Making Scents

In the aromatic world a new fragrance by master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian always creates a buzz, and his latest offering doesn't disappoint, but may surprise. With a CV that reads like a who's who of the perfume house greats – Dior, Acqua di Parma and Guerlain to name a few, you'd expect another haute couture scent, but Kurkdjian wanted to create something that would be an everyday treat with prices to match. "Fragrance should not be saved for special occasions, but something women use as part of their daily routine." To this end he teamed up with the traditional French family brand Roger & Gallet , as they are, he said, "the antithesis of snobbishness", and not sold at exclusive fragrance counters, but at local pharmacies where most French women buy their skincare and beauty products.

The result is Fleur de Figuier, a softer and more rounded take on the usual fig scents, which are normally sharp and green. The Mediterranean coasts of Italy, France and Greece, where fig trees flourish, gave inspiration – “A siesta during the warm hours, and late afternoon walks come to mind.”

Did he have a particular type of woman in mind when creating it? “No, I don’t envisage my client – that’s for the marketing department. She can have five expensive handbags or be naked, as long as she likes my scent.” Along with the fresh and sweetly subtle Eau Fraiche, the collection includes shower cream, body lotion and soap, and the prices mean you can afford a dip in the Med every day. Prices start at €17.50 for the30ml spray.