Turning the dial back to 1960s Paris, past its floodlit avenues and through the mist-draped alleyways, the underground jazz scene is flourishing in plain view—none more so than in the clandestine corners of Saint-Germain. Beneath the dim light, the air hummed with life amidst smoky veils, murmured dialogues, resonant saxophones, and the clatter of glasses. It was in this refuge of artistry and intellect that the founders of Diptyque—Desmond Knox-Leet, Christiane Montadre-Gautrot, and Yves Coueslant—discovered their bottled muse: the Orphéon Eau De Parfum, named after the original Orphéon jazz club and bar.
A Diptyque olfactory classic, the brand now relaunches its unisex fragrance to rekindle the warmth, euphoria, and sentiment of its storied past. Blended with a discerning touch, each note represents the golden era of jazz clubs. Cedarwood stands strong and grounding, recalling the weight of unwritten tales across lacquered bar tops. Tonka bean evokes the subtle remnants of fine tobacco, followed by an uplifting streak of juniper berries, a fleeting nod to gin cocktails shared in an amber-lit space. Jasmine lingers as the final thread of this composition, carrying the fragrant imprints of perfumes worn by revellers who once danced through the moonlit streets of Paris.
A line-up of limited-edition creations accompanies this relaunch, headlined by a finely crafted oak wood case designed to house the 75ml bottle (RM899). Inspired by vintage cocktail cabinets, the case opens to reveal the fragrance nestled between mirrored doors, while its exterior is engraved with a panoramic artwork that captures the luminous energy of Parisian nights. The 75ml bottle also debuts a refreshed label, spotlighting a deep blue with silver accents—a tribute to Orphéon’s faceted column, a design element still visible today in Diptyque’s boutique at 34 boulevard Saint-Germain Paris 5e.
The Orphéon collection now includes the premium set (RM1,329), the 30ml bottle (RM469), and a set of two scented Narguilé and Genévrier candles (RM429). These are available online, at all Diptyque boutiques, and at KENS Apothecary stores.
