sustainable Archives - The Perfume Society

You’d imagine the new ‘face’ of the newly reinvented Kenzo Homme Eau de Toilette Intense would be a model or celebrity, right? Well think again, as the age of employing people for their looks alone to advertise fragrance seems to be coming to an end. In line with scent ‘celebrating nature’, step forward ‘engaged entrepreneur’ Orin Hardy…

First launched in 1991, Kenzo Homme is one of those classics that stood the test of time, but in order to help it move with the times, Kenzo Parfums’ explain the newly invigorated Eau de Toilette Intense is ‘Inspired by the remarkable strength and flexibility of sustainable and recyclable bamboo’ and that the fragrance ’embodies values and engagement.’

For the new Eau de Toilette Intense, Kenzo Parfums’ chose renowned perfumer Quentin Bisch (Givaudan) sprinkles pink pepper for spicy freshness and a molecule called ‘calypsone’ for an extra aquatic dimension (there’s that water-themed trend we’ve seen rising again). Earthy, groundingly cool vetiver is warmed by a woody fig note in the heart, while smooth, calming sandalwood swirls through akigalawood. The marine-woody fragrance evokes sun-warmed salty skin. Eliciting the power of the ocean and the lush bamboo forest, the scent is embodied by Orin Hardy, an engaged entrepreneur who grew up in Indonesia.’

The founder of Bamboo U has a passion for the extraordinary properties of bamboo. The ecological designer hopes to educate a new generation of creative talents about the potential of bamboo as a sustainable building material for innovative living spaces in harmony with nature. The new face of KENZO HOMME, Orin Hardy shares KENZO PARFUMS’ values of generosity, respect for nature and poetry. To support his work, KENZO has created a scholarship that will enable ten students to study through the Bamboo U Project.

Director Clément Beauvais and photographer Arthur de Kersauson traveled to meet Orin Hardy to learn more about his ambitious project and shoot the campaign for the new Eau de Toilette Intense. ‘Connecting to nature is really about re-connecting to who we really are. We all want to make the world the best place it can be. And bamboo is one medium to make that happen,’ says Orin Hardy. An immersion into the beauty of Indonesian landscapes, the documentary is streaming on the KENZO PARFUMS website.

This ‘invitation to make the world more beautiful’, Says Kenzo Parfums, very much includes the bottle itself. ‘Reflecting KENZO’s longstanding commitment to eco-responsibility, the bottle contains 10% recycled glass and a cap design that saves 34% of plastic. The packaging is made of FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) certified paper, printed with bio-sourced inks. KENZO HOMME Eau de Toilette Intense perfectly symbolizes sustainable beauty.’

So, what does it smell like? Think wind-whipped hair and salt-licked skin, the serene strength of bamboo embracing the freedom of a sea breeze. Punctuated with piquant hits of pink peppercorn and a creamy, comforting caress of fig wood and sandalwood – it’s a moment to feel free, hopeful again, but still in need of that reassuring hug….