DELPHINE JELK

Had she not become one of the leading noses at Guerlain, her career would likely have taken a path in the sciences.

- Words: Amos Chin

In 1999, DELPHINE JELK unveiled a groundbreaking graduate collection that merged men’s ready-to-wear with an olfactory dimension, pioneering the concept of fashion as a multi-sensory experience. Working in collaboration with Firmenich, she translated the textures of cashmere and linen into evocative fragrances—poetic extensions of her garments. This bold and visionary approach drew the attention of industry leaders, securing her a role as a trend researcher with Firmenich’s teams in Geneva and Paris.

A serendipitous meeting with a perfumer, however, changed the course of her career. The encounter ignited in Jelk a deep curiosity about the raw materials of perfume, leading her to the renowned Grasse Institute of Perfumery. By 2003, she was honing her craft at Drom Fragrances under the guidance of Grasse master perfumer, Philippe Romano.

Her journey then led her to New York, a city alive with inspiration and possibility. Amid the buzz of collaborating with the world’s most iconic fragrance houses, destiny brought her to Guerlain. What began as an exchange of creative minds evolved into a defining moment: the creation of La Petite Robe Noire, a fragrance that would achieve global acclaim. This triumph not only solidified her bond with Guerlain but welcomed her into its storied family, where she worked alongside the legendary master perfumer Thierry Wasser.