For Kilian Hennessy, luxury runs in his veins. As a descendant of the legendary Hennessy cognac dynasty, he carries a legacy rooted in craftsmanship, patience, and storytelling. But Kilian Paris, his iconic Fragrance House, is more than an homage to this lineage—it’s a daring reimagination of what luxury can be. In this exclusive interview with Chic Icon Magazine, Kilian shares the inspirations behind his recent celebrated creations, from heritage-infused scents like Angels’ Share to the modern charisma of Old Fashioned. He reveals how he balances tradition with innovation, crafting fragrances that are as evocative as they are timeless.
You come from the renowned Hennessy family, known for its legacy in luxury cognac. How has this heritage influenced your vision for the Kilian brand, and how do you balance honoring tradition with creating something uniquely your own?
Kilian Hennessy: It is always hard to answer this question because, much like falling in love, there is not one defining moment but rather an infinite number of moments that ultimately influence your vision.
Luxury is about quality, attention to detail, and the courage to offer customers a product they have never experienced before, yet one that is rooted in tradition—in a heritage that is unique.
My heritage comes from the world of liquors, and more precisely cognac. If there is one quality we have, it is patience, as our eaux-de-vie need to age in oak barrels for 5, 10, or even 50 years.
At Kilian Paris, we only launch a new product when we are convinced it is ready.
How do you think your family’s history of crafting luxury experiences shaped your approach to storytelling through fragrance?
Kilian Hennessy: I don’t think that is linked to my family’s history but rather to my passion for all forms of art (literature, opera, ballet…), which are mirrors of our emotions.
Sometimes, I draw inspiration from my family’s heritage, and that has allowed me to give birth to Angels’ Share and soon Angels’ Share Paradis, inspired by the highest quality cognac at Hennessy.
Perfume creation is often likened to art. When conceptualizing Old Fashioned, did you draw inspiration from any specific moments, emotions, or visuals that helped bring it to life?
Kilian Hennessy: Absolutely. Old Fashioned was inspired by the Scottish Highlands, a fireside in a family estate layered with generations of memories.
Lucien Laviscount brings charisma and personality to Old Fashioned perfume. How did his persona influence the creative direction of Old Fashioned, and what kind of character does this scent embody?
Kilian Hennessy: Lucien perfectly embodies the multi-faceted nature of Kilian Paris: a modern gentleman with a talent for seamlessly transitioning between diverse characters and genres.
The scent, much like Lucien, captures the fusion of British charm and French elegance.
If Old Fashioned were a work of art or a piece of music, how would you describe its mood and tone?
Kilian Hennessy: Jazzy!
An old Duke Ellington track remastered with hip-hop influences.
Kilian perfumes are known for their strong narratives and luxurious packaging. How do you ensure each release feels fresh and innovative while staying true to the brand’s DNA?
Kilian Hennessy: That’s a secret.
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