Narciso Rodriguez Shares The Story Behind NARCISO Eau de Parfum Ambrée

The American-Cuban designer – best known for creating some of the most iconic perfumes of the past two decades – shares insight into his favourite scents, the inspiration behind his 44 perfume creations and much more

Bazaar spent some time chatting with Narciso Rodriguez about his collaboration with perfumer Aurélien Guichard and the two-year journey in creating his new fragrance: NARCISO Eau de Parfum Ambrée. Find out exactly how the perfume differs from his other creations, who the Ambrée woman is and the process behind dreaming up yet another iconic perfume here.

Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): Has fragrance always played an important role in your life? Do you have a particular favourite fragrance note or scent growing up? 

Narciso Rodriguez (NR): I have always loved fragrances and their beauty. They often tie you to beautiful memories and moments. I fell in love with gardenias as a child, playing in my aunt’s garden and discovered orange blossoms in Portugal. I love musk and it has been a favorite from a very early age. 

HBA: You have created over 44 perfumes in your lifetime. Would you say it is challenging to find fresh and new inspirations when concocting new fragrances?  

NR: Creating fragrance and fashion, for me, are more about refining and evolving inspirations as opposed to seeking out to create something shocking.

The smallest decisions and changes can have wonderful effects on what already is at the heart of a fragrance. For me, that heart is musk so the possibilities are really endless. 

HBA: How would you best describe the NARCISO Eau de Parfum Ambrée woman?

NR: I would describe the Ambrée woman as self-poised, confident, and cool. Not unlike the woman who wear other Narciso Rodriguez fragrances; what makes her different is that she radiates the scent of the sun, mixed with amber and orange blossom in the most sensual way. 

HBA: How was it collaborating with perfumer Aurélien Guichard on NARCISO Eau de Parfum Ambrée? 

NR: I met Aurélien in 2009 and have collaborated with him on many fragrances.  He has a great understanding of my abstract ideas, bringing incredible finesse and creativity to each scent. I feel fortunate to have worked with a brilliant creator that pushes boundaries and ideas in an original yet artistic way. He really understands who the Narciso Rodriguez woman is and how sensual the soul of each of our fragrances needs to be. He is truly a master, especially when it comes to working with musk.

HBA: Can you give us insight into the process of creating NARCISO Eau de Parfum Ambrée? What sort of research, time and energy went into creating this fragrance?

NR: It took two years to create Ambrée, from beginning to ene. Before that process began there was endless research, discovery, and dreaming that went into the initial concept. 

HBA: Why did you decide to cast Laurijn Bijnen as the face of NARCISO Eau de Parfum Ambrée campaign? 

NR: Laurijn is a rare beauty, but she also embodies a modern woman – a woman of strength and character, a timeless kind of beauty that goes beyond the superficial and becomes true inspiration. She possesses a quality that I most admire and find truly inspiring: grace. 

HBA: Lastly, who are the brilliant women who have inspired you throughout your life? How have they had an effect on NARCISO Eau de Parfum Ambrée?

NR: There are so many on my list: Michelle Obama for her intellect and poise; Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy for her incredible style, timeless beauty, and brilliance; and, of course, my mother for her strength and imagination.

For more information visit narcisorodriguez.com 

Images courtesy of Narciso Rodriguez