BDK Parfums Vanille Leather by Karl©
Harrods Knightsbridge held an extraordinary event on 4th July 2023 owner and creative David Benedek and the renowned Master Perfumer Dominique Ropion, marking the unveiling of their latest creation: BDK Parfums Vanille Leather. This exquisite fragrance is a Harrods exclusive until autumn, before launching worldwide.
It was at the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs in Paris (a fashion institution with two centuries of history) that David Benedek and Dominique Ropion’s creative paths intertwined, igniting a spark of inspiration that would lead to much more than a “fashionable” fragrance.
David Benedek and Dominique Ropion photo Karl©
At the Masterclass Q&A, fragrance enthusiasts were treated to a fascinating conversation between David Benedek and Dominique Ropion, delving into the inspiration behind the fragrance and the intricacies of their creative process. Their shared passion for perfumery artistry was evident as they discussed the challenges and joys of bringing BDK Parfums Vanille Leather to life.
David Benedek, with a discerning eye for fine art spoke eloquently about the essence of luxury and the embodiment of his vision within the fragrance. He emphasized the importance of creating an experience that transcends the ordinary, where each whiff of BDK Parfums Vanille Leather evokes a sense of opulence and refinement. “The starting point of this collaboration was a fashion show from students at the École des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Dominique worked with a student to create a perfect match with a gourmand sensuality to pay homage to the garment. When I first smelled the perfume, I loved it straight away, but I found it slightly abstract and thought I should meet Dominique Ropion to talk about it. We met and together we refined this beautiful vanilla note. We gave it even more light with tuberose and orange flower absolute. The addiction, initially spicy with pink peppercorns on top and Indonesian patchouli and Madagascar vanilla on bottom gives it gourmet and smoky notes. The oak wood reinforces the leathery and slightly animalic side of the vanilla absolute.”–David Benedek
Their shared vision was clear from the outset – to pay homage to gourmand sensuality, crafting a fragrance that embraces the warmth and richness of vanilla, but with a contemporary twist. Thus, they embarked on a journey to refine the vanilla note, infusing it with radiant luminosity through the marriage of tuberose and orange flower absolute.
“I love this fragrance because it’s a mysterious and audacious perfume, paying tribute to the majestic vanilla. My intention was to combine the precious vanilla pod with a bouquet of white flowers to slowly reveal its warm and sensual personality. The vanilla is adorned with the sulfurous and slightly honeyed tones of tuberose, then drinks in the powerful sweetness of jasmine and finally melting into the round, carnal notes of orange blossom. To intensify the trail, I chose to work around the notes of oak wood and patchouli.” –Dominque Ropion
collage by Karl using images from @bdkparfums
Picture the precious vanilla pod adorned with sultry, honeyed tuberose, an enchanting blend that draws you into a realm of indulgence. The velvety sweetness of jasmine and the delicate allure of orange blossom dance gracefully, complementing the vanilla-tuberose duet and elevating the fragrance to new heights of sophistication.
The heart and soul of BDK Parfums Vanille Leather resides within the trail it leaves behind. The central stage is captured by the interplay of oak wood and patchouli, forming a solid foundation that supports and balances the ethereal top and heart notes. The result is a journey of contrasts, where the plush, comforting aspects of vanilla harmonise with the earthy, sensual qualities of leather.
Dominique Ropion, a maestro of the olfactory realm, offered fascinating insights into the blending of notes and the meticulous art of perfumery. He revealed how the combination of tuberose and orange flower absolute added a delightful twist to the classic vanilla, unveiling a mesmerising complexity that unfolds over time.
BDK Parfums Vanille Leather at Harrods-photo by Karl©
As the Masterclass concluded, attendees were awed by of the connection between David Benedek and Dominique Ropion, evident in every facet of BDK Vanille Leather. This magnificent fragrance, a symphony of scents, encapsulates the true essence of collaboration and dedication to the art of perfumery.
BDK Parfums Vanille Leather is a fragrance that beckons you to embrace indulgence and sophistication. Its exquisite composition, born from the intersection of fashion and perfumery, is a testament to the ingenuity of David Benedek and the artistic prowess of Dominique Ropion. A captivating journey that celebrates the harmonious convergence of vanilla, tuberose, and leather, leaving an unforgettable trail of oak wood and patchouli.
Top Notes: pink peppercorn, violet accord; Heart Notes: tuberose absolute from India, jasmine absolute from Egypt, and orange flower absolute; Base notes: vanilla from Madagascar, patchouli oil from Indonesia, oak wood, orris, benzoin resinoid
Disclosure: Bottle of BDK Parfums Vanille Leather given to Karl for review purposes, opinions are his own.
-Karl Topham, Senior Editor and U.K. Brand Ambassador
BDK Parfums Vanille Leather by Karl©
Thanks to BDK Parfums, we have a 100 ml of Vanille Leather for one registered reader in US, UK and EU. You must be registered or your comment will not count To be eligible, please leave a comment on what sparked your interest about Karl’s, review and where you live? What’s your favourite BDK Parfums? Draw closes 7/27/23.
BDK Parfums Vanille Leather is available exclusively at Harrods department store (London), and on BDK Parfums’ website. It will be available worldwide in autumn of 2023.
Thanks to Phoenix Beauty UK for the invitation to the BDK Parfums Vanille Leather Launch event at Harrods in conversation with David Benedek and Dominique Ropion.
Enjoy Olya’s essay on BDK Parfums Gris Charnel. Please read Emmanuelle Varron’s review of Villa Neroli here and BDK Parfums Ambre Saffrano here.
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