Dior, The House It’s DNA, Sealed and Scented

How is perfume like a treasured dress? When we buy a new outfit, does it slot perfectly into our wardrobe alongside others we still love? Both perfume and outfits are there to choose from, to ponder over when standing in front of the wardrobe. A wardrobe of bottles or dresses. In the case of a fashion house we love, it’s often the head of the house that we are drawn to. At Dior, it was Christian Dior who initially set the aesthetic of the house, a vision carried forward by Maria Grazia Chiuri. Monsieur Dior also set the tone for the very first perfume, Miss Dior, launched in 1947 to complement his first couture show. Now, this responsibility rests in the very capable hands of master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian. Both Chiuri and Kurkdjian take the heritage and bring forth new facets of expression. The new collection of perfumery is a perfect example of carrying through the DNA of Monsieur Dior’s magic. La Collection Privée Christian Dior Esprit De Parfum captures the essence of the past while pushing the boundaries of modern creativity. Find out more in “Dior, The House It’s DNA, Sealed and Scented.” Image on left Samantha Inman @rememberingtobreathe

In the world of haute couture, few names evoke the timeless elegance of Dior. When Christian Dior founded his iconic House in 1946, he poured his passion for both fashion and fragrance into every detail. For him, perfume was not just an accessory; it was a vital part of his creative vision, a way to make the invisible visible, to wrap a woman in scent as one would in the finest silk.

Dior’s first fragrance, Miss Dior, launched in 1947, was a love letter to femininity, a scent that captured the essence of his revolutionary spirit. Just like his New Look, Dior’s perfumes were woven into the very fabric of his brand, both becoming timeless symbols of femininity and sophistication that reshaped fashion after the war.

Christian Dior used to quote often,

“Perfume is the finishing touch to a dress.” 

This reveals how deeply he valued the role of fragrance in a woman’s life. Think about your own perfume collection; it’s like a wardrobe of treasured dresses, each scent a cherished favourite or an exciting new find.

V&A_Christian Dior Designer of Dreams exhibition_Dior in Britain section (c) ADRIEN DIRAND

Our classic fragrances sit alongside newer additions, echoing the shapes and styles we’ve loved over the years. Just as we carefully select outfits that reflect who we are, we choose perfumes that resonate with our inner selves. Both our wardrobe and our scent choices tell our story, evolving with us as we grow.

Today, Maria Grazia Chiuri leads Dior with her own unique vision, honouring the legacy of the house while infusing it with a modern twist. In the world of fragrance, Francis Kurkdjian continues this tradition. He’s a master perfumer, known for creating scents that linger in your memory long after they’ve touched your skin.

Kurkdjian respects the brand’s rich history, yet he’s unafraid to push the boundaries, much like Chiuri does with her designs. He brings a delicate balance of reverence and innovation to his work, ensuring that Dior’s spirit remains as vibrant as ever. This approach is beautifully reflected in his latest endeavour.

La Collection Privée Christian Dior, a cherished chapter in Dior’s fragrance legacy, has long housed five iconic perfumes that have captivated hearts and minds. Now, under Kurkdjian’s visionary guidance, these masterpieces have been reimagined in the form of La Collection Privée Christian Dior Esprit de Parfum, a new interpretation that pays tribute to the essence of each original scent, infusing them with renewed depth and fresh intensity. Like the master stroke of Dior himself, the perfumes become like haute couture scents.

Kurkdjian has taken these beloved fragrances and elevated them, distilling their core into something even more profound. Each of the five fragrances, Gris Dior, Lucky, Rouge Trafalgar, Ambre Nuit, and Oud Ispahan, has been re-envisioned with a richer, more concentrated essence.

Gris Dior steps up with a new, more intense character. The light grey becomes richer and more electrifying, adding depth and complexity. The chypre notes are now clearer, blending seamlessly with the dark woods of Atlas Cedar and Indonesian Patchouli, softened by a warm Amber touch. The floral heart of violet and Bulgarian rose shines even more, evoking a sensual and sophisticated allure.

Ambre Nuit now whispers the secrets of a moonless night. Musks give way to a tantalizing mix of spices, where cinnamon and cardamom dance together over a soft amber base. This fragrance is irresistibly captivating, wrapping you in a sensual embrace that leads you through the mysterious depths of the night.

Lucky, aptly named, nods to Christian Dior’s legendary superstitions. It brings out the cherished Lily of the valley from the original bouquet, now with an added touch of elegance. The fragrance is enhanced by a deep green woody leather base, making it bold and radiant, a scent that confidently asserts its presence with remarkable intensity.

Oud Ispahan invites you on a fantastical journey through the Orient, rich with the magic of One Thousand and One Nights. It’s enveloped in warm, spicy notes of clove and cumin, with honeyed rose and oud weaving a dazzling pattern that’s both opulent and profoundly evocative.

Rouge Trafalgar shocks with a vibrant new red hue. It transforms from a soft fruity scent into a bold, fiery delight. With lively pink peppercorn and striking Turkish and Bulgarian rose, it’s a fragrance that commands attention. Imagine a crisp scarlet candy apple in a surprising basket of red fruits, offering a devilishly delicious and irresistible allure.

‘For me, creating Esprit de Parfum is an opportunity to pay tribute to the iconic scents of La Collection Privée. For each fragrance, I have redefined a clear olfactory line and a narrative that allow me to revisit the architecture of each composition with purity and radicalism. The spirits of fragrance are like the canvas before the final model: they are its epitome’.

Francis Kurkdjian

The La Collection Privée Christian Dior Esprit de Parfum bottles now reflect a sleek, darker elegance. Their slimmer design accentuates the luxurious and potent nature of these new Les Esprits de Parfum, celebrating their precious and powerful essence.

This reinterpretation breathes new life into Dior’s olfactory treasures, giving them a new voice while honouring their original spirit. It feels like a new piece added to a wardrobe of scents, where the old and new harmoniously coexist. Just as a carefully curated wardrobe blends cherished classics with fresh, bold pieces, this collection brings together Dior’s rich legacy with a modern twist.

Every scent is like a chapter in a story, weaving together timeless elegance and innovative creativity. Just as we find joy in exploring our wardrobe, La Collection Privée Christian Dior Esprit De Parfum invites you to discover and savour each fragrance, adding your own personal touch to the beautiful continuum of Dior’s history.

To read more and explore Dior’s perfumes, visit www.dior.com

If you enjoyed reading Dior’s Perfume; Its Connection to Memories and Dreams. Why not try Whispering Silk: What Secrets Does Queen of Silk Hold?

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