Perfumer Clément Gavarry was born in Paris to a family with roots in the Grasse fragrance industry. His great-grandfather was involved in the farming and processing of lavender; his grandfather was a gardener for Chanel, and his father, Max Gavarry, was a also perfumer.

He started an internship at International Flavors & Fragrances when he was 18, and later attended perfumery school at ISIPCA before returning to IFF and now Firmenich.