Calice Becker of Givaudan and Her Most Famous Perfumes

In the intricate world of perfumery, Calice Becker stands as a luminary, a trailblazer who has left an indelible mark on the fragrance industry. Renowned as one of the greatest women perfumers globally, Becker’s illustrious career spans over 125 fragrances for prestigious brands, solidifying her status as a visionary artist. Born in Paris to Russian parents, her journey from a curious child to the Head of Givaudan Perfumery School is a testament to her passion and relentless pursuit of perfection.

Calice Becker: The Orchestrator of Fragrance Symphony

1. Early Years and Determination:
   • Born with an innate curiosity, young Calice, at the age of four, pondered the enchanting question of how flowers found their way into perfume bottles. This early fascination foreshadowed her destiny as a perfumer, a journey that began as a trainee at Roure-Bertrand Dupont in Grasse.
2. Breaking Barriers:
   • Becker’s journey was not without challenges, especially as a woman in a male-dominated profession. Undeterred, she asserted her determination, famously declaring to a skeptical CEO, “With or without you, I will become a perfumer!” Her tenacity laid the foundation for her groundbreaking career.
3. Mentorship and Reformulation:
   • Mentored by the legendary Françoise Caron, Calice Becker embraced the role of a leader for a new generation of women perfumers. In 1990, early in her career, she was entrusted with the reformulation of the iconic Balmain Vent Vert, showcasing her talent even in the early stages of her journey.

Calice Becker’s Magnum Opus: Iconic Perfumes

1. Dior J’Adore:
   • In 1999, Calice Becker composed a fragrance that would redefine modern perfumery – Dior J’Adore. Setting a benchmark for fruity-floral scents, J’Adore’s opulent bouquet, vivid florals, and subtle woods created an instant sensation. It remains a timeless masterpiece and a hallmark of Becker’s artistry.
2. Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Girl:
   • Crafted in 1996, Tommy Girl became a fragrance that marked both the debut of Tommy Hilfiger’s women’s line and a milestone in Becker’s career. Light, youthful, and feminine, it seamlessly blends citrus, florals, and fruits, standing the test of time as a beloved classic.
3. By Kilian Love Don’t Be Shy:
   • A testament to her collaboration with Kilian Hennessy, Love Don’t Be Shy marries sophistication with sweetness. Launched in 2007, this gourmand fragrance, featuring marshmallow, skin musk, and orange blossom, became an instant favorite, even gaining the admiration of global sensation Rihanna.
4. Tom Ford Velvet Orchid:
   • Award-winning and radiant, Tom Ford Velvet Orchid, introduced in 2014, reflects a departure from the dark tones of Black Orchid. Becker’s expertise transforms the orchid note into a velvety, tactile experience, unveiling a composition that is both subtle and memorable.
5. By Kilian Back to Black, Aphrodisiac:
   • Released in 2009, Back to Black, Aphrodisiac captivates with its “unisexy” tobacco allure. Without using any actual tobacco ingredients, Becker weaves a hypnotic spell with sweet honey, creating a fragrance that pays tribute to the iconic Amy Winehouse hit.
6. Estee Lauder Beyond Paradise:
   • Revered as one of the finest tropical floral perfumes of the decade, Beyond Paradise, created by Becker, transports wearers to a South Pacific garden. The fragrance is a harmonious blend of exotic blooms, capturing the essence of a paradisiacal morning.

Calice Becker’s journey from a child’s wonder to the pinnacle of perfumery reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her creations, each a symphony of flowers, have left an indelible mark on the fragrance landscape. As Head of Givaudan Perfumery School and President of The International Society of Perfumer-Creators, she continues to safeguard the art and future of perfumery. Calice Becker’s legacy endures in each bottle, an olfactory masterpiece that transcends time and captivates the senses.