By Laia Farran Graves (forbes.com)

In 2016, David Benedek founded the niche fragrance house BDK Parfums in the Palais Royal district of Paris. I met with David at London's Claridge's to learn more about his brand, and he welcomed me with a warm smile.

David describes BDK Parfums as a Parisian house inspired by the traditional know-how of French perfumery but with a very modern, contemporary approach. He also tells me it's a very personal, intimate and authentic brand. He explains that when consumers come to a niche brand, they come to find something different. Indeed, niche perfumery is a market that is on the rise. According to cognitivemarketresearch.com, the demand for high-end lifestyles, luxury products and personalized and intimate fragrances is growing dramatically, and with rising online platforms, this demand is increasing even further. In the latest Cognitive Market Research report, it is predicted that by 2029 the Global Luxury Niche Perfume market size will be $4,084.41 Million and that the Luxury Niche Perfume Industry's Compound Annual Growth Rate will be 11.29% from 2023 to 2030.

David tells me that perfume is like a dress you wear and don't see and that BDK Parfums has several fragrance collections, each with its unique story and inspiration. These are conceived as olfactory libraries, with every perfume box resembling the cover of a book, and each scent telling a story. In the Collection Parisienne, each fragrance reflects some element of the authentic Parisian experience, the city where he was born and where he grew up. Another collection, the Collection Matières, is a tribute to the raw materials used in perfumery, paying careful attention to their selection and origins, and the Collection Azur is inspired by the Mediterranean Sea, specifically by Cap d'Antibes, Corsica, and the island of Capri. There is also the Collection Exclusive, where, as described on his website, each fragrance is an alliance of two primary raw materials that complement and sublimate each other to reveal surprising notes and chords.

From an early age, David was exposed to different luxury fragrances and understood the power of scent and how it can transport you and evoke or spark a memory. His grandparents moved to Paris (his father is Romanian, and his mother comes from the border between Algeria and Morocco) and in 1959, they opened a classic French independent perfumery called Benlux. It stocked the great brands of the time, such as Worth, Chanel and Dior. In 1979, the boutique was relocated to larger premises on Rue de Rivoli, where it still stands today—one of the last independent perfumeries remaining in Paris. David's parents took over the store, but it was his late grandmother Edith who taught him about perfumery. David describes her as his best friend, his leading supporter, and he dedicated his first perfume Bouquet de Hongrie to her, "I named it like that because of the green florals, and she had a beautiful terrace with flowers," he says. He describes the perfume as a romantic fragrance, composed around an exquisite floral heart of Turkish rose and jasmine, with airy notes of sparkling pear and blackcurrant on a precious woody base to impart a warm, lingering trail.

As David tells me about the brand and describes the process from conception to delivery, it strikes me that he has left no stone unturned. He is completely absorbed in the creative process and understands that, as the French fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy once said, "Luxury is in each detail."

He explains that he has chosen to manufacture entirely in France because the French perfume industry and its craftsmanship are known globally for their unparalleled expertise. Hence, manufacturing entirely in France was a natural decision for him. "It is essential to contribute to the prestige of our heritage and showcase its richness and uniqueness, ensuring the development of the highest quality products," he says. Every element, including the glass bottle, the cap, the label on the perfume, and the box in which it comes, has been made by French manufacturers. The bevelled glass bottle, for instance, is made in Normandy by a master glassmaker. The black lid is crafted in Paris by a traditional goldsmith—inspired by the shape of the Art Deco Grand Palais building. The label is produced by a printer in the Marais district of Paris and then applied by hand to each bottle. And the box is made by a family-run business in the Le Mans region, using ink of natural origin and recycled paper.

The Parisian BDK Maison Parfum’s latest launch, Rouge Smoking Extrait, is a significant addition to their collection. David tells me he himself is not a perfumer but works closely with his team. Together, they craft unique formulas using the best quality materials to make original creations. This latest fragrance is based on their eau de parfum Rouge Smoking, a scent inspired by the vibrant Pigalle district in Paris. It also pays tribute to fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, whom he describes as a couture genius. Saint Laurent was undoubtedly ahead of his time when, as part of his Autumn/Winter 1966 collection, he designed the timeless and androgynous Le Smoking: a women’s black wool suit jacket with matching trousers and a silk satin trim. It became a legendary wardrobe staple that transcended time and trends.

Rouge Smoking Extrait is a modern amber and fruity fragrance that blends sweet Napoleon cherry with rich vanilla and tonka bean, resulting in a rich, sweet perfume that is not overpowering. It is a testament to the brand's dedication to quality and innovation and truly encapsulates the essence of chic and the magic of the City of Lights.

Lånt fra Forbes.com
Kilde: https://www.forbes.com/sites/laiafarrangraves/2024/11/22/message-in-a-bottle-the-story-behind-bdk-parfums/