CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery: Kevin Verspoor of PERFUMEKEV + FIFI Award Winning Perfumer Bespoke Fragrance Draw

kevin verspoor cafleurebon profiles in american perfumery

Kevin Verspoor, ex industry perfumer now owns his own company PERFUMEKEV

Profile: I  grew up in Grand Rapids Michigan and  was diagnosed as having Synesthesia when I was very young .  My parents noticed that I did not differentiate between the qualities of the five senses.  This condition was exacerbated  further by the time I was 4 years old  when my parents signed  me up for piano and drawing lessons.  One of the drawbacks of this medical condition was that so little was known about it when I was young; it made me so hypersensitive  that I  was hospitalized for a nervous break down when I was only seven years old.  Fortunately, as I have grown older, I have much better control,  which is a good thing because being driven to distraction by one's own senses can be very frustrating and exhausting. I started collecting perfumes at the age of nine and was immediately, inexplicably drawn to the perfumes of Francois Coty  who has influenced my style of creating fragrances more than any other perfumer.

vintage perfume collection

Kevin's vintage and contemporary perfume collection numbers over 3000 flacons

I began studying  natural perfumery while I was a cosmetology student at the original Aveda Institute in Minneapolis, when Aveda was still family owned.   When I completed my cosmetology degree, I was hired to work for the Aveda Creative Team. I spent as much time as I could in the Aveda perfume lab and got an amazing education in  the art of natural perfumery. I moved to New York City in 1995 to attend The Fashion Institute of Technology and enrolled in the Cosmetic and Fragrance Marketing program. Virginia Bonofiglio, who was my perfumery teacher, was very helpful in furthering my career .  While I was studying at F.I.T., I took a  perfumery internship at International Flavors and Fragrances ( I.F.F. ) This is where I met some wonderful perfumers whose expertise helped me in my career. Among them were Jean-Claude Delville, Sophia Grojsman, Ellen Molnar and Christine Baillifard. After F.I.T., I  worked for Haarmann & Reimer (Symrise) and Fragrance Resources.  I began as a  lab tech working behind the bench compounding fragrances while I apprenticed for the position of perfumer.  Most recently  I was a perfumer at Drom. I also am an avid perfume collector; vintage and contemporary and I lost count at over 3000 fragrances in my collection.  So not only am I a perfumer, but a perfumista as well.

Estee_Lauder_NYWTSestee lauder youth dew perfume ad

Estee Lauder American Muse and  vintage ad for Youth Dew featuring Paulina Porizkova, late 1980s

I am constantly inspired by how fragrances are created by nature,  These natural smells have created olfactive memories from which I always draw inspiration.  I love the smell of Autumn, a crackling fire,  the smell of the Midwestern prairies during a summer afternoon, just to name a few.  I prefer to  use large amounts of naturals in perfumes.   I love to study the headspace formulas of flowers and plants and weave those notes with the finest natural perfume materials and the most fantastic aroma chemicals.  My esthetic is taken a step further by understanding the beauty of nature and music and decorative arts and taking these inspirations and turning them into fragrance fantasies. I have so many inspirational perfumes in my life I cannot count them. I have always been inspired by the perfumes of Francois Coty and Houbigant and  by what those two companies did for the history and for the future of the perfume industry.  I am also inspired by many of the women of the 20th century who created great fragrances.  I admire Estee Lauder's vision for perfumery and the work she did with I.F.F.'s, Josephine Catapano, who created "Youth Dew" and with Sophia Grojsman who created  "White Linen"  and "Beautiful".

kevin verspoor perfumesbykev

Kevin working on new compositions

On American Perfumery:  America's contribution to perfumery has been very profound.  Companies like Estee Lauder, Richard Hudnut, Revlon, Avon, Schulton, Aveda, Caswell- Massey have all contributed to the profile of American perfume.  All of these companies have brought unique concepts to the perfume world.  America is the democratic country of perfumes.  One of the things that makes me think of American perfume is that there have been all people of all different backgrounds that have contributed their vision to perfume.  For the past decade or so I have been so happy to see so many independent American perfumers really developing truly innovative and beautiful fragrances. As Americans, we should be proud that we have the opportunity to express ourselves as we choose. After working in the perfume and cosmetic industry for twenty-two years, I have finally come to a point at which I am ready to step out on my own.

vintage coty perfumes cafleurebon

Kevin Verspoor is influenced by the works of Francois Coty; from his personal collection

 left to right front row: La Rose Jaqueminot by Coty c1902,  Miss Dior c 1947, Jasmin de Corse (for Corsica his birth land) de Cotyc 1906 and L'Origan de Coty c1906

Back row: Emeraude Coty c 1921, Le Vertige de Coty c 937

My company is PERFUMEKEV. The name is a modernization of  Francois Coty of Parfums Coty, who like me was not French (I am Dutch American and he was from Corsica) and an outsider.  I will be  working in a similar manner to Francois Coty.   I will be creating my fragrances with as much CO2 extracts, Head space, and the most modern aroma chemicals.  Coty used Absolutes from the method of solvent extraction, created by The Chiris family where he trained.  As an independent  perfumer, I  am now free to approach my work  in such a way that is bigger, brighter and more beautifully than I have ever done  while working for a large company.  I support American perfumery and want to share  my expertise with all aspiring perfumers without  the labels defining who is a perfumer, no matter their level -from a weekend perfumer mixing blends for their own soaps and candles, to those who want to   want a career as a professional perfumer.

FrankLloydWrightWindows

Frank Lloyd Wright Windows

Favorite American Artist: Two American Architects that I have admired since I was young, are Louis Sulivan and his protégé  Frank Lloyd Wright.  These men had a deep belief in studying nature and turning the forms of flowers, plants and trees into beautifuly decorated architectural masterpeices. "Form follows function" was Louis Sulivan's mantra.    They were both from the Midwest, as am I, and loved many of the forms of the Midwestern prairies.   Louis Sulivan was so talented at taking the forms of nature and modifying them  to showcase his modern view of architecture.  Frank Lloyd Wright started his architectural carrier as an apprentice to Louis Sullivan.  Mr. Wright took a similar approach to nature as the supreme platform for architectural and interior design.  He moved Louis' esthetic and brought it into the 20th century.  These two architects were key to  launching  what we still consider modern architecture  today.

Kevin Verspoor, Perfumer and Founder of PERFUMEKEV, Contributor to CaFleureBon

odin new york 6 amanu

 Editor's Note: Kevin is behind many popular and niche personal and home fragrances for Origin, Marc Jacobs, Jennifer Lopez and Paris Hilton. He has worked for Slatkin, creating the very successful, "Fire Side Collection" for Elton John.  During his tenure at Drom,  he was the nose for Odin New York 1 Roam ,  Odin New York  3  Century and co-authored Odin 2 Owari with Pierre Constantin Gueros.  The highlight of his career to date was the creation of Odin 6 Amanu for which he won the first Indie FiFi award from The Fragrance Foundation.  We are also  delighted to welcome Kevin Verspoor as a CaFleureBon Contributor. -Michelyn Camen

Thanks to Kevin we are offering a bespoke fragrance consultation that will include a full 2 oz. of Parfum, 6 oz. Eau de Parfum. plus a body Crème to one U.S. Reader. What a rare treat from such an accomplished perfumer. To be eligible,first you must live in the US and please leave a comment about what you found fascinating about Kevin's career and profile.  Draw ends November 7, 2013.

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49 comments

  • I found many things interesting about Kevin’s career and profile. His childhood experiences, his taste in art and the many and varied projects he has worked on with perfumery. I adore the Odin scents that he has created! Especially nos. 1 & 2.

  • Chris Schaefer says:

    I really love reading Profiles in American Perfumery. It’s so interesting to read of the people that created the fragrances. I found Kevin’s story to be fascinating. I love the fact that he started collecting perfumes at the tender age of 9. His obvious passion for his work is a delight.

    Plus, we share a love of Frank Lloyd Wright. What an architect and artist!

    I am in the US.

  • I find it interesting, and amazing, that he seems to have been born to become a perfumer! Being able to intergrate his Synthesthesia into an already stellar career is quite an accomplishment. I can’t wait to see where PERFUMEKEV will go.

  • That your inspirations are things that make me feel cozy — like “the smell of Autumn, a crackling fire, the smell of the Midwestern prairies during a summer afternoon” — makes me happy. I was surprised!

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    What an incredibly generous thing to do, thank you Kevin!
    When I first heard about synesthesia years ago I thought it was one of the strangest, most interesting things I’d ever heard about, so I devoured articles and books on it. It’s comforting to know that one can have this condition and enter a profession that relies so heavily on the senses. I would really love to hear more on how synesthesia affects Kevin’s daily work, such as the hindrances and inspirations… perhaps a future article, Kevin? 🙂

    Thanks again!

  • Living in the Midwest, it’s delightful to meet a kindred spirit, who appreciates the unique smells of the autumn, the prairie and the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright. Kevin’s visceral reaction to scent so early in life makes it feel as if being a perfumer has been his destiny, and that perfume collection is phenomenal. Thanks for a wonderful opportunity.

  • Nervous breakdowns at age 7? I can’t even imagine. Luckily Kevin found a way to cope with his condition through fragrance. I’m most jealous of his Coty collection and particularly the Jasmin de Corse perfume, which I’d never heard of before! I’m in the US, thank you for the draw!

  • Synesthesia? And a perfume career? I’m fascinated from the word “go.” I cannot imagine how difficult growing up with that must have been, but how wonderful the career that has blossomed despite that. Solid training, Coty’s influence, and a remarkable list of accomplishments so far lead me to believe PERFUMEKEV will be making a mark. Thank you for the generous opportunity! Best of luck to Kevin.

  • wefadetogray says:

    This is a fantastic article. I like how he compares himself to francois coty and calls himself an outsider; it is also fascinating how he honestly refers to the elements with which he will be working. Head space? I dont know what that is but I want it. Much luck on this journey Kevin!

  • Having grown up in Michigan, I am proud that a fellow Michigander has enjoyed much success in the perfume world. I am in awe of his huge collection of vintage fragrances. I wish you much luck in your latest endeavor and thank you for this generous opportunity.

  • Judy Woodfill says:

    I so enjoyed reading Kevin’s profile and am inspired by his utilization of what started out being a ‘handicap’ and using it to develop and succeed in his life’s work and love. Amazing. And so generous. Thank you Kevin.

  • I would love to learn more about how his synesthesia has influenced his perfume creative experience. Also, I am very impressed by the size of his perfume collection! I am in the US, thank you!

  • Sherri Volf says:

    Wow, wow, wow! What an amazing opportunity! I recently created my first natural perfume and I love it. I love the process of creating the blend, I love using all natural ingredients and I completely adore the concept of wearing a bespoke fragrance.

    I am fascinated by the fact the Kevin has synesthesia and how he used what could be have been considered as an illness and used it as an amazing gift. I would be ecstatic to have the opportunity to have a consult with him! The fact that he has been collecting perfumes since the age of 9 and that he has apprenticed and trained with so many influential perfumers leaves me wanting more to win!

    Thank you for yet another wonderful article and opportunity!

  • What was most inspiring about his story was that he had to experience such hardship at a young age, but continued towards his dreams no matter what. He’s turned Synesthesia into his advantage; that’s amazing. Kevin, I think you and your tastes are beautiful!

    I would love the opportunity for this rare fragrance consultation. I am in MN, USA.

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    it is really inspiring how Kevin overcame childhood struggles to discover his true talent. I also like the fact Kevin has huge collection because it speaks of his curiosity and curiosity is often an artist’s best friend. I am in the U,S,

  • What an amazing résumé and what a fabulous opportunity; a bespoke fragrance consultation by Kevin Verspoor. It must be every parfumistas dream.
    I always find it extremely sympathetic when perfumes started out as perfume loves, and are not afraid to say so, and I just can’t imagine a better way of using the special gift of synaesthesia, than to become a perfumer, I also imagine that this would be a great tool for bespoke fragrances, even if I understand it must at first have given grief because of that extra sensitivity.
    I loved this quote “My esthetic is taken a step further by understanding the beauty of nature and music and decorative arts and taking these inspirations and turning them into fragrance fantasies”- that is perfect.
    Thanks for this amazing draw

  • I was quite moved by Kevin’s profile, to say the least. I know a lot about synesthesia, and though I don’t have that condition, I do know what it is like to be a child and not process the senses in the neurotypical way at a time when little was known. I am impressed (to say the least) by Kevin’s achievements. I have commented to friends that some “disabilities” are in fact “suprabilities” (a term I made up) and Kevin is an example of that. Thank you, Kevin Verspoor, for your personal story and sharing it with the world, and for your work in the perfume industry, and this fantastic and most generous prize of a bespoke perfume!!

  • To read about how Mr. Verspoor has dealt with the double-edged sword of his synesthesia and overcame his breakdown at such a young age to rise to the top of his profession is not just fascinating, it’s inspiring and humbling! Looking forward to hearing more about him, from him! Welcome!

    LOVE all those vintage Cotys! One of my favorite houses.

  • I’m blown away, 3000 plus bottles, both vintage and not, is a lot of fragrance ‘knowledge’ & ‘experience’. Very inspiring article, thank you so much for posting!! Will look for those Odin’s etc…and look forward to future works of his!

  • Everything is interesting! His life is a fascinating story where success was built on a less fortunate health condition. Where others would have given up, he is a living proof that you can succeed if you have a dream and desire to make it come true.

    Amazing perfume collection. When somebody has so much love for perfumes ,only good creations can come out from his work.

    I wish him the best. I hope to hear about his new fragrances.

  • I’ve never heard of synesthesia, and would like to learn more about it. What a blessing and a curse! It must have been overwhelming and quite frightening to experience as such a young child. Has it remained just as powerful over the years and you just acclimated to it, or did it change over time? It’s fascinating how you parlayed your heightened senses into a career in the perfume arts. I’m excited that you’ll be part of the Cafleurebon contributor team from now on. With your background in perfumery, particularly your training and work with natural perfumes, and constructing both home and body scents, your insights will be most welcome. Kevin, thanks for the profile, and most especially, the most unique and special draw prize I’ve ever seen offered on Cafleurebon! I’m in the US, and look forward to your perfumes, and written contributions in the future.

  • Farawayspices says:

    This is quite fascinating. As a mother of a child who is driven to distraction by his own creative mind, I do love to hear about someone who has regined a difficult sensory phenomena and developed a wonderful career and passion.

    I also enjoyed reading about Kevin’s journey to becoming a professional perfumer. I took a class on perfumery at FIT while working as a junior evaluatior for a major cosmetics company (I have since left) . I realized that I wanted to be a perfumer, but at that point most of the companies I spoke to wanted to hire trained chemists. So I am now a mostly self taught pefume hobbyist. It is nice to hear of his support to all kinds of perfumers.

  • I love his comment “want to share my expertise with all aspiring perfumers without the labels defining who is a perfumer.” Labels on perfume bottles are necessary. Labels on people aren’t helpful. That Kevin worked his way through what could have been a devastating diagnosis to become a force in American perfumery is amazing!

  • I really enjoyed your story Kevin. I googled, “Synesthesia” to learn further about the condition. I can’t imagine all the trials and tribulations you had to overcome..
    When you started collecting at 9 years old, this was obviously your path. I admire your gusto. 3000 plus fragrances, Oh my gosh. It must be a mini warehouse.

    It’s very inspiring on how your have learned to control your condition and have accomplished such great achievements. What a supreme journey. I too love Frank Loyd Wright and his story as well. I garden and get books to learn all I can about the great plants I can grow myself that are fragrant and beneficial. Ran out of room in my yard. Ha Ha.

    This is a generous giveaway and would be honored to consult with such an inspiration. Thank you. In the USA.

  • I wasn’t sure what synesthesia was so I looked it up. What a strange and interesting condition. I would love to hear more about how this affeted Kevin in early life, and how he controls it today. It is not surprising to me that with this sensitivity, he chose a career so based in the senses. I found it really intriguing that he was collecting fragrances at age nine, and was drawn to what I would consider very adult fragrance!
    Thanks for the opportunity for such a great prize! In the USA.

  • how Kevin overcame his synesthesia and started collecting perfumes at such a young age and now has soared to the top of his craft is truly remarkable and stands as a testament to what you can achieve if you put your mind to it. Kudos to you Kevin! I already liked Cafluerebon on American Perfumery on Facebook. I would love to have a bespoke perfume created by Kevin, it would be a dream! Thanks so much for this unique opportunity! I am a US resident .

  • So much of Kevin’s story is interesting. As others have mentioned, I would love to hear more about his experience of scent and the influence of synesthesia on his creative process. The fact that he overcame it and went on to a career that is so based in one of the senses intrigues me. I’m also amazed that he started collecting at such a young age. Thanks for sharing your story and for the fantastic draw.

  • I find the story about his synesthesia fascinating.What was once a hindrance he turned into his calling and from such a young age! It’s as if he was born into his career….like a Mozart! Congratulations on his new company.To work as an independent perfumer without the shackles of a large market driven commercial company must be exhilarating.I look forwards to sampling his new works.Thanks for the fantastic draw!

  • Thank you for sharing your story, Kevin. Your background is fascinating and it pleases me that you have career that mirrors one of your biggest passions. I can’t imagine a fragrance collection of 3000 and the treasures you have acquired over the years. Congrats!

  • What incredible experiences he’s had thus far! I’m most fascinated and curious as to the current state of his synthesthesia and what happens to him when he smells… Explosions of color, hear sounds, tastes the aroma materials?

  • SpiceGirl42 says:

    I can’t imagine the difficulty to overcome such a disability. Being ADHD, I sometimes use fragrance to isolate myself from over stimulation. I love the vintages as well since they appear to create a stronger cloud of protection. If anticipating a rough day at work, I reach for the vintages. Woodhue, Tuvara, Indian Summer and my ever faithful, Mitsouko.

  • It’s good to learn of a Michigander who has made a success. I also am from Michigan and have similar smell preferences such as the smell of Autumn. What interests me is his ability to have made synesthesia work for him. And I love that he is inspired by the perfumes of Francois Coty, the man who brought high quality perfume to the masses (at one time). I would love to win a fragrance consultation. Thank you, and I live in the U.S.

  • First of all welcome, Kevin, to Cafleurebon! 🙂

    I found many things fascinating about this PIAP:

    Kevin is a vintage perfume collector and has over 3,000 bottles.
    Kevin has created an indie FiFi winning perfume ODIN 6 Amanu.
    Kevin’s American artist is my favorite architect of all time Frank Lloyd Wright!!

    So glad to hear you are setting out on your own and I look forward to reading and enjoying your articles and contributions.

    Thanks for the insightful profile and super generous draw prize! *crosses fingers*

    xox

  • Kevin’s story inspires me. He faced many challenges growing up, having been born with a rare disorder, but he didn’t allow these challenges to defeat him. Rather, he used it to develop his passion for perfume, eventually becoming a gifted perfumist.

  • I find it interesting when a person can use what might be considered a detriment to their benefit. I would imagine that his views/opinions on fragrance might be more vivid. When experiencing a fragrance it should take you on a journey that entails more than just your sense of smell. It should be an emotional jouney… at least the good ones. 😉 It is also very cool that he is the nose behind Roam, which is on my short list to sample from Luckyscent. Thanks for the opportunity/draw. I am in the US.

  • julesinrose says:

    Wow! Only 37 comments for such an incredible drawing??!! I came here to say that I had already “liked” CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery on FB. . .I really (really!!) want my entry to count twice! And I look forward to Kevin’s contributions to Cafleurebon. 🙂

  • I am from the US. Thank you for this wonderful draw, it really is a treat. It was interesting to read about a perfumer who was diagnosed with Synesthesia, and I would love to learn more about how this condition shapes his approach to perfumery. I enjoyed reading about his background and inspirations, especially Francois Coty, leading him to his own company, PERFUMEKEV.

    I like the facebook page (Lean Sa)

  • I found it really interesting that Kevin found piano and drawing lessons over-stimulating as a child, yet began collecting perfume at the age of nine. I’m glad that he’s able to find inspiration in music, as well as other things, now. I’m in the US.

  • I am impressed with the way Kevin draws inspiration from all the other art forms for his perfumes, with no barriers or separation. He has truly turned what could have been a liability into a personal triumph. What a wonderful prize draw, thanks for the chance!

  • One of the things I found interesting was Kevin’s description of his Synesthesia, “being driven to distraction by one’s own senses.” I really enjoyed reading this and hope to hear more about Kevin’s work. I am in the U.S.

  • 3000 !!
    I’m impressed that Mr. Verspoor was behind the Elton John Fireside Collection, one of my favorite candle fragrances.
    As a Michigander, I’m excited he grew up in Grand Rapids!
    Thank you for the draw.

  • I’d always thought it would be interesting and good to have synesthesia and was sorry to read it’s not always so, but Mr. Verspoor appears to have turned it to his advantage. Can’t wait to see what Coty-inspired creations come forth!

    (Also, liked the FB page under another name, and am in the US.)

    Thanks for the super-generous draw!

  • Thank you! I live in the us and am so impressed by his career and 3000 bottles??? Wow. It was really interesting to read about how he described his sinesthesia.

  • Dear fellow perfume lovers,

    !WOW! Thank you so much for all of the beautiful things you have all said.

    Everything everyone has said only gives me more inspiration to create even better perfumes and to push myself to new limits of perfumery.

    I really want PERFUMEKEV to be all about fulfilling all of the wonderful dreams of the perfume-lovers universe.
    A place where everyone’s Ideas are taken seriously. There will be no pretentious behavior at PERFUMEKEV It will be all about generosity and kindness.

    I will be opening a website and an e-store buy the end of the month.

    I look forward to making the connections of all the arts more clear to all. In other words how someone with synesthesia sees it.

    Again, I thank you all for your wonderful comments.

    Now, I cant wait to start making the perfumes!

    XOXO
    PERFUMEKEV

  • Kevin Verspoor is definetly an inspiring person. I am glad he overcame all challenges and burdened life with his dreams. Bravo. I love he is not only a perfumer but a “perfumista” that makes all of us more exiting to try his perfumes. Fingers crossed.
    Thanks
    USA

  • I am very impressed with your amazing talent. I also enjoy Estate Lauder fr
    products especially White shoulders, (a little dating but is still one of my favorites )we share many of the same likes I am a great fan of Frank Loyd Wright’s work, especially his stained glass windows. I am also from the Grand Rapids area
    congratulations on being able to overcome so much to make a difference in our world. Continued successin your life’s work .