Regarded by many as one of the world’s best, Maison Francis Kurkdjian is in a league of its own, being the nose behind the cult fragrance Baccarat Rouge 540 from his own brand, and Le Male for Jean Paul Gaultier, one of the best-selling perfumes of all time. 

The niche fragrance label recently added to the trifecta of Aqua Universalis, Aqua Vitae, and Aqua Celestia from its Aqua Cologne forte collection with the release of Aqua Media (from RM685 for 35ml). A spritz of the scent recalls an idyllic landscape where the wild grass blows in the breeze as water flows serenely in a nearby river.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bakhache Luxuries (M) Sdn Bhd (825512-W) (@bakhacheluxuries)

The golden thread that ties the four fragrances together is bright bergamot from Italy, a citrusy aroma. The aniseed accents take centre stage while its notes include crystalline hedione with a light floral radiance which in turn adds breath and volume to sweet fennel. A botanical structure of verbena, a hint of patchouli, and green moss are built upon a solid base of woody musks, which underline the fragrance’s sensuality and manage to invoke the savoir vivre à la française.

The masterful blend of notes results in a clean and refreshing scent that intoxicates the wearer without overpowering. The eau de parfum is encased in a green flask, which seems to glimmer in the light, its hue chosen to represent the centre of the rainbow, a fantastical phenomenon born of water and sunlight. 

“Aqua Media Cologne forte smells like happiness and caring, vitality and energy, reassuring in its apparent simplicity,” Francis Kurkdjian stated. “It puts me in a good mood, that’s all. I have nothing else to add, everything is already there, written in the formula.”

Prices for Aqua Media Cologne Forte begin at RM685 for 35ml. Visit Maison Francis Kurkdjian boutique at Pavilion or purchase the fragrance online. 

Francis Kurkdjian