Kilian Hennessy, grandson of the LVMH Group and cognac heir, has just launched his 9th scent called Love & Tears
Surrender (available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman and Saks). The fragrance retails for $225 and refill sizes range in cost from $70 to $125. Hennessy is no novice who used his family connections and fortune to get into the perfumery business on a whim. He has a long history working in the industry including working with brands like Christian Dior and Alexander McQueen. However, the premise of the By Kilian line is a rebellion against the
luxury/designer fragrance that costs $70, while only costing $2 to
produce. The prices of the By Kilian line are sky high, yes, but
they’re also formulated to warrant it (if you fancy the resulting scents that is!).
Kilian’s latest fragrance is the last installment to his olifactory exploration of the phases of love and is an ode to Jasmine – a note I’ve always found to be particularly soothing so it seems very appropriate for the idea of surrendering to the ups and downs of love (at least that’s my take on the perfumer’s final installment!). Jump for specific notes!
Love and Tears, Surrender is composed exclusively with the Absolute Jasmine from
India, a Jasmine with strong orange blossom undertones. Kilian separates this complex scent into “Sacred” and “Erotic” notes –
Sacred facet:
Bergamot from Italy, Petit Grain from Paraguay, Cypress from France
Erotic facet:
Jasmine from India, Orange Blossom from Spain, Ylang Ylang from Magadascar, Ciste from France
This is a unisex scent, which is reflected in the understated, luxe packaging.