Delphine Jelk
"Olfaction is an emotional memory. It's a form of alchemy, a magic that is created by contact with the skin."
Delphine Jelk was born in 1977 in Fribourg, Switzerland. Passionate about science and art from an early age, she dreamed of becoming an alchemist. After her baccalauréat, she turned to fashion design and enrolled at the École Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode (ESMOD) in Paris. During her final year project, she combined fashion and perfumery by creating a multi-sensory collection in which each outfit was accompanied by a perfume, thus beginning her transition to the olfactory world.
She started at Firmenich, a giant in the perfume industry, where she learned about raw materials and fragrance combinations. She honed her skills at the Institut de Parfumerie de Grasse (GIP), surrounded by master perfumers. Her mentor, Philippe Romano, steered her towards a collaboration with Guerlain.
In 2008, she officially joined Guerlain and signed her first major success, La Petite Robe Noire, which has become a worldwide icon. Alongside Thierry Wasser, she has contributed to a number of creations, notably in the haute parfumerie collection L'Art et La Matière, where she combines tradition and modernity.
Her fragrance Néroli Plein Sud, inspired by the travels of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, illustrates her ability to tell stories through scent.
Awarded the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2021 for her talent, Delphine Jelk is now a key figure in French perfumery. She is also dedicated to creating bespoke fragrances that embody excellence and luxury. Her vision is based on emotion, innovation and respect for the Guerlain heritage.
