Master perfumer Olivier Pescheux died Monday in Paris at age 57. The passing “after fighting against an extended disease” was confirmed in an announcement released by fragrance house Givaudan on Tuesday.

A renowned and award-winning perfumer, Pescheux was known for his elegant and luminous olfactive writing, which defined many leading fragrances, including Eau Mohéli, Eau des Sens, Fleur de Peau and Orphéon by Diptyque; Herod by Parfums de Marly; L.12.12 Blanc de Lacoste, and Explorer by Montblanc. 

Other highlights include Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million scent, which last yr was voted by beauty industry insiders as one among the 100 biggest fragrances of all time, and the Diptyque 34 Collection, which took the “Home Collection of the 12 months” acknowledgement on the Fragrance Foundation Awards in 2019.

Pescheux was also the nose behind fragrances of marquee brands including Versace and Yohji Yamamoto. In 2018, he joined fellow Givaudan perfumer Nisrine Grillié and the H&M in-house team in making a fragrance collection of 25 scents for the Swedish fast-fashion retailer.

Born in Paris in 1966, he graduated from ISIPCA and began his profession in 1990 by joining Grasse-based manufacturer Payan Bertrand in Bangkok. Upon his return to Paris in 1992, he joined perfume house Annick Goutal, before moving to Kao Corp. in 1993. He joined Givaudan in 1998, returning in 2006 after a temporary period at Quest International.

“We’re deeply saddened by the lack of Olivier Pescheux. He has not only been the architect of lots of probably the most beautiful and iconic fragrances of the industry, but in addition an adored person, dedicated to his art and committed to mentor the upcoming generation of perfumers,” Gilles Andrier, chief executive officer of Givaudan, said within the statement.

“Olivier liked to define himself as a craftsman, and he really was,” echoed Xavier Renard, the corporate’s global head of fantastic fragrances. “His ability to transcend any material, to make any ingredient tell latest stories, made Olivier one of the crucial vital and celebrated creative minds. He leaves us with a prodigious amount of creations and his shiny personality will proceed to pass though his legacy.”

Oriol Segui, head of fantastic fragrances Europe, underscored that Pescheux “immensely contributed to shape today and tomorrow’s perfumery.”

“He was loved for his warm and friendly character, his generosity and his boundless artistry. Olivier might be deeply missed,” added Segui.

“Givaudan offers his family, relatives and friends its deepest condolences and likewise fully supports the community of its perfumers, that we all know are particularly saddened at this difficult time,” concluded the company statement.