The inspiration for the Dioriviera fragrance came to me suddenly in Provence, in the midst of a field below the Colle Noire estate. The southern sun was shining, the May roses were in bloom, and a warm breeze was blowing through the leaves of a majestic fig tree, my sole companion. This magical moment was seared into my memory, and in that very instant, the desire to create a perfume arose. Upon my return to Paris, a creative period began during which I shaped this love-at-first-sight, crafting the contours of its olfactory silhouette and transforming the idea into my first fragrance for La Collection Privée. Dioriviera is a stunning, radiant composition. It is a casual, modern beauty with a sun-filled scent that conveys the love affair between Christian Dior and the French Riviera. » Francis Kurkdjian Perfume Creation Director – Parfums Christian Dior.

LA COLLE NOIRE GARDENS MAY 2021

Francis Kurkdjian, appointed Perfume Creation Director for the House of Dior in 2021, went to meet Dior’s partner producers in Grasse, during the rose harvest. The Château de la Colle Noire lay close by, and the sunscapes of the Riviera were visible in the distance. The sweet air was as tender as the caress of the Mediterranean spring. The sun beat down while inspiring scents drifted and danced. Something was about to happen…

A RENDEZ-VOUS WITH THE SOUTH OF FRANCE

At harvest time, immersed in a colourful carpet of petals swaying in the warm wind, the scent of the roses was irresistible, addictive, defined and delicate. The wind danced with the blooms, carrying their sensual, gourmand scent and raising it up into the air, to the point of saturation. However, another scent, persistent and smooth, stole in. It was triumphant and unexpected. Contrasting, enveloping and caressing, bitter and heady, it was recognisable among all others. It was the scent of a majestic fig tree, of its leaves warmed by the sun, just behind the perfumer. Fig and rose. Rose and fig. The duo took shape, natural, graceful, sunny and sensual. A desire arose, with no aim or actual project yet. This persistent desire stayed with him. Like an imprint of the South of France that would accompany him for a very long time.

DIORIVIERA, STEP BY STEP

Although the inspiration came from the garden, the composition work took place in Paris. This movement, which saw Christian Dior continually come and go between the regenerative South and the creative fiefdom of avenue Montaigne, seems to be part of the history of this House. Christian Dior, his heart in Provence and his head in Paris, made this dual foothold the very material for his relentless work, which was inspired, precise, visionary, and revolutionary. Shortly afterwards, Francis Kurkdjian was also, therefore, back in Paris. The desire became an obsession, like an urgent need to turn this olfactory encounter into a new fragrance. Unforgettable and intact, the flower-fruit duo arose. Fig and Rose. Rose and Fig. Work began to dress this olfactory pas-de-deux. It takes many attempts, much hesitation and a good deal of doubt to arrive at the point of balance for an inviting, enveloping perfume. Raw materials need to be tamed, ingredients orchestrated, qualities chosen, and effects modulated.

Step by step, the conviction of a joyful dialogue was forged, in which the green, floral and fruity facets resonate, and the warm, smooth notes join up and correspond.

BREATHING AND CREATING

Thus was Dioriviera created. Resulting from an olfactory impact, from a dazzling sensory moment. And from a kind of revelation: that the South of France is an enchanted moment in time, coloured by festivities and friendship, trips along the corniche and shared joy. Light on a face, laughter, dancing, and the sensual feel of bodies warmed by the sun… that is what Francis Kurkdjian wanted in his fragrance. He has in fact conveyed what Christian Dior sought in Provence, his favourite place and refuge of complete serenity. He sought a moment’s pause and a breath of air, beautiful gardens and warm laughter, all myriad sources of inspiration, to better begin work again in Paris. A certain idea of happiness. An art of living, and an art of being.