One of the most respected events in the global fragrance industry, the Marie Claire Fragrance Awards, was held in Türkiye for the first time this year under the platinum sponsorship of MG International Fragrance Company. Hosted in Istanbul, the ceremony brought together key players of the global perfume ecosystem, marking a significant turning point for the sector.
More than just an awards ceremony, the event delivered a multi-layered experience where tradition met innovation, local heritage intersected with global vision, and art converged with industry. From Türkiye’s long-established cologne tradition to emerging niche perfume houses, the entire fragrance ecosystem gained international visibility.
Türkiye’s Fragrance Ecosystem Gains Global Positioning
Duygu Beşbıçak, Corporate Communications Director at MG International, emphasized the strategic importance of the event:
“Hosting the Marie Claire Türkiye Fragrance Awards for the first time is a highly significant and strategic step in ensuring that Türkiye’s deep-rooted fragrance heritage and strong production capabilities gain the international visibility they deserve.
This event is not just an awards platform, it serves as a powerful showcase that repositions our fragrance culture on a global scale. At MG International, we prioritize carrying this rich heritage forward with a global vision.
We believe such platforms will pave the way for new collaborations, support value-added production, and bring Türkiye’s unique fragrance story to wider audiences.”
Honoring a Legacy in the Industry
One of the most symbolic and emotional moments of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mişel Gülçiçek, Honorary Chairman of MG International, by renowned fragrance historian Élisabeth de Feydeau.
Recognized for his contributions spanning more than 50 years, Gülçiçek’s award represented not only an individual achievement but also the global recognition of Türkiye’s fragrance heritage.
Additionally, MG International’s contributions to the global fragrance industry were acknowledged with a plaque presented to Deputy General Manager Bülent Konca.
International Jury with Multidisciplinary Expertise
The evaluation process was led by an international jury composed of leading experts from perfumery, academia, publishing, and fragrance history.
Among the jury members were:
- Aslan Gülçiçek, CEO and Master Perfumer at MG International
- Prof. Dr. Ayten Altıntaş
- Fragrance historian Élisabeth de Feydeau
- Marie Claire International Fashion & Beauty Director Florence Deladrière
- Dr. Maren Protzen, President of the German Society of Perfumers
This diverse structure ensured that the evaluation process integrated both scientific rigor and creative perspective.
2026 Winners: From Niche to Mainstream Excellence
Awards were presented across a wide range of categories reflecting the diversity of the fragrance industry. Key winners included:
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Mişel Gülçiçek
- Best Women’s Fragrance: Atelier Rebul – Elixir 4
- Best Men’s Fragrance: Atelier Rebul – J.C.R
- Best Unisex Fragrance: Soul of Caria – Fig Royale
- Best Niche Fragrance: OJUVI – Gold
- Best Home Fragrance: Atelier Rebul – J.C.R Reed Diffuser
Innovative projects in areas such as artistic collaborations, sensory design, and fragrance entrepreneurship were also recognized.
Istanbul Emerges as a Fragrance Hub
The event highlighted Türkiye’s manufacturing strength, R&D capabilities, and creative potential in the fragrance and cosmetics sector. It also reinforced Istanbul’s positioning as a regional hub for the global fragrance industry.
