A little disruption is always a good thing—especially when it comes prettily packaged like Kenzo’s newest fragrance.
Tatler Asia
Above The Kenzo World range

Where previous Kenzo perfumes were quietly feminine, Kenzo World is youthful, spirited and punchy. Their commonality lies in the anonymity of the blooms. Flower by Kenzo, the brand’s most iconic perfume before Kenzo World, was created to smell like a poppy flower, which has no real fragrance. Kenzo World, on the other hand, was created to smell like an unknown flower, one that cannot be solidly identified.

 

Master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian (of Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male fame), calls the Kenzo World fragrance “a very reassuring scent”. He explains, “If everything is too crazy, you lose the customer at some point. You can’t be too crazy.” Accessibility, in other words, was key—hence why Kenzo World uses the familiar notes of sweet red fruits, peony and Ambroxan®. 

Whether you fall on the more cautious or audacious side of the personality spectrum, you have to admit that Kenzo World is an interesting proposition.  

Watch the video below to see what happens when Gen.T lister Mae Tan meets the unique fragrance.

After being transported into the world of Kenzo with Mae, we sat down with the 22-year-old marketing creative at Surrender to talk scents and sensibilities.

Hi Mae! Tell us your first impressions of the perfume scent.
Mae Tan (MT) I was honestly surprised. It's a playful scent to me!

How do scents affect your mood?
MT I believe scents bring back memories and periods of your life. Different smells evoke different energies to me. So when I need a boost of relaxation, I burn a candle. When I need a boost of confidence, I spray on a perfume.

If you could describe Kenzo World with a song, what would it be?
MT Wait A Minute by Willow Smith.

What gives you an adrenaline rush?
MT Good vibes.. or an intense Netflix series.

What was the most spontaneous thing you’ve done?
MT There's just far too many—I live on spontaneous adventures!

Do you play by the rules?
MT Some rules are meant to be broken! I strongly stand for who I am and what I believe in, as long as it doesn't cause harm to anyone. My take: Break the rules but don't play dirty.

Kenzo World is available at Sephora.sg.

Creative direction: Elizabeth Lee
Director/Video Editor: Nicola Ng
Styling: Cheryl Chan
Additional reporting: Nicolette Wong
Director of Photography: Elliot Sng
Camera Assistant: Grayson Seah
Gaffer: Calvin Phua
Grip: Jed
Makeup: Keith Bryant Lee
Hair: Sean Ang
Shot on location at The Co. at Duxton and The Lawn Hairdressing

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