By Kilian: The Invisible Visible

Kilian Hennessy, the founder of By Kilian is known mostly as a talented perfumer. Jewellery is, but, no stranger to him. So it wasn’t strange when, in 2014, he launched his line of perfumed jewellery, revolutionising how we wear jewellery and perfume.

How did you step into the world of jewellery?

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I always wanted to make wearing perfume a visual experience. So, I first began by integrating my perfumes into little pouches and then perfumed jewellery seemed to be the next natural step. Each of these creations then becomes almost like a talisman, every time a woman wears her perfumed earrings she will get a whiff of the scent when she moves her head.

The idea came to me at the Musée Baccarat in Paris, I realised that the perfume industry was a 100 years old, and I marvelled at the art involved in the making of a bottle. Which is why I wanted to reconnect the link between art and perfumery.

Do trends play any role in the collections that you produce?

My collections are inspired by different things that range from a sculpture to music, from cinema to poetry. Beyond trends and styles what remains important are the emotions that I try to express through my work.

How would you describe the Kilian woman?

She is someone who knows herself and who wants to feel unique. She wants to be able to compose the perfume that will go well with a particular dress and jewellery that she plans on wearing.

Anything in the pipeline?

We will celebrate ten years in the business this year. There will be some special adventures and numerous collaborations from the world of perfumes. Like a collection of jewellery that we will be doing with Elle Top as well as a capsule collection of perfumed lingerie with Fleur du Mal.

From the December 2017 issue of L’Officiel India.