Sébastien Cresp
Sébastien Cresp grew up in Grasse, the historic heart of perfume, where his grandfather and father, Olivier Cresp, traded raw materials. As a child he inhaled the scent of crushed petals, ambergris, and fresh citrus, learning the language of aroma before he could read. He entered the industry as an apprentice at Firmenich, where he earned a formal training in raw material evaluation and composition. Over fifteen years he rose from junior nose to senior perfumer, shaping scents for global brands while absorbing the discipline of his family’s workshop. In 2023 he accepted a senior role at Atelier Fragranze Milano, marking a new chapter that blends his French heritage with Italian creativity. His breakthrough arrived with the Kayali pistachio‑gelato line, a playful yet sophisticated take on gourmand trends that earned him recognition across the niche market.
The hits
Notable creations
The signature
How Sébastien composes
Sébastien favors a clear structure: a bright opening, a heart that evolves, and a grounding base. He often starts with citrus or green notes to create immediacy, then introduces gourmand elements such as pistachio, caramel, or vanilla to add depth. He relies on high‑quality natural absolutes—jasmine, rose, and cedar—to anchor his blends. In the lab he layers ingredients in small increments, testing each addition on skin to gauge longevity and projection. He prefers transparent, skin‑friendly formulas that feel intimate rather than overpowering, and he enjoys experimenting with unexpected pairings like spice and fruit to keep his creations fresh.
Philosophy
What drives Sébastien
Sébastien believes a fragrance must capture a moment and then linger as a memory. He approaches each brief with curiosity, asking what emotion the client wishes to bottle. He respects the material’s origin, allowing natural notes to speak before adding synthetics that sharpen the narrative. He treats the lab like a studio, sketching ideas with accords before committing to a full composition. His work reflects a balance between tradition and modernity, honoring the lineage of Grasse while embracing contemporary palettes. He measures success by the way a scent resonates in daily life, not by awards.
The houses
Maisons Sébastien composes for
In the same league