There is a memory etched in my mind since I can remember: the powdery scent of the perfume my mother wore in the 2000s, a scent I later discovered more consciously on my own.
Twenty-five years have passed since then, and FLOWER by KENZO remains faithful to that groundbreaking and disruptive composition that the master perfumer Alberto Morillas created starting from the poppy as a starting point: a flower that did not have a natural scent became a symbol, and today it is one of those cult fragrances that stay more alive than ever.
The turn of the century witnessed the creation of one of the most recognizable perfumes in history, but its vision began long before. On October 21, 1967, photographer Marc Riboud captured the image of a woman named Rose: she protested the Vietnam War in front of soldiers, holding in her hand a flower as her only weapon to defend herself.
Photograph taken on October 21, 1967 by photographer Marc Riboud during the Vietnam War.
A “no to war” that Kenzo Takada, designer of Maison, made his own and reflected in all his creations, especially in FLOWER by KENZO. Its iconic crystal bottle with the poppy as the sole protagonist shows “a red thread as a path toward peace, sprinkled with innocence, purity, wonder, smiles, and a mix of cultures,” explain the brand.
What does CHERRY POPPY smell like, the new FLOWER by KENZO perfume
Two decades and five years later, the reinventions of this classic have multiplied until reaching its latest release: FLOWER CHERRY POPPY, a new Japanese-inspired perfume as its main lure, but with an olfactory construction that is worth discovering.
FLOWER by KENZO CHERRY POPPY.
What does it smell like? This new Eau de Parfum reinvents the traditional approach to perfumery and translates its floral bouquet into the world of Japanese pastry. Its perfumer, Dora Baghriche, speaks of creating a perfume with a “juicy but not sweet” approach, inspired by the culture of Japanese patisserie.
«The Japanese wagashi [flower-shaped pastries] are works of seasonal poetry, that satisfy our senses of sight, touch, smell and taste in equal measure. FLOWER BY KENZO CHERRY POPPY is a play of color and texture: the fresh acidity of strawberry and cherry, the velvety texture of ambrette musk, a heart of water lily and rose, and a surrounding veil of white musk», explains Dora Baghriche.
Dora Baghriche, the nose behind FLOWER CHERRY POPPY by KENZO.
The result is a mood-boosting perfume, “full of happiness, capable of expressing textures and sensations through its enveloping notes,” perfect to premiere in winter but also to wear at any time of the year. Its character is subtle yet distinctive and delicate: tender and tart, with a cheerful aesthetic and very balanced notes.
From launch, a juicy black cherry wrapped in strawberry awakens the senses. The heart beats with the elegance of Damascus rose essence and the purity of the water lily. And in the base, a comforting blend of white musk and Virginia cedarwood essence lingers, adding warmth and sophistication.
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It is a perfume with gourmand notes but not cloying. It maintains a balance with Damascus rose, musk, and the woody touch of cedar.
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The talc-like or powdery touch remains present for the nostalgics.
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Its trail is intimate, but it also reaches those close to you without invading the room.
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It has a relatively high longevity on the skin and it stays on clothing for days.
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To Flower by Kenzo nostalgics like my mother, this new reinterpretation will enchant them, as it preserves the classic powdery aroma but adds an irresistible twist with the tart cherry scent and the unforgettable musk that becomes personal and unique on every skin type.
With its delightful pink hue, it adds a pop and cheerful touch to its iconic slender recycled-glass bottle and made entirely in France with Damascus rose engraved on the cap and on the box to complete its collector’s series.
Its formula is crafted from a 91% natural-origin ingredients and its ambassador, the Franco-Japanese Masami Charlotte Lavault who left her career in the world of design to set up a flower farm in the heart of Paris, perfectly represents the youthful elegance that can be felt from the very first spray of CHERRY POPPY.
