FASHION, BEAUTY & FRAGRANCE 23
OUD VELVET MOOD,
Inspired by desert dunes
“ Last year, I visited Liwa’ s dunes and spent some time out in the middle of some of the Persian Gulf’ s most sensational, spectacular landscapes. I was struck by those infinite horizons, where the gaze is swallowed into nothingness. The raw, bewitching beauty of the desert, the tactile sensuality of sand, the organic, shifting, almost carnal dunes sculpted by light and wind … It was this dream world – a combination of vastness and intimacy – that I wanted to distill into OUD velvet mood, into a moment when fragrance becomes a caress.” Francis Kurkdjian
With its soft, enveloping texture, OUD velvet mood hinges on oud to build a sillage inspired by the unique sensuality of sand in the desert. Among dunes swaying in the desert winds and gleaming, shimmering stars, sand brings to mind a piece of velvet – one that irresistibly calls to be touched. Filled with the day’ s sun, it then surprises with its warmth and infinite softness … Marveling at these sensations and textures during a night spent in the Dubai desert, Francis Kurkdjian wished to transcribe them into a new Extrait de Parfum.
“ I have always considered the Extrait to be the ultimate olfactory form of a fragrance, its quintessence in terms of concentration and the use of noble materials, both synthetic and natural.” Francis Kurkdjian
Peach and oud, a sensual duo With OUD velvet mood, Francis Kurkdjian strengthens his identity and approach as a Parisian perfumer. He pairs ingredients sourced from the world over with an idea of equilibrium and harmony, using a technique that is both opulent and essential. Fascinated by these magnificent ingredients from inspiring, faraway lands, he strives to integrate them into his Western perfumery palette and transform them – through his own expertise – according to the tradition and heritage of French perfumery.
At the heart of OUD velvet mood, the raw character of oud wood is tempered by a joyful and textured peach note. Coupled with the leathery and apricot facets of osmanthus, a supple suede accord accentuates the“ bare skin” effect of this carnal and contemporary sillage, which feels like the warmth of a slow caress. The sensuality of a material that one brushes against, that beckons to be savored slowly, infinitely.
“ Oud wood naturally possesses fruity and honeyed facets, which I wanted to accentuate in a new fragrance that reveals the colourful, luminous dimensions of this utterly mysterious ingredient. OUD velvet mood is a fairly simple composition in a very contemporary style, where the velvety notes of peach smooth out the rough side of oud without altering it.” Francis Kurkdjian
Dark as night, bright as gold“ I love universal narratives, selfevident and simple stories. I love universal narratives, obvious, simple stories. I always look for a name that is both evocative, opens horizons, and leaves room for mystery, so that the person wearing my creation can freely project their imagination onto it. Like an outfit that suits you perfectly – one that hugs your every curve and movement – it applies no restrictions. You can move, live, breathe freely …” Francis Kurkdjian
Inspired by a crystal bottle originally designed to fit into a travel case, the Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrance bottle has always had a square silhouette with facets cut at sharp, yet not aggressive, angles. The Maison’ s monogram, this double“ KK,” is embedded into the glass like a seal, the way an artist signs their work. The bottles are topped with a golden cap, also monogrammed, that contrasts with their dark, tinted glass. A play of light, radiance, and vibration that reinforces the olfactory universe of OUD velvet mood Extrait de parfum.
Exclusively available at Harrods Knightsbridge and H Beauty stores until September 1, 2026.
Available at authorized Maison Francis Kurkdjian retailers and online from September 1, 2026.
OUD VELVET MOOD-
Extrait de parfum
Olfactory family: woody – fruity www. franciskurkdjian. com
Recommended retail price: 35ml – £ 225 | 70ml – £ 360
ISSUE 78 2026 THE ART OF LUXURY