieu describes her mixed Malay and Indian heritage as a gift her father taught her to see as strength. That philosophy shapes her creative outlook. She believes curiosity is the most essential tool for any perfumer, a value instilled by her teacher Francoise Marin. She sees perfumery as a discipline where artistic vision and scientific rigor must work together, and she has spent her career refusing to let either element dominate. Her approach is open, restless, always searching for new combinations.

    Creative Approach

    Maisondieu works comfortably across categories, moving from mass-market consumer products to high-profile fine fragrances with apparent ease. Her work with Lancôme Idôle showcased her take on clean rose compositions, while her État Libre d'Orange contributions reveal a bolder, more provocative side. She gravitates toward florals but shows range across fruity, fresh, and oriental interpretations. Her training at Givaudan gave her a foundation in classical perfumery that she applies with modern sensibility.

    At a Glance

    Signature Style

    “Maisondieu works comfortably across categories, moving from mass-market consumer products to high-profile fine fragrances with apparent ease.”

    Notable Creations

    1

    Charogne

    2

    Succus

    3

    Terre de Lumière

    4

    Hamaca

    5

    Coach Floral