Ursula Wandel
Ursula Wandel entered the fragrance world through Givaudan’s renowned perfumery academy, where she memorized thousands of raw materials and honed her craft by reproducing classic compositions. By her third year she began shaping original accords, a skill that earned her a junior position at Givaudan’s fine‑fragrance division. Early assignments included a 2002 amber‑rich scent for a luxury house, followed by a bold, woody launch for a leading menswear brand in 2003. Her breakthrough arrived when she partnered with Nina Cerutti, delivering five distinct creations that captured the designer’s avant‑garde aesthetic. The success propelled her to Vice President of Fine Fragrance, where she now guides a global team while still crafting signature pieces for fashion houses, supermodel lines, and niche releases. Throughout her career Ursula balances rigorous technical training with an instinct for emotional resonance, a blend that keeps her work fresh and coveted.
The hits
Notable creations
The signature
How Ursula composes
Uria’s signature technique weaves a clear top accord with a sustained heart and a lingering base, often beginning with bright citrus or green notes that dissolve into jasmine, rose, or violet. She favors amber, patchouli, and soft woods to anchor the dry‑down, adding subtle mineral or marine accents for contrast. Synthetic musks appear when she needs a clean, long‑lasting finish, while natural resins provide depth. Her palettes frequently feature luminous florals paired with warm, powdery undertones, creating scents that feel both modern and timeless.
Philosophy
What drives Ursula
Ursula treats each bottle as a conversation between memory and moment. She believes a fragrance must anchor a feeling while inviting the wearer to explore its layers. Natural extracts earn her respect for their depth, yet she embraces synthetics when they sharpen focus or reveal hidden facets. Her work strives for clarity, avoiding clutter in favor of a clear narrative that unfolds on the skin. She credits curiosity and disciplined experimentation as the engines that drive her creations, insisting that every accord serve a purpose rather than merely decorate the composition.
The houses
Maisons Ursula composes for
In the same league