Dutch designers Viktor & Rolf gained accolades for their fantasy-themed catwalk collection. With their hodge podge designs, the Dutch duo have a series of fabulous fashion shows which were a spectacle in the eyes of the public. In fact, for the fashion critics, the name Viktor & Rolf is a landmark of classic designs and avant-garde concepts that always have something interesting to convey. It could be a page from the past, something like a tryst with the traditional cuts, hems and curves or a journey to the future with designs tagged as insanely out of this world. Upside down dress, anyone? Theirs is the freedom to pencil thoughts of exaggeration, dreams and illusions and transform them into luxury clothing much to the envy of seasoned and budding designers.
In 2005, Viktor & Rolf launched their first fragrance called Flowerbomb in collaboration with L’Oreal . As the name suggests, this scent is bursting with floral accords. The layers of flowers are softened with the edgy character of patchouli. The notes include tea, bergamot, freesia, jasmine, rose orchid and patchouli. The depth and complexity of the notes is a treat for those who love floriental scents. Flowerbomb Extreme, the sweet and darker version, is a notch higher in every aspect. It lives up to its name – it’s an overdose of everything.
Viktor & Rolf called fashion as the antidote to reality and applied the same to Flowerbomb. A year later, Antidote, the men’s fragrance was launched. Designed by perfumers Alienor Massenet and Pierre Wargnye, Antidote carries a whopping 25 notes in its composition. The top notes are: mint leaves, Italian bergamot, mandarin, grapefruit and Guatemalan cardamom. The middle notes feature French lavender, geranium, nutmeg, cinnamon bark, freesia, orange blossom and violet. The base is composed of rich wood accords: amber, essence of Indonesian patchouli, cistus labdanum, vanilla iris, sandalwood, Texan white cedar, Guaiacum woods, tee moss, leather, Tonka bean and white musk. The concept is fresh oriental and it evokes a distinct smokiness that gives it a refined and polished impression as though you’ve smelled something like Aramis Life and Gucci Envy.
This year, another fragrance from Viktor & Rolf arises. It’s a far out cry from the florientals and woods of the earlier scents. This time, minimalism is the bomb. Eau Mega is a playful mix of light and fresh green notes. It doesn’t have the heavy floral and woody character of Flowerbomb and Antidote. The overall appeal is chic and very modern.
If Viktor & Rolf’s fragrances impressed you enough, there’s more of them at discount perfume retailer, scentiments.com.