In the world of high perfumery, few creations capture the essence of Parisian elegance and audacity as distinctly as BDK Parfums‘ Rouge Smoking. Now, this beloved scent has entered a new era with Rouge Smoking Extrait, an enriched and intensified version that builds on the original fragrance’s charisma, elevating it to new heights of allure. Created by David Benedek, founder of BDK Parfums, and in collaboration with perfumers Amélie Bourgeois and Margaux Le Paih Guérin from Flair, this extrait version deepens the iconic olfactory profile with layers of sensuality and mystery, ideal for the modern perfume aficionado.
A Tribute to Parisian Elegance and the Legacy of Yves Saint Laurent
The inspiration behind Rouge Smoking originates in the bold, innovative spirit of Yves Saint Laurent, who, in 1966, redefined femininity with his iconic smoking jacket for women—a symbol of empowerment and freedom. Benedek’s Rouge Smoking takes this fashion milestone and translates it into the language of fragrance. For him, it’s an homage not only to Saint Laurent but to the daring spirit of Paris itself, where tradition and modernity harmoniously coalesce.
Reflecting on his inspiration, Benedek shares, “I imagined Rouge Smoking as a tribute to the greatest French couturier, Yves Saint Laurent. His introduction of the smoking jacket for women marked a pivotal moment, one of liberation and avant-garde fashion. Rouge Smoking draws from that audacity, paying homage to a Parisian elegance that defies convention.”
The Evolution of Rouge Smoking: Why an Extrait?
Rouge Smoking Extrait is the third extrait release in BDK Parfums’ repertoire, following the success of Gris Charnel and Pas Ce Soir. This decision to rework Rouge Smoking came from the desire to explore and heighten certain facets, specifically focusing on the cherry, vanilla, and tonka bean notes that define the fragrance’s addictive quality. As Benedek explains, “While the composition has already captivated many, I felt the need to deepen its character. With Rouge Smoking Extrait, we amplify these notes, making them richer and more opulent, while preserving the core identity that made the original a bestseller.”
Crafting Rouge Smoking Extrait: Challenges and Triumphs
Creating an extrait isn’t simply a matter of intensifying existing notes; it’s an exercise in balance. With Amélie Bourgeois and Margaux Le Paih Guérin, Benedek sought to retain Rouge Smoking’s signature while reimagining it as a fragrance that exudes both power and subtlety. Two years of development went into crafting this extrait, blending the original’s beloved notes with new ingredients like oud and amber woods, which add depth and a warm, almost intoxicating character.
According to Bourgeois, “Our aim was to rework the fragrance’s profile without losing the essence of Rouge Smoking. The addition of oud transforms it, lending it a sensuality that is both intense and inviting, amplified by lactonic notes that evoke a luxurious, creamy texture.”
A Symphony of Notes
Rouge Smoking Extrait is an intricate blend that opens with Napoleon cherry accord, almond, and red mandarin, underscored by pink pepper, bergamot, cinnamon, and elemi. These top notes create an immediate, bold impact—a burst of sweet, spicy, and fruity tones that set the stage for the scent’s complex heart. At its core, tonka bean, Peru balsam, and milk lactone enhance the gourmand character, providing a warm, enveloping quality that feels luxurious and comforting.
The base notes introduce the richer, deeper elements of the extrait, with oud, black vanilla, rum, and patchouliinterweaving with saffron, cypriol, and signature synthetic notes like Amber Xtreme and Ambroxan. This creates a lasting, potent impression, a composition that is at once ambery, fruity, and gourmand.
The Art of Reinventing Cherry
One of the highlights of Rouge Smoking Extrait is its innovative treatment of cherry, an ingredient not frequently used in perfumery. This cherry accord, crafted to mirror the bold color and intense juiciness of the Napoleon cherry, becomes a central note, deepened with milk lactone for a creamy, indulgent effect. As Guérin notes, “We wanted a different type of cherry in Rouge Smoking Extrait, one that feels opulent and almost tactile—a cherry that’s not just sweet but rich and multidimensional.”
The Essence of Gourmand and Seduction
Rouge Smoking Extrait is more than a scent; it’s an olfactory experience that lingers on the skin, creating a trail of sensuality. The addition of oud enhances its seductive power, complemented by amber woods that imbue the fragrance with warmth and intensity. For Benedek, the extrait encapsulates what Rouge Smoking has always stood for: elegance, sensuality, and a hint of daring sophistication.
Where to Discover Rouge Smoking Extrait
Rouge Smoking Extrait is available starting in November 2024 at BDK Parfums’ flagship boutique on Rue Saint-Honoré, as well as in exclusive perfumery boutiques across France and select international locations. With its enduring appeal, this extrait is set to captivate both existing fans of BDK Parfums and newcomers drawn to its unique, sophisticated profile.
For lovers of high perfumery, Rouge Smoking Extrait is an invitation to embrace a fragrance that is bold, refined, and unmistakably Parisian—much like the city that inspired it. In every spray, it’s a scent that reminds one of a city alive with history, art, and a daring spirit that resonates with those who seek elegance on their terms.