Our life is filled with aromas. Morning coffee, fresh bread, wildflowers, a sunny summer day ... For centuries, humanity has sought to somehow fix this ephemeral substance, to create a hint that returns you to the depths of our memory to the most vivid and enchanting memories. Smell! What is it? Many modern perfumers, creating today a variety of aromas, agree on one thing: real good perfumes are always memories. A whole host of memories of childhood, youth, first love. All the perfumers we will meet in this issue are not alike. The concepts of their creations are unique. The stories of some have been going on for centuries, while others have recently found themselves in the world of volatile molecules, gathering thanks to the talent of a perfumer in what is commonly called perfume. We invite you to take a walk with us in the fabulous land of flowers, essential oils, wonderful incense ... In the country of aromas.
Kilian Hennessy is a new name in the world of perfumery. But it has already received international recognition. A young and impressive perfumer, a graduate of the Sorbonne, wears strict white shirts and black suits. After graduation, the best "noses" of the most prestigious perfume houses Christian Dior, Paco Rabanne, Alexander McQueen and Giorgio Armani were engaged in his training. And, moreover, being the grandson of the creator of the world's most popular cognacs Hennessy and the founder of The LVMH Group, Kilian decides on an unthinkable act. He does not follow the path beaten by his family and does not create new varieties of cognac and brandy. He creates unique spirits with equally unique names ("Taste of Paradise", "Love, Do not Be Shy" and so on). His creations can be purchased in the most famous stores in the world. In Dubai, the Paris Gallery at Dubai Mall was chosen as such a place. The section where perfumes by Kilian are presented looks more like a branded boutique than a department in a department store. Only two colors are involved in its interior - white and black. This is the whole of Kilian. And this attracts increased attention to him. And it would be strange not to ask Kilian himself a few questions, given the opportunity.
Kilian, what made you do perfumery rather than family cognac business?
I started studying aromas 15 years ago. I like it. In the end, good perfumes are very close to good cognacs. At the heart of it is all the same alcohol. The only difference is you don’t drink them. For me, perfume is a higher class. This is art. And that is mine.
What did you learn from the world's leading perfumers while working with them?
To a lot. The main thing is that I learned something that does not need to be done and realized that modern perfumes are not at all what was originally, many centuries ago and then at the beginning of the 20th century, invested by great perfumers such as Guerlain, Chanel and others into this concept. Therefore, my main goal is to return perfume to its origins, and again elevate the creation of perfumes to the rank of art. Moreover, the art of high.
How can you please your customers?
Real high-quality perfumes, such as they were a century ago. In my products, presented in boutiques in different countries of the world, you will find the same ingredients that perfumers have always worked with, and you can feel the highest level of quality and the product itself and everything that surrounds it - a bottle, boxes with a satin backing, brushes, ribbons and so on.
Your perfume is one of the most expensive in the world. Who are your fans?
Yes, my perfumes fall into the luxury segment, but this is not an end in itself. Simply, I believe that perfumery has become so massive today that it has ceased to be interesting and unique. My perfume costs about $ 200 per bottle, but the beauty is that you can refill this bottle as many times as you like. That is, you can enjoy the look of the bottle on your table all your life. For me, the luxury is that you don’t throw away the thing that you like if it runs out of content. Among the fans of my perfumes there are many Russian buyers.
Do you use synthetic ingredients to create your perfume, or is it just about natural extracts of flowers and plants?
I do not put any restrictions on myself and my team while working on a new fragrance, no matter how much the ingredients cost. For example, tuberose oil can cost about $ 1,000 per kilogram. So what. For me, the final result is important.
What are your favorite colors?
White and black. These are the most elegant colors in the world. They are eternal. They are classic.
What is your favorite travel country?
Any new country.
What is your favorite cuisine?
Japanese
What is your favorite drink?
If at dinner, then Bordeaux, and if just like that with the company, then vodka.
Sounds like you are Russian?
Sounds like (laughs).
