Kilian Hennessy, grandson of the LVMH Group and cognac heir, has just launched his 9th scent called Love & Tears
Surrender (available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman and Saks). The fragrance retails for $225 and refill sizes range in cost from $70 to $125. Hennessy is no novice who used his family connections and fortune to get into the perfumery business on a whim. He has a long history working in the industry including working with brands like Christian Dior and Alexander McQueen. However, the premise of the By Kilian line is a rebellion against the
luxury/designer fragrance that costs $70, while only costing $2 to
produce. The prices of the By Kilian line are sky high, yes, but
they’re also formulated to warrant it (if you fancy the resulting scents that is!).
Kilian’s latest fragrance is the last installment to his olifactory exploration of the phases of love and is an ode to Jasmine – a note I’ve always found to be particularly soothing so it seems very appropriate for the idea of surrendering to the ups and downs of love (at least that’s my take on the perfumer’s final installment!). Jump for specific notes!
Love and Tears, Surrender is composed exclusively with the Absolute Jasmine from
India, a Jasmine with strong orange blossom undertones. Kilian separates this complex scent into “Sacred” and “Erotic” notes -
Sacred facet:
Bergamot from Italy, Petit Grain from Paraguay, Cypress from France
Erotic facet:
Jasmine from India, Orange Blossom from Spain, Ylang Ylang from Magadascar, Ciste from France
This is a unisex scent, which is reflected in the understated, luxe packaging.
Sounds more like he’s rebelling against his customer base! If I knew my perfume cost $2 to produce, I would feel resentful for having to pay so much and downright cheated!
What he’s basically insinuating is that his past experience has taught him that most designer fragrances are fluff and little of the production cost actually goes into the juice but rather it goes to marketing/ads/celebrity spokespeople…Kilian is all about focusing on “the juice”! Same goes for Atelier Cologne – another wonderful line…love their Grand Neroli scent
I can see what you mean and it does make sense to inform the public of the production costs in order to poke fun at designer fragrances, but it’s also hypocritical that he’s charging roughly the same price. The only difference is that he let us in on this “secret”. But then again, value is not the same as worth. I’m sure plenty of people are willing to purchase if the scent fills their noses with fairies and butterflies! =)