Cover Rihanna has inspired a whole new chapter in the Dior J’adore story (Photo: Dior)
Rihanna has inspired a whole new chapter in the Dior J’adore story (Photo: Dior)
1 / 1
The newest iteration of Dior’s beloved J’adore fragrance draws inspiration from Rihanna’s confidence and light
“It is rare for me to compose a fragrance with a specific woman in mind,” says Francis Kurkdjian, creative perfume director at Dior. But for Rihanna, of course, exceptions can be made. The J’adore muse has inspired a new chapter in the story of the fragrance: J’adore Intense.
Rihanna’s utterly unique brand of confidence and charisma has inspired creatives and civilians the world over for decades. Here, Kurkdjian seeks to capture her indefinable aura in a bottle. “I created this scent based on an image of truly contemporary ultra-femininity. This perfume unfurls voluptuous, sunny notes,” he says. “It is a ‘shapely’ J’adore that seems rounded out with curvaceous facets suggestive of highly feminine present-day beauty,” Kurkdjian says.
Above J’adore’s iconic gold-topped flacon
Above J’adore Intense draws from honey and warm florals
J’adore’s iconic gold-topped flacon
1 / 2
Of course, the words ‘highly feminine’ suggest no one so much as Riri herself. “This sensual J’adore blossoms on sublime golden skin. Its modern character resides in its luminous intensity, in th effortless, confident sensuality and heightened spontaneity of an unfettered, liberated young woman, who dares to embrace the world with clarity and genius.”
As for the scent itself, it’s a honeyed floral—but nothing powdery or delicate here. This is the scent of flowers captured as they erupt into ripeness. Rounded, warm, and fruity. “I imagined them reaching their chromatic and olfactory peak, where they would release fruity, warm, solar facets,” Kurkdjian says. “I wanted to capture the ultimate step in their transformation, just before they turn into fruit.”
That means jasmine and radiant ylang-ylang, paired with juicy notes of rose and violet accord. The whole is layered with sandalwood and vanilla to create a golden, sensual scent. It’s intense but embracing; bold but warm, strength that melts into
the skin. It’s a scent that’s worthy of Rihanna, and of taking on the mantle of J’adore.
Emma Chong is the Managing Editor of Tatler Malaysia, overseeing the editorial direction and vision for the print, digital and social media arms of the title. She has over 15 years experience in fashion and lifestyle publishing, and has led print and digital editorial teams at ELLE Malaysia, Time Out Kuala Lumpur, The Luxe Nomad and more.
Outside of work, Emma spends her time wrangling children (only her own) and boosting the Malaysian economy through her support of local fashion and homeware brands.
