INTERVIEWS – ACTUBEAUTY
In the heart of Grasse, the historic cradle of global perfumery, Gérard Gatti embodies a timeless passion that blends heritage, innovation, and olfactory poetry. Founder of Fragrance Concerto and creator of the brand Geodora, this virtuoso of scents has spent over thirty years crafting fragrances that transcend borders. From his beginnings with major cosmetic companies to his inspired collaboration with South Africa—and his deep love for the nature of Grasse—Gérard Gatti reveals a philosophy where perfume becomes a universal narrative. In this interview, he shares his journey, his cherished triad (Grasse, nature, and perfume wearers), and his vision of sincere creation, nourished by dialogue and words. Discover the path of a man for whom each note tells a story, each fragrance is a cultural dialogue, and every project is an ode to the beauty of the world.
Actubeauty: With several decades of experience in perfumery, how would you describe your evolution since your beginnings in Grasse?
Gérard Gatti: I began at the end of the last century in Paris, at the Paris office of a well-respected composition company based in Grasse. During the first ten years of my career, I worked with four different companies, specializing in the development of perfumes for international clients in cosmetics and perfumery, the main one being the L’Oréal group and its many brands. From a fine French SME to a large German multinational, I learned a great deal during that first decade.
I then founded Fragrance Concerto in 2000 and partnered with a Grasse-based SME that, though small, was rapidly expanding. Together, we experienced two incredibly rich decades, rooted in Grasse’s deep expertise and supported by a team of passionate individuals. Working for internationally renowned brands, with experienced teams and methods, taught me a lot about marketing development. Naturally, this led me to create my own niche perfume brand, GEODORA, which brings together the best of this thirty-year journey.
Actubeauty: As a perfumer from Grasse, heir to a historic savoir-faire, how would you define your philosophy of olfactory creation?
Gérard Gatti: Over time, you learn that the richness of life is measured by the connections we make with others and with nature. In that sense, perfume is an extraordinary vehicle for exchange. Although invisible, it marks our lives. It has many facets—sometimes playful, sometimes comforting. It is always in motion. It’s a true philosophy of life.
Gerard Gatti, founder of Geodora
Actubeauty: The Geodora brand blends terroir and innovation. Where did the idea for this project come from, and what does the name mean to you?
Gérard Gatti: GEODORA means “gift of the earth” in Ancient Greek. Nature is the ultimate master perfumer. I believe we are only its humble admirers. Just today, I was in the garden of the MIP (International Perfume Museum). It’s the perfect time to visit: the centifolia roses are scenting the air in an indescribable way. I also discovered Lemon Tagetes, with its exotic fruit fragrance—it made me feel truly and deeply happy.
GEODORA tells a love story in three parts: the perfumery of Grasse, nature, and the people who wear our fragrances. Our mission is to create beauty and well-being—and that gives us wings.
Actubeauty: You’ve developed a notable partnership with South Africa. Can you tell us about how that collaboration started?
Gérard Gatti: One day in 1990, I was watching a documentary about Cape Town and was captivated by the beauty of the place. I made a wish to go there one day. Six months later, my business partner—without knowing about that wish—asked if I’d be interested in developing the market there. Of course, I said yes, and ever since, I’ve been traveling there twice a year. That country—considered the cradle of humanity—has something truly special, and I’m deeply attached to it.
Actubeauty: Fragrance Concerto offers unique olfactory experiences. Do you have any ongoing projects with other African countries?
Gérard Gatti: We have many projects with the Middle East and the Maghreb, but I’d like to expand our relationships with other African countries, especially Côte d’Ivoire, in the near future.
Actubeauty: Consumers today are looking for stories behind the perfumes. How do you tell yours through your creations?
Gérard Gatti: I also love African culture for its tradition of storytelling and oral transmission. As you may know, I’ve written a novel titled Effluve – Express E57, because stories and words are gateways to new horizons. But I believe that more than stories, people want to know that there’s a real creator behind the brand—someone genuine, who doesn’t fake it, who doesn’t tell just any story, but his own.
Actubeauty: What advice would you give to a young creator who wants to blend cultures and craftsmanship in perfumery, like you do?
Gérard Gatti: Cultures and craftsmanship require time—years of learning and observing. But I would gladly trade this experience with a young creator who still has time ahead of them. And I would say: go for it, believe in yourself. To a brave heart, nothing is impossible.
Interview by Hermann KOUADIO