Iberchem Fragrance Creation Director Luz Vaquero Shares Industry Journey

For more than two decades Iberchem fragrance creation director Luz Vaquero has been perfecting their craft. Perfumer & Flavorist+ (P&F+) connected with the industry professional to hear about their journey within the evolving industry, fragrance memories and more. Vaquero's interview will also be highlighted in the August 2023 issue. Enjoy!

P&F+: What led you to the fragrance industry?

Luz Vaquero [LV]: I have always been attracted to science since I was a child, but, at the same time, I had a creative side that I enjoyed exploring. When I discovered the job of the perfumer, I knew it was for me—a job in which science and creativity wonderfully converge. It’s a perfect combination that I have been developing for more than 20 years now.

P&F+: What is your first scent/olfactory memory?

LVT: I can't say for sure what my first olfactory memory was, but I remember two smells from my childhood that left their mark on me.

The first was the peculiar smell of my grandfather's house; I loved that fresh, wet, green smell and I still remember it perfectly even today.

The second one was the smell of the beach. That warm, salty smell always takes me back to those long Mediterranean summers.

P&F+: Describe yourself in three ingredients.

LV: 1. Lemon: Citrus fruits are part of my Mediterranean roots, and I love their energy and joy.

2. Iris: This is a discreet yet elegant flower; it doesn’t call out for your attention, but its presence is unmistakable.

3. Amber: Powerful, strong and long-lasting.

P&F+: Any advice for people coming into the fragrance industry?

LV: Put all your energy and enthusiasm into every perfume you create and leave a little bit of yourself in every one of them. In that way, all your creations will bear your stamp and will be yours forever.

P&F+: How has the job of the perfumer changed over the course of your career?

LV: To be honest, it has changed a lot. Work used to be more relaxed, the deadlines for each project were much longer and the aim was, above all, to create a beautiful perfume.

However, immediacy has also impacted the world of perfume. Everything has to be carried out at a faster pace, and, as the consumer has changed, our work has changed too. We no longer remain loyal to just one perfume; we are constantly changing and adapting to each occasion, season and mood. The perfumer has to meet all these expectations and, at the same time, has to take into account not only the beauty of the fragrance, but also all the customer’s other requirements, such as effectiveness, sustainability and safety.