Dior’s Scented Bois Talisman; Good Fortune Awaits

Do you spray a favourite perfume and feel an almost magical spirit of protection and joy surround you? As though the fragrance itself has a powerful healing that engulfs you through the day? A sprayed talisman if you like. Some carry Tailsmans with them, a small object that has a healing effect or good fortune on them, for others a spray of a favourite perfume does exactly the same. The latest scent from Dior’s creative director Francis Kurkdain explores both the physical objects of a talisman and the spiritual elements they bring, in his latest creation, Bois Talisman. Find out more in Dior’s Scented Bois Talisman; Good Fortune Awaits.

The image on left-hand side,  Samantha Inman @rememberingtobreathe

Do you carry something small around in a pocket or bag that for you gives an almost religious or magical power? Something you feel protects, heals, or saves you from harm; a small item that you feel safe with. Talismanic practices can feature magical associations, such as colours, scents, symbology, and patterns.

The entertainer Sammy Davis Junior wore a Mezuzah around his neck given to him by comedian and host Eddie Cantor. Usually, this would go by the front door of a house or room in a Jewish home but Davis wore it as a talismanic piece of jewellery; except he didn’t on the day he had a car accident.

A strong believer in superstitions, the designer Christian Dior put his trust in fortune-tellers and lucky charms throughout his whole career. So superstitious was he that he kept six different charms in his pockets including a four-leaf clover and a small bit of wood to touch regularly. He even named dresses after card games and amulets. And it is this element of the man’s character that inspired the Houses’ perfumer Francis Kurkdain to meld his latest scent, Bois Talisman.

“I have always found Christian Dior’s superstitious nature deeply touching. It speaks to me, as I share it in an atavistic way, but also because I have a “taste” for it. Rather like the harmless fun rituals I invent for myself to ward off bad luck. One of mine is to keep a sugar cube hidden inside my jacket during important work meetings, and this clear sensory idea suddenly took shape! “

Francis Kurkdjian, Perfume Creation Director

A unisex Eau de Parfum with a gourmand slant and woody facets, from La Collection Privée. Interestingly it is quite a short formula meaning, not a huge amount of ingredients. Its opening is Vanilla, why you may ask? and this is where the two men join. Kurkdjian keeps a sugar cube in his pocket before big meetings. In this elixir, he marries his superstition with Dior’s, choosing here to use Vanilla to represent this sweetness.

Here there are three parts to the Vanilla meaning it is not overtly sweet but a subtle sweet warmth. A masterful blend from a Vanilla infusion a Vanilla absolute, and CO2-extracted Vanilla.

But what brings this fragrance ultimately to life is how by echoing Monsuir Dior’s piece of Wood talisman, Kurdjian added both Cedarwood and Smoke.

Interestingly Cedarwood is used in many talismans and amulets because of its strength, nobility, and healing properties.  And in some communities, it is used for this purpose because it is seen to have medical and powerful protective and healing qualities.

Cedarwood with its divine warm pencil sharpening ‘fresh woodiness’ and facets of citrus and spice, lights up the fragrance. Alongside a smokey note that gives it delicious depth.

The settled fragrance is nothing but magical, not sweet but elegant creamy-buttery-honey warmth; the warmth of real vanilla as opposed to saccharin sickliness. It pulls and entices before a final wrapping of an opulent, woody, smokey embrace.

Bois Talisman was born of the striking meeting of our two superstitions, and the sugar cube tucked away in my pocket blended with the pieces of wood that Christian Dior continually touched in his. Sugar flowed towards an intense Vanilla that reveals every one of its facets. A magical duo was formed, and Bois Talisman was born. »

Francis Kurkdjian, Perfume Creation Director

Each of us may well have our own superstitions, our own talismans, something we take with us when on the move and as any ritual like a perfume can have the same power, and be a beautiful addiction. This new scent seals love warmth and comfort around you and will only draw joy and beauty towards you, who could ask for more?

Bois Taliman is available at Dior.com Here

If you enjoyed reading Dior’s Scented Bois Talisman; Good Fortune Awaits why not read The Revolution of Book Covers as Art Here