Christopher Sheldrake

The career of Christopher Sheldrake

Christopher Sheldrake is a British perfumer whom many consider to have revolutionized the world of perfume. A bold figure, he began his career at the Charabot company, in Grasse. However, he did not stay there long and decided, some time later, to join the Robertet company, in Great Britain. It was there that he began developing creations for Chanel. Indeed, he collaborated with the house from 1979 to 1982. Then, unlike many perfumers who spend nearly their entire careers within the same group, Christopher Sheldrake once again left his position and went to work for Quest International. There, he traveled to numerous countries such as France, Japan and Great Britain. It was from that point onward that Christopher Sheldrake truly began to build a reputation. From then on, his reputation preceding him, he had no difficulty gaining entry into the greatest perfume houses. In 2005 he decided to leave the Quest group to officially join the house of Chanel. He currently still holds a position there as director of perfume research and development. He works there in constant collaboration with Jacques Polge, Chanel's official nose. However, in parallel, Christopher Sheldrake enjoys working with Serge Lutens, a brand that allows him to express all his creativity without constraint, and with which he has happily collaborated since 1995.

The inspirations of Christopher Sheldrake

Christopher Sheldrake is an atypical man, celebrated for his perfumes, which are somewhat erotic, highly aesthetic and authentic. He is generally drawn to rather heavy, particularly intoxicating scents. Most of the time, Christopher Sheldrake signs compositions blending natural raw materials with spices. Above all, Christopher Sheldrake likes to create surprise. Novelty is a shock. It is not comfortable because it brings about doubt, he likes to philosophize. In this sense, he fits perfectly with the ambitions of the house Serge Lutens. However, having repeatedly observed the strong success of fresh, natural notes in perfumes, he no longer hesitates to incorporate them into his compositions. Lastly, it should also be noted that incense is one of his signature materials. It often serves as a common thread running through his compositions. Christopher Sheldrake appreciates its mysterious side, faintly divine and ever bewitching.