Ilias Ermenidis
Ilias attributes his positive nature to his Mediterranean origins. He loves to spend time in Greece each summer to see his family and friends. His passion for his craft is complemented by his love of family and fatherhood- the most important pillars of his life. He thinks of them as being embedded in his sense of self and in his outlook on the world.
Ilias Ermenidis' rich multicultural outlook developed naturally during his childhood; having lived in so many different countries, he is a true citizen of the world and has a remarkable command of languages. The Greek heritage of this charming perfumer permeates his every pore; he lives life to the full and enjoys it immensely.
Ilias was born in Constantinople, where he spent his early childhood, and later moved to Athens. He studied perfumery in Paris. His fascination for fragrances arose in his father's fragrance and scent factory in Istanbul, where he did an internship every summer. Later, in France, Ilias experienced some of the most important events of his life, which would deeply mark him and define his life: he met his future wife, his professional mentors and started his career at Firmenich.
Ilias was the first trainee perfumer hired by Firmenich to graduate from ISIP; he is still very proud of this fact. He fully understands the DNA of the company he joined so many years ago: "At Firmenich I live my passion; I feel like an artist in residence". Constantly searching for new horizons, and having spent ten years living between Paris and Geneva, Ilias moved to New York, to a completely new city and way of life, where he has been thriving for more than 20 years.
Ilias attributes his positive character to his Mediterranean origins. He loves spending time in Greece every summer to see his family and friends. His passion for his craft is complemented by his love for family and fatherhood, the most important pillars of his life. He considers them to be ingrained in his way of being and seeing the world.
Ilias brings the same enthusiasm to all his projects, in search of new emotions to share with the men and women who will one day wear his creations. His generosity of spirit is matched only by the gratitude he feels for the privilege of practising such a beautiful craft, each and every day of his life.
