Carlos Benaïm

About

Carlos Benaïm is a master perfumer renowned for his imaginative and harmonious compositions, and is one of the most influential figures in modern perfumery. Born and raised in Tangiers, Morocco, he was inspired at an early age by his father, a pharmacist with a passion for extracting essential oils. Benaïm studied chemical engineering before beginning his perfumery career, eventually joining International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), where he became the company's first-ever Master Perfumer in 2013. Over the decades, Benaïm has created fragrances for many of the world’s top fashion and beauty brands, including Armani, Calvin Klein, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, and notably Ralph Lauren. He is credited with shaping iconic scents such as Polo for Ralph Lauren and White Diamonds for Elizabeth Taylor, both of which had a significant impact on the fragrance industry. His creations have won numerous awards and honors, including the American Society of Perfumers Lifetime Achievement Award and the Fragrance Foundation's Perfumer of the Year Lifetime Achievement award. Beyond his artistry, Benaïm is active in philanthropy, notably through his leadership roles at the International Sephardic Education Foundation.