On the heels of releasing his new fragrance, Kurky, Francis Kurkdjian derives inspiration from his childhood, creating a joyful scent that is an ode to his inner child.

Francis Kurkdjian PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BRAND

Francis Kurkdjian (@franciskurkdjian_official), the visionary perfumer behind Maison Francis Kurkdjian, has always believed in creating fragrances driven by passion, not by trends. His latest release, Kurky, marks a personal addition inspired by childhood memories embodying a sense of childlike spontaneity and wonder. 176 NE 41st St., Miami, @maisonfranciskurkdjian

Do you have a unique process for creating a new fragrance? Can you walk us through it?

I see each new fragrance as a challenge. If it’s not, it means you are reproducing something. However, my approach to creating a new scent remains the same for all perfumes I design. The first step is the name, summarizing the story I want to tell. This part of the creative process can take time, thinking through the story and defining my vision. It is never about following trends. Once I have the story and name, then comes the formula. Writing is the last step because the formula is at the service of the story and the emotions I want my fragrance to convey. Ingredients are mere tools, and the perfumer’s job is to craft with these tools.

What vision does Kurky have?

Kurky is all about looking at life playfully and joyfully. The scent invites us to dare, dream and awaken our inner child. It is about daring to see and be amazed by life like a child does.

How has your journey shaped the scents you create?

My personal experiences and memories are at the core of my creative process. Life, friends, family, travel—anything that generates emotion—serves as inspiration. Literature, encounters and the arts all influence me. Paris, my hometown, is central to my inspiration; the whole Maison Francis Kurkdjian is a tribute to the city.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s new fragrance, Kurky. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BRAND

What emotions do you hope Kurky portrays and brings?

Kurky is created to astonish, stand out, defy our expectations and captivate our adult minds with its childlike spirit. “All grown-ups were once children… but only a few of them remember it,” said Saint-Exupéry’s “Little Prince.” Kurky is a childhood fragrance created for adults, an invitation to dare and experience life through a rainbow of colors.

What do you think the secret is to a powerful scent?

The secret to a powerful scent is its ability to capture and convey a story, creating an emotional and personal connection with its wearer.