I had in my mind Bianca Jagger in a little party dress with a glass of scotch and whiskey laying on the leather sofa bed.
— Perfumer Francis Kurkdjian on the inspiration for Absolue Pour Le Soir, from an interview at Notable Scents.
His perfume does not smell ick. It is an olfactory work of art and is on my wish list, where it will remain for all eternity, a 1 percent solution to the inequities in this world. Only 20 people will ever own it, but there is hope: a refill at $2,200.
— On Francis Kurkdjian's limited edition Extrait de Parfum. Read more at Samurai Shopper | The 1% Solution at The New York Times.
Perfumer Francis Kurkdjian answers questions about his perfume line, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, and how he has learned from other perfumers. About 5 minutes.
I had an intuition that it would change something within the fragrance market, or maybe something in my career. This scent sums up what I think about femininity. It’s beautiful, approachable and easy to understand.
— Perfumer Francis Kurkdjian talks about the new Elie Saab Le Parfum. Read more at Elie Saab’s elegant new fragrance at the LA Times.
We’ve all heard the pap the perfume machine puts out. Here are some examples from recent releases:
The perfect fusion of sweetness and strength, passion and perseverance, this Oriental musk celebrates independent girls who aren’t afraid to follow their hearts and live each day as an adventure. (Baby Phat Luv Me)
Uh huh. You wear this and you’re sweet, strong, and adventurous, but not much of a speller.
Or
Opulent, rich and oh-so special. A must-have. The new sensual fragrance for your ultimate evening. A glamorous scent that radiates from your true beauty. (Judith Lieber Night)
Come on, people. Someone paid for that copy? I’m already asleep.
So, when I watched the video about Elie Saab Le Parfum on the Elie Saab website and heard perfumer Francis Kurkdjian say, “I felt I had to translate a brilliant femininity,” and that he wanted to create a fragrance that reflects “when the sun is almost gold or even white,” and smells “as if gold was glowing so brightly it was almost white,” I was skeptical. Blah blah femininity blah light. Sure…
Stella McCartney in conversation with Alexandra Shulman (video, talks about new scent L.I.L.Y) http://t.co/VAKYigvK "French parfumier Guerlain on trial over 'race slurs'" article at Telegraph http://t.co/lVDxoZMi Vote for NST's Mood Board on FB and win a Zoya Nail Polish collection! http://t.co/MXHMN7I3