Christine Nagel

Christine Nagel’s atypical career

Born in 1959 in Geneva, Christine Nagel has an unusual career path. Many consider that she even learned perfumery against the tide to reach its highest peak of excellence. Christine Nagel first studied organic chemistry. This is how she joined the Firmenich research laboratory, in the chromatography department, a technique that allows the molecules of a material to be separated and analyzed. In other words, his original destiny was not really creative. Nevertheless, it was there that she met a man who turned her life upside down: the famous Alberto Morillas. A real star among perfumers, this one made him smell some of his accords and that was enough to make him want to become a perfumer. VS’ It was therefore within Création Aromatique that it took its first steps. She headed the chromatography department there for 10 years alongside Michel Almairac and designed her first perfumes with him. Then, in 1997, she was appointed perfumer at Quest International. Thus, she created her first great juices such as The One by Dolce & Gabbana, Eau de Cartier, For Her by Narcisso Rodriguez or Miss Dior Chérie. Then, Christine Nagel joined the Givaudan company in 2000. Her talent was then rewarded with numerous prizes such as a Fifi Awards, in 2005 or a Coty Prize, in 2007. In 2008, she turned to the small company Fragrance Resources , taking over from Pierre Bourdon. In 2011, she became Creative Director and Head of the Mane School of Perfumers. Finally, as the culmination of his exemplary journey, she joined Hermès in 2014 as an exclusive perfumer designer. Likewise, since January 1, 2016, she has held the position of Director of Creation and Hermès olfactory heritage.

The noble and unique style of Christine Nagel

Christine Nagel has always been fascinated by Michel Almairac’s “wakes with panache”. Thus, in this line, she began by developing chypre juices and very present. It must be said that the Mediterranean character fits like a glove to its fiery personality! Cartesian and instinctive, Christine Nagel is considered to be a freedom-loving nose. His temperament is out of tune and only perfumery seems to have the power to channel it. She says of her job that it is a real fascination for her. “I spent almost 10 years in a technical bubble,” she says, “suddenly I came to fragrances late. At my age, I still feel the wonder, the freshness of a young girl. In addition, basic mastery allows me to dose more. “
Christine Nagel thus seems to draw her strength from a clever mix of daring and creativity combined with extraordinary technical expertise. What is more, her fiery spirit is particularly suited to her new position at Hermès, a company which, let us remember, has always been passionate about the indomitable world of horse riding.