Luxury niche fragrance line established by Kilian Hennessy, grandson of the founder of the Hennessy cognac company (which now forms part of luxury conglomerate Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy). Kilian Hennessy reportedly became interested in fragrance while studying at the Sorbonne. He interned at Firmenich and worked for a number of fragrance brands before launching his own line in 2007. Hennessy has noted that he wants to “put perfume back on a pedestal” and that he “he has no interest in the current trend of bizarre fragrance combinations”.1
The Black Masterpiece / L’Oeuvre Noire
The initial offerings from By Kilian included six scents under the name The Black Masterpiece / L’Oeuvre Noire (2007): two for women (Love and Beyond Love), two for men (A Taste of Heaven and Straight to Heaven) and two unisex scents, (Liaisons Dangereuses and Cruel Intentions).
Later additions to the range include Prelude to Love (2008), Back to Black: Aphrodisiac (2009), Love and Tears (2010).
Arabian Nights
The Arabian Nights collection debuted in 2009 with Pure Oud (2009).
Later additions include Rose Oud (2010). Reportedly, three more fragrances (incense, amber and musk) will follow.
Packaging
The By Kilian fragrances feature luxury packaging: the refillable bottles are sold in lacquer boxes with lock and key; refills are sold separately, as are 1 liter fountains. Stores are reportedly not supposed to sell the (considerably less expensive) refills if you have not purchased the original bottle, but it is worth shopping around as some stores apparently are willing to do so. Travel sprays and a “discovery set” are also available.
Where to buy
The By Kilian line can be found in the US at Bergdorf Goodman, Aedes, Luckyscent or Ron Robinson. In London, try Harvey Nichols; in Paris, Printemps Haussman.
Website
Further reading
See all articles on Now Smell This tagged By Kilian.
1. Quotes via Women’s Wear Daily, 7/13/2007 and W Magazine, 10/1/2007, respectively.
