Last December, two giants – one in fashion and the other in perfumery – joined forces to take an icon to the next level. The Roman house of Fendi tapped on the expertise of the Parisian maison Francis Kurkdjian to create FendiFrenesia: a Baguette with a first-of-a-kind scent. Drawing inspiration from the nobility and fluidity of the natural Selleria Cuoio Romano leather that the bag is crafted from, acclaimed perfumer Francis Kurkdjian’s interpretation has leathery and musky notes in the gender-neutral eau de parfum.
“I always knew Francis had this patent, and that it would suit us because Fendi is always experimenting, especially on accessories and the Baguette!” reveals Silvia Venturini Fendi, Artistic Director of Accessories. “Scented leather has been a part of my creative world since 2004,” explains Francis. “It all started when I recreated a pair of scented riding gloves in a style from the 18th century for an exhibit on Queen Marie Antoinette, held at the Château de Versailles. It enabled me to learn this ancient and lost technique invented by 12th-century master glovemaker perfumers to mask the odours associated with the leather tanning.”
By the time he founded his eponymous bespoke fragrance atelier with partner Marc Chaya in 2009, Francis had mastered the historic method of perfuming leather to create contemporary accessories such as the Tour Atour bracelets with magnetic clasps, and later, a line of small leather merchandise. In 2014, he filed the patent for his modernised technique that works with different kinds of leather and colours.
Francis didn’t hesitate when Fendi proposed the collaboration. “To create the fragrance, I first immersed myself in the archives of Fendi in Rome, where I had my first meeting with Silvia, and visited the atelier in Florence,” he shares. “I noticed the values of our houses are the same. Silvia and I both cherish craftsmanship, sense of details and share our respective passions for our know-how. I explained the technique and my take on the fragrance direction to her, and we discussed her love for some scents and notes.”
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
GHOST STORY
After 11 years and a prolonged period of development, Rolls-Royce’s new “entry-level” model has arrived. It looks unusually restrained, but is it any good? JON WALL finds out.
SPACEMAN'S BEST FRIEND
Five decades after the harrowing Apollo 13 mission, Omega’s Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary delivers a timely dose of uplifting comic relief Justin Ng is craving.
ON POINTE
Ballet still lacks diversity and MISTY COPELAND is addressing the issue head-on, using her status to shed light on social and racial disparities that continue to pervade this circle. Charlene Co gets real with the celebrated prima ballerina.
A SHOOTING STAR
A new coffee-table book commemorates the best works of the late Parisian jeweller FRÉDÉRIC ZAAVY, who was known for his style of “painting with stones” and technical mastery. Yanni Tan reports.
Banish The Bulge
The brand new year is the perfect time to finally get rid of excess baggage, especially if your past few months have been sedentary. Yanni Tan tries CoolSculpting to find out how it banishes unsightly bulges and why those who have been working out to no avail should consider it.
Come Home To… A Houseboat On The Thames
London’s famous river isn’t just a waterway – it’s also a place that a small and highly exclusive number of people call home. Gary Jones surveys some of the alternatives that offer luxury living afloat in the British capital.
Singapore Through Fresh Eyes
Take a deep dive into the best of Singapore with these insider experiences that will have you seeing the city in a new light, writes Nafeesa Saini.
Blending The Old And New
More than just keeping local heritage crafts and traditions alive, these millennial, second-generation business leaders are making waves in their fields. Annabel Tan finds out how they are taking carpentry, local coffee and bespoke gifts to the next level.
The Art Of Preservation
Alvin Tan, Deputy Chief Executive (Policy & Community) of the National Heritage Board, tells Nafeesa Saini why everyone has a part to play in our country’s heritage.
Heart And Soul
The hospitality visionary and second-generation leader of Banyan Tree is a big believer of mindfulness. How did RENYUNG HO get there? Crystal Lee peels back the layers.
