Master Perfumer Francis Kurkdjian visited Neiman Marcus in Las Vegas to promote his French fragrance collection, which is a tribute to Paris and dedicated to great joys and simple pleasures.


The collection itself is pretty awe-inspiring. That’s because the Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris line is more than bottles of perfume. As Francis himself would say, “It’s a lifestyle brand based on perfume.” Simply put, the Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris collection is a fragranced approach to life 24/7.


Exclusive to Neiman Marcus, Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris includes candles, incense paper (tip from Francis: use the incense paper inside your handbag, closet or car) and bubbles. Yes. That’s right. BUBBLES! But these aren’t just any bubbles. These are fragrant bubbles, inspired by Francis’ niece Agathe, with the intention of teaching children about colors and scents. In fact, one should not pop a bubble from Francis Kurkdjian Les Bulles d’Agathe with the finger. No. To properly experience Francis Kurkdjian, one must pop the bubble with the nose. Doing so will fill your nose with sweet fragrance and your mind with childhood memories.


Especially for Mother’s Day, Francis developed violet scented bubbles, which are available at Neiman Marcus May 2. For only $18, any child can give his mother a special gift and a special memory of play.

One of the most interesting things Francis said to me was that the various scents of his fragrance collection are not, in fact, scents. “I call them stories,” said Francis. So we sat down to chat and to hear more of Francis’ stories.

LS: So, creating a fragrance is science-based because it’s chemistry, right?

FK: No, it’s not. Let me ask you a question. Do you think a painter using colors, and colors are made of synthetics, is a chemist?

LS: No.

FK: Creating a fragrance is like creating any piece of art. It’s exactly the same process. You have to get to know your raw materials. There’s nothing to do with chemistry.

LS: So, really it’s just a complete art. Not like you’re taking science and developing an art.

FK: No. Because you have scientists on one side that create new aromas. And my job is to mix those notes. So there is no chemistry involved. It’s just deciding that I should take jasmine and rose, the same way a painter would take white and red, and mix them together.

LS: And then, what inspires you to select the specific notes?

FK: I’m very in my time. I don’t like to run away, escapism. I’m more like, in life. So, I can be inspired by trips I’ve made, people I’ve met…. One of the fragrances is inspired by a French actress, another one is inspired by my trip to Lebanon. Another fragrance is inspired by a garden. So, it really depends.

LS: Do you have tips for women when they’re selecting the right fragrance for themselves?

FK: Take your time. Ask for a sample. I’ve seen too many people sniffing and buying right away. It depends on what you’re looking for. Are you into speed dating and a one night stand? Or are you looking for a relationship?

LS: I like that analogy!

FK: I’ve been at the counter for the past two or three months, meeting people and getting to know my customer. And really this is the way it is: Are you speed dating? Or, do you want to take your time, get to the know the fragrance, put it on your skin… and maybe you come back 20 minutes later? It’s not about waiting five days. At least 20 minutes. Just give it time, a little bit.

LS: How does a woman become more educated about what fragrance works for her? Like with fashion, we get to know our bodies and we know what looks good on us. How do I know what’s going to smell good on me?

FK: It comes from your gut, I think. And also, very much, from what your entourage says about the fragrance you’re wearing. If your best girlfriend says, “Mmm. What are you wearing?” And then you try to not give her the answer. Or if you have a boyfriend, and he tells you, “Oh, my dear. Oh, I love you. You smell very good.” To me, the entourage is very important.

LS: What about if a man is buying a fragrance for a woman?

FK: Men are sometimes driven by the name. For example, a fragrance in my collection is called ‘A Piece of Me,’ and I’ve seen many brides and grooms buying it for their wedding because they saw meaning in the name.

LS: How do you feel about layering fragrances to create your own signature scent?

FK: To me layering your own signature scent is the same way as your apartment where you put together different paintings to pretend it’s a Picasso. But, if you’re happy…. Fragrance is about being free. The best thing to me is in the end, does she feel better as a person? Is she happy about it? Is she getting compliments from who she wants to? And if she’s getting all three, then fine.

LS: What made you choose violet for Mother’s Day?

FK: There is a French song called “Love is a Bouquet of Violets.”

LS: Awwwww….

FK: And it’s [the bubbles are] only $18. And I do remember that when I was a kid it was exciting to get something and buy it myself to give to my mother. So I think for $18, you give the gift of the scent of violet and it’s fun.

Being a bubbles girl, this blogger is totally in love with Aqua Universalis fragrance, which was inspired by the “emotion of clean.” It’s a unisex scent and is available as an Eau de Toilette, Laundry Wash, Incense Paper, Candle or Leather Bracelet.

Purchase Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris at Neiman Marcus or use the widget below. Makes a great Mother’s Day gift!

Maison Francis Kurkdjian