French-Armenian perfumer earns top French honor

PanARMENIAN.Net - French-Armenian master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian has been awarded one of France's highest state distinctions, becoming a Knight of the Legion of Honour, RTL.fr reported.

His name was included in the honors decree signed by French President Emmanuel Macron on July 13 and published in France's Official Journal on July 14. In the decree, Kurkdjian is described as a perfumer and the artistic director of a perfume company, Pastinfo reported.

Francis Kurkdjian is the founder of the Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrance house and the Creative Director of Dior Parfums. He is widely regarded as one of the world's leading figures in perfumery.

Responding to the award, Kurkdjian said he shares the distinction with everyone who has accompanied him throughout his professional journey. He also paid tribute to his grandparents, who survived the Armenian Genocide and found refuge in France.

“I think with deep emotion of my grandmother and grandfather, survivors of the Armenian Genocide who found refuge in France. Their courage, their confidence in their new homeland, and the values they passed on to me give this distinction a special meaning,” Kurkdjian wrote.

France's July 14, 2026 civilian honors list also includes figures from culture, science, healthcare, business, sports and public service.