What inspired you to create Spicebomb?
We wanted to create a men's fragrance that we could wear ourselves. The universe where we are a particle. And besides, we have long dreamed of offering the market a couple of our feminine compositions Flowerbomb, which "blew up" the perfume market in 2005. We came up with a new name for the fragrance, came up with this idea to Olivier Polge and said: “We need something sharp and at the same time something very sensual. A courageous analogue for the ultra-feminine Flowerbomb.”
We believe in this composition. Moreover, we say that Spicebomb is able to reveal the personality of a person, as opposed to our Antidote, which creates a veil of secrecy.
Please tell us about your cooperation with the famous perfumer Olivier Polge.
Oh, we have a very close relationship. After we “composed” three fragrances together, we learned to understand each other without words. This is necessary for such a creative union as ours. There is something unexpected and mystical in those masterpieces that Olivier creates, and we automatically pick up this state. We do not argue about tastes when it comes to perfumes, and this is a real revelation.
How was the process of creating a new men's fragrance?
I had to spend a lot of time to create the perfect composition that everyone would like. We decided that spices for men would be a good analogue of a bouquet of flowers for women. In the process, we tried a lot of different notes before choosing those that were supposed to be part of our composition. We constantly changed something, but the real “pepper” still did not work. But when Olivier gave us the aroma of magnificent white pepper, they immediately gave up.
What is the difference between the creation of perfume from the design of fashionable clothes?
Here we are talking about completely different time costs. And also about the different forms and methods of expression that allow us to distract from the creative rhythm. I like that it takes more time for aromas, there is the opportunity to experiment.
But there is more responsibility, because you bring only one product to the market: one name, one flavor, one bottle, one package - and everything should shoot at the “bullseye”. With the fashion collection, everything is different: less time, more work, but there is always more choice, and you know for sure that the next season is ahead.
Let's talk about the fragrance itself and its composition.
At the heart of Spicebomb are two chords of completely opposite tones. The first is alluring, in the "heart" of which there are sharp spices - pepper and saffron with real masculine smells of skin and tobacco, along with a rough shade of vetiver.
The second - explosive and fresh bergamot and grapefruit, cold gum enamel and pink pepper, which give ice coolness. We like that Spicebomb is revealed in different ways, changing throughout the day. We tailored it from different parts and sewed it into a single whole, but all the notes continue to play with each other.
Who worked on the bottle design?
It was a joint work. We worked at Fabienne Baron, who made the bottle of our Flowerbomb. We wanted to take another step forward and create something simpler, but at the same time, noble and with an ornament. The design of this bottle was to reflect the masculine power, thanks to which the whole world becomes beautiful and positive.
Who did the photo session for the fragrance?
Our good friends are Ines Van Lamsvird and Vinud Matadi. We have a common language with them when it comes to visualizing ideas, and we value this very much. They have already shot Flowerbomb advertising posters for us.
Why did you choose Sean Opree as the “face” of the fragrance?
Casting was very strict, because in our case, "it's all about him." We chose Sean because he is a true reflection of classic masculine beauty. We wanted to play with the standards of classical perfumery, so we needed a man whose beauty and sexuality would have been sustained in this particular genre. And all this we found in Sean. Moreover, his image is covered in mystery.
How is Spicebomb associated with your Monsieur menswear collection?
The image that we use for fashion collections and for perfumes is full of contrasts. This is a hybrid of intellectual and style icons - such a sexy nerd, if you wish. Speaking about our collection, we are talking about ourselves and our lifestyle.
Releasing Spicebomb, we thought to complement the sensuality of the male Universe, which we ourselves created. At the same time, our fragrance is an element of the game, almost surreal and mysterious. Together, our collections enrich the world that begins with ourselves.
Can you say that Spicebomb and Flowerbomb are paired scents?
We like the idea of a pair of lovers that wears both of our fragrances, regardless of gender. This should definitely work! Women are attracted by the aroma of spices, they catch it in the air, and sometimes use it themselves. But a pair of our bottles on one shelf in the bathroom is definitely a strong image.
If Spicebomb was a man, who would he be?
Everyone can become Spicebomb. For this we created it. You are what you want to be.
What time of day do you recommend wearing this fragrance?
Every day and round the clock. In the morning, when you go to work, and in the evening, when you go to a party.
Do you see your reflection in this fragrance?
Yes, we are definitely present in it. We created it and wear it for the past two years.
What other fragrances can you name your favorite?
These are our own Antidote and Spicebomb. We dabbled in other perfumes, but since we created our own, we remain faithful only to them. This is the plus of our work: you can wear exactly what you want.
Please tell us about your professional relationship?
We walk on the ground and our relationship continues to inspire us. We are true to ourselves, no matter what.
We always think in one direction, and we have no contradictions. We have one brain for two. Over the years of working together, we have created a language that is understandable only to us, and this is a natural workflow, although it surprises many. It is a gift that our work is the result of our friendship.
