Perfumes – Page 3 – Design & Culture by Ed

“In my dreamlike journey you can find the essence of the mystique cycle second chapter.  Getting lost in the collective unconsciousness, and only far away from that place, getting the meaning. As in a dream, Narcissus’ and Tuberose’s bodies in flower, tell the way through the birch forest step by step, where the animal lives and people celebrate the fairy tale ritual, spiritual and mental place of perfume. There are distant places in the world that are linked together by a thin, imaginary thread. I have tried to create a fragrance for this invisible bond, I have found a heart in flower in the forest, I have listened to the animal speaking, I have seen the end of the day, I have found out perfumed signs of the past, I have found the meaning in my native soil. I have reached Thelema. The magic of nature hides in the secret of words.  Number 93 represents this journey’s mystic key.  The smell is a soul that shapes our shadow.”

Meo Fusciuni‘s latest fragrance creation, Odor 93, is a fusion of narcissues, sweet tuberose, balsamic extracts, smoky tobacco and elusive incense. Available soon at Concept 21 Store. If you want to discover more about this charming, perfume poet, read my interview with him here!

He knows how to talk about perfume like no other, using images that speak to everyone. Born an artist, Francis Kurkdjian became a perfumer. Through an association of ideas because he has a feel for his times, a desire to tell beautiful stories and curiosity about people and raw materials. For the pleasure of giving pleasure. For an attraction to taking risks – the antidote to boredom. Meeting up with Francis Kurkdjian for an interview is not that easy – being a world-famous perfumer makes you think and care about your own maison all the time. But during his arrival to Warsaw last month, I had a great opportunity to talk to Francis about his perfumes, inspirations and of course, fashion!

Francis, what inspires you while creating fragrances?
Diversity, travelling, modern life, lack of rules. The so-called hidden part of creation. Something you do not see.

What ingredients do you use? And why?
If you are writing a book, you need a story and letters. My words are materials which I use. It is a very abstract usage – oud, amber.

Do you believe in power of aphrodisiacs?
No. It is based on people’s imagination of “love being a scent”. For me, it doesn’t exist that way.

What do your perfumes convey within themselves?
Memories and extraordinary emotions which can be created by the connection of sense of smell and a perfume. Also, I am trying to bring on something new within my fragrances – something the nose doesn’t know.

As a perfumer, I think you should have some interest in fashion – do you have your favourite designer(s)?
Yes, definitely! Rick Owens, AMI by Alexandre Mattiussi (who is my friend) and Nicolas Ghesquiere when he created for Balenciaga. In fashion, I value comfort that makes me feel free in my clothes.

The interview was edited. More on franciskurkdjian.com