Words by Shelby Comroe
As the world of fashion continuously evolves, so does the realm of fragrances. At the heart of this transformation is Dior’s New Look perfume, a brainchild of the ingenious Francis Kurkdjian. This fragrance is more than an addition to Dior’s esteemed olfactory collection; it’s a homage to the brand’s revolutionary ethos. The Dior silhouette, or the “New Look”, is timeless in its appeal, it embodies a style that is both fluid and structured, blending high fashion with the ease of streetwear, that’s ever evolving.
Since its foray into perfumery in 1947, Dior has mirrored its fashion ingenuity in its scents. This avant-garde journey set a precedent for the integration of fashion and fragrance. Now, Kurkdjian carries forward this legacy, creating a fragrance that is both liberating and refined, vividly capturing the essence of Dior’s fashion philosophy. He reflects, “To stay true to Christian Dior’s vision of perfumes reflecting his couture, I sought to continue that perfect synergy between fashion and fragrance in an audacious style. My goal was to create a perfume that resonates with the spirit, nuances, and essence of today’s New Look – a fashion that symbolizes avant-garde beauty and vitality, marrying exquisite fabrics with cuts that celebrate the body’s natural curves and sensuality.” His interpretation of the New Look as “not just a legacy or a silhouette, but a mindset” provides insight into the profound inspiration behind the fragrance, making it the essence of the New Look scent.
Kurkdjian’s explanation behind the perfume’s name marks a significant new phase in his collaboration with Dior. “Choosing ‘New Look’ was significant, as it’s my first project for La Collection Privée after joining Dior. The name embodies the freshness of the fragrance, heralding a new chapter for La Collection Privée and my journey with Dior. Working on La Collection Privée feels more like exploring my own creative playground, in contrast to crafting established icons like J’adore. I would say it’s an intimate dialogue between myself, the house of Dior and Dior himself,” he shares.
The perfume itself is a masterclass in contrast and harmony. The foundation of the scent lies in its complex blend of raw materials. Frankincense, known for its dual essence of effervescence and mystique, stands at the core. Complementing it is a heart wrapped in ethereal sensuality, embodied by a deep, warm amber accord. The pièce de résistance? A surprising burst of aldehydes, augmenting the frankincense’s radiance, and adding a veil of mystery. Kurkdjian’s shift from floral scents was deliberate, seeking modernity with La Collection Privée. “The packaging’s simplicity and minimalistic style reflect the precision of couture. I wanted this scent to have a sleek, refined quality,” he notes. The scent perfectly embodies its name, mirroring Dior’s fashion philosophy by combining rigor with a relaxed style, and luxury with comfort, achieving elegance without excess. La Collection Privée Christian Dior New Look retails for $330 for 4.25oz. And is available to purchase now.