MAURICE ROGER
Maurice Roger, a prominent figure in the fragrance industry, has left an indelible mark in the world of perfumery through his exceptional work as a fragrance entrepreneur.
Maurice Roger joined Dior in the early 1980s, focusing on new fragrance projects. He was known for his unique approach to creating perfumes, seeking dramatic impact, and pushing the boundaries of conventional scents. It was under his direction that Dior's iconic perfume, Poison, was born.
Poison is the first Dior perfume not to bear the name of its founder. Maurice Roger wanted a fragrance that would be disturbing, provocative, and mysterious, leaving no one indifferent. In his pursuit of this bold scent, Roger commissioned several prominent perfumer-creators without providing them with any specific briefs.
To determine the final fragrance, trials were sent to the ten most elegant women in Paris, and Roger asked them to rank the scents in order of preference. Interestingly, he chose the perfume most disliked by the ten ladies, demonstrating his willingness to break away from the traditional expectations of perfume.
Roger worked closely with renowned perfumer Jean Guichard on the creation of Poison. Their collaboration resulted in a fragrance that was revolutionary in its time and continues to captivate the senses today. The writer Paul Valéry once said that "Perfume is the poison of the heart," and this statement encapsulates the essence of Poison's allure.
In addition to Poison, Maurice Roger also played a role in the development of Fahrenheit, another iconic Dior fragrance. Like Poison, this creation challenged traditional perfumery norms, adding to Roger's legacy as a visionary in the industry.
Maurice Roger's approach to perfume creation was characterized by his desire to push boundaries and create fragrances with dramatic impact. He was unafraid to explore unconventional and controversial scents, aiming to make a statement with his creations rather than conforming to popular expectations. This fearless approach allowed him to create iconic, long-lasting fragrances that continue to resonate with people worldwide.
