A Vision of Scent Through Aphorisms
The name Aphorismes reflects the perfumer’s philosophy of distilling complexity into concise, impactful expressions. Each fragrance is designed as a statement, representing Ropion’s interpretation of the great perfume families through modern, unexpected compositions. As Ropion himself explains, “Just as an aphorism must contain a truth in a few sentences, I have sought an unprecedented construction. I have done with what I am, my journey, I have taken a fresh look at the great families of perfume, so that I can hatch new, resolutely modern olfactory expressions.”
The First Six Creations
Aphorismes by Dominique Ropion debuts with six exceptional extracts, each offering a unique sensory experience:
- A Rose is a Rose: A sophisticated reimagining of the rose, combining bitter orange, saffron, and pink pepper with layers of Bulgarian rose, Turkish rose, and Taif-inspired rose essences. The base is rich with oud, vanilla, and ambergris, creating a scent that balances floral elegance with warm, animalistic undertones.
- Crazy Garden: A vibrant green floral with citrus-forward top notes of lemon and mandarin, paired with blackcurrant bud and galbanum. The heart reveals tuberose, jasmine, and lily of the valley, while the base blends patchouli, oakmoss, and tonka bean for a structured yet whimsical scent.
- Encens Insensé: A tribute to incense, opening with ginger and juniper berries, evolving into a bouquet of Turkish rose and violet, and settling into a resinous base of Virginian cedar, cashmeran, and musk.
- Innocent Tuberose: A deconstruction of tuberose, layered with fresh ginger, cardamom, and pink pepper at the top. The floral heart features tuberose, jasmine sambac, and ylang-ylang, resting on a base of vetiver, cypriol, and musk.
- My Clémentine: A lively citrus composition with notes of lemon, mandarin, and orange blossom enhanced by spearmint and blackcurrant bud. The base of patchouli, moss, and grey amber adds depth and tenacity.
- Oud à l’Amour: A bold composition inspired by oud, blending pink pepper and pineapple with a floral heart of rose and geranium. The base features patchouli, olibanum, and benzoin, evoking a dreamlike interplay of East and West.
Artistry in Design
The fragrances are housed in striking bottles inspired by the work of French sculptor Serge Mansau. Brutal and rectangular, the glass bottles are topped with a zamak stopper reminiscent of a golden circle, symbolizing the perfection of a crafted aphorism. The packaging embodies Ropion’s vision of blending art and scent, creating objects that are as visually captivating as the fragrances they hold.
The boutique at 27 Rue Marbeuf in Paris, near the Champs-Élysées, serves as the flagship for the brand. Designed by Sabine Muret, the shop features resin walls embedded with gold leaves, creating an atmosphere of refined luxury. Each fragrance is displayed in niches, illuminated to enhance their presence and allure.
Collaboration and Expansion
Ropion’s venture is supported by Habib Al-Sowaidi, founder of Le Royaume du Parfum International. Their collaboration reflects a shared commitment to innovation in perfumery. Plans for expansion are already underway, with potential openings in Milan and the United Kingdom, and an online store set to launch soon.
A New Era for Dominique Ropion
Aphorismes by Dominique Ropion represents a culmination of the perfumer’s decades-long expertise, reinterpreted through a lens of personal creativity. By reimagining classic themes and infusing them with modern artistry, Ropion crafts fragrances that resonate with depth, elegance, and a touch of the unexpected. Each creation is a testament to his mastery, offering a sensory journey that captures the essence of high perfumery.
