Exploring MATIERE PREMIERE: The Rose Perfume Journey of Perfumer Aurélien Guichard

In the world of perfumery, one perfumer has captured global attention with his passion and commitment to high-quality ingredients. His name is Aurélien Guichard, the founder of the French brand MATIERE PREMIERE, which is known for its unique collection of fragrances. The brand's name, MATIERE PREMIERE, actually means "raw materials," embodying Guichard’s philosophy of valuing exceptional ingredients as the core of his creations.
Unlike traditional fragrances that follow a top, middle, and base note structure, MATIERE PREMIERE designs each scent to highlight a single protagonist ingredient paired with supporting notes, emphasizing the authentic natural beauty of the materials used. In this article, we will delve into the brand's story, its distinctive approach to perfumery, and the personal journey of Aurélien Guichard.
Brand Story
MATIERE PREMIERE’s roots can be traced back to the background of its founder, Aurélien Guichard, a seventh-generation perfumer from a renowned family in Grasse, France—the perfume capital of the world. Growing up surrounded by fields of roses and jasmine, he developed a deep passion for scents that shaped his sensitivity and understanding of raw materials.
At the age of 25, Aurélien enrolled in the prestigious Givaudan School, launching his career in perfumery. Over more than a decade, he created fragrances for notable brands like Gucci and Narciso Rodriguez before founding MATIERE PREMIERE in 2019.
Innovative Fragrance Design
Focusing on high-quality raw materials, MATIERE PREMIERE’s fragrances contain over 85% natural ingredients, with some plants being cultivated directly by Aurélien himself at his estate in Grasse, including thousands of centifolia roses and tuberose. This dedication to natural raw materials allows MATIERE PREMIERE’s fragrances to present the purest possible scent experience.
Each creation is meticulously crafted with a unique blend of selected ingredients, making each perfume an exclusive piece of art. From the rose-centric "Radical Rose" to the Australian sandalwood inspired "Santal Austral," every fragrance tells a distinct story.
Fragrance Collection
Currently, MATIERE PREMIERE offers a collection of 11 eaux de parfum, embracing a variety of aromatic styles, ranging from fresh and sweet to rich and woody, catering to different preferences. Here are some of the highly acclaimed offerings:
- Radical Rose: Featuring centifolia roses as the protagonist, complemented with saffron, Jamaican pink pepper, and patchouli, showcasing a bright rose fragrance.
- Santal Austral: Centered around Australian sandalwood, enriched with almond, iris, and benzoin, conveying a fresh woody aroma.
- French Flower: Utilizing tuberose as the main ingredient enhanced by ginger and green tea to express the seductive and captivating nature of the flower.
- Cologne Cédrat: Based on citron, accented with black pepper and bergamot for a refreshing zest.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Aurélien Guichard plans to launch a concentrated perfume series in 2025. This new line will delve deeper into the existing scents, using higher fragrance concentrations and unique guest ingredients to enhance scent depth and complexity. This evolution not only upgrades the MATIERE PREMIERE brand but also responds to modern consumers' needs.
With a keen insight into fragrances and a passion for natural ingredients, Aurélien Guichard and his MATIERE PREMIERE continue to explore and innovate, making the brand a shining star in the perfume industry, continually capturing the world's attention.