The Answers With… Renaud Salmon, the creative force behind high perfumery house Amouage, on fragrance and revealing the man beyond his title
Statuesque, confident, and unassuming—these are the first words that come to mind when speaking with Renaud Salmon, chief creative officer of high perfumery house Amouage. During our tête-à-tête, other qualities emerged: hardworking and inquisitive. With an extensive background in international beauty creative direction and luxury brand management—namely at Louis Vuitton, Delvaux, and Marc Jacobs—Salmon is always looking to push boundaries. Since joining Amouage in 2019 to lead the creative team, he has done exactly that. Beyond product development and campaign ideation, he extends himself to craft a truly elusive, sensorial experience for the brand’s patrons, overseeing every facet of the business—including all consumer touchpoints—with a particular focus on digital and social engagement.
Yet beyond the illustrious résumé lies someone deeply human: one with sentiment, empathy, and emotion. Here, we uncover what truly makes him who he is.
You’ve lived in several countries across Europe and the U.S.—which place has felt most like home to you, and what makes it stand out?
Naturally, I feel most at home in Belgium, as it’s where I was born. That said, I tend to feel at home wherever I’m based—so for now, I consider Muscat my home.
If you had to choose one Amouage fragrance that best represents your personality, which would it be—and why?
I’d say Guidance—it’s one of my proudest creations. Gentle yet powerful, it reflects my personal conviction.
You oversee many facets of the business. If you had to choose just one responsibility you’re most passionate about, what would it be?
Designing our boutiques is one of my favourite aspects. I’m drawn to the idea of creating spaces that people can truly enjoy—spaces that make a statement. I have a deep love for craft: working with stone, wood, interiors, and facades.
I also have a passion for photography and visual storytelling. I studied photography and even shot some of our early campaigns. While I now work with a team of talented creatives and photographers, I continue to lead the conceptual direction.
What’s something ironic or unexpected about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
I’m quite a shy person—an introvert who finds comfort in solitude. Also, at times, I struggle to share the vision behind my creations, as they’re deeply rooted in personal experiences. It can feel uncomfortable to reveal so much of myself through them.
How do you usually unwind or recharge after a busy day?
I always make time to pause before sunset—I love watching the sun go down. Once it sets, I return to work. I work every day, and in many ways, everything I do connects back to my work. Even my hobbies, like hiking, offer inspiration. So while hiking is something I do for pleasure, it naturally intertwines with my creative process.
If your life right now had a soundtrack, what song would be playing?
Philip Glass – Einstein on the Beach.
If you could host a dinner party with any three guests, living or from history, who would you invite?
Irving Penn, the renowned fashion photographer, and my late parents—whom I wish I had more time with.
What exciting developments or directions can we look forward to from Amouage in the near future?
The expansion of The Essences—a collection of highly concentrated pure perfume oils—is something I’m particularly excited about. Each essence undergoes a meticulous six-month ageing process, including a double infusion with sandalwood chips and oak wood barrels. It’s an age-old perfumery technique that I’m passionate about revisiting and reinventing for a contemporary audience.
