From its humble beginnings in 1961, Diptyque the Maison maintained a commitment to artistic integrity, imbuing each creation with a sense of reverie and nostalgia. Diptyque began its journey in 1961, founded by three friends — Christiane Gautrot, Desmond Knox-Leet, and Yves Coueslant. Originally, they opened a boutique on Paris’ Boulevard Saint-Germain, where they showcased their love for design and passion for craftsmanship. What started as a creative adventure selling avant-garde fabrics and decorative items soon evolved into an olfactory exploration when they launched their first scented candles in 1963, forever changing the world of luxury home fragrances. Today, Diptyque’s sophisticated scents, which tell stories of places and memories, are cherished worldwide — from London to Tokyo, capturing hearts with their evocative notes and evergreen class. 

For this project, Diptyque called on a number of long-standing friends, all major names in perfumery: Fabrice Pellegrin, Alexandra Carlin, Nathalie Cetto, and Olivier Pescheux. Each was given carte blanche to imagine an olfactory composition that echoed these treasures of nature. Each took particular, exacting care when selecting ingredients, always opting for materials with exceptional olfactory qualities. The origin and traceability of each of these natural raw materials is guaranteed, exemplifying Diptyque’s commitment to excellence in all areas.

CORAIL OSCURO, by Alexandra Carlin
Olfactory family: Floral, mineral

Inspired by Venice’s captivating interplay of light and shadow, Corail Oscuro evokes the vibrant contrast between the dark seabed and vivid coral. Named after chiaroscuro, the technique beloved by Renaissance masters like Caravaggio, this fragrance captures the essence of Venetian charm. Created by Alexandra Carlin, it blends rose bourbon absolute with sparkling mandarin and a warm, salty mineral accord to embody the fiery red coral’s spirit. Nigel Peake’s delicate watercolour of coral adorns the sleeve, symbolising the delicate balance of the marine world — a tribute to Venice, the city that inspired countless journeys for Diptyque’s founders.

LUNAMARIS, by Fabrice Pellegrin
Olfactory family: Amber, spicy 

Lunamaris by Fabrice Pellegrin, part of the amber-spicy olfactory family, draws inspiration from the ethereal beauty of mother of pearl, known for its luminous, iridescent charm. The fragrance, reminiscent of moonlight dancing on the sea, combines the gentle warmth of rockrose with the vibrant spice of pink peppercorn. Understated incense notes add a mineral freshness, creating a scent that is both radiant and nuanced. Nigel Peake’s artwork, with its soft pastel hues, mirrors the delicate depths of mother of pearl, inviting moments of serene reflection and daydreams.

BOIS CORSÉ, by Nathalie Cetto and Olivier Pescheux
Olfactory family: Woody, Amber

Bois Corsé by Nathalie Cetto and Olivier Pescheux is a tribute to the protective strength of tree bark, a symbol of nature's resilience. Inspired by the rugged textures of the forest and the rich, bold flavours of coffee, this woody-amber fragrance captures the essence of the wild. It blends the soft warmth of tonka bean with the creamy smoothness of sandalwood, enhanced by the bitter, earthy tones of black coffee, evoking the tactile beauty of bark. Nigel Peake’s design, with its warm brown hues, mirrors the intricate textures of tree bark, inviting us to explore the unrefined splendour of nature.

LILYPHÉA, by Nathalie Cetto and Olivier Pescheux
Olfactory family: Amber, green 

Lilyphéa by Nathalie Cetto and Olivier Pescheux is a fragrant homage to the serene beauty of water lilies, reminiscent of an impressionist masterpiece. Inspired by Monet’s iconic Water Lilies series, this amber-green scent captures the gentle elegance of these blooms as they float upon glistening waters. It combines the crisp vibrancy of cardamom and violet leaves with the tender warmth of Madagascan vanilla, creating a fragrance that is at once invigorating and soothing. Nigel Peake’s artwork, with its delicate blue-green hues, evokes the tranquil charm of a lily-covered pond, inviting us to revel in its quiet, poetic allure.

ROSE ROCHE, by Fabrice Pellegrin
Olfactory family: Floral, Citrus 

Rose Roche by Fabrice Pellegrin is an exquisite tribute to the desert rose, a crystalline formation embodying both the resilience and delicacy of nature. This floral-citrus fragrance reimagines the classic rose with ethereal refinement as if sculpted by desert winds. Bright, radiant notes of lemon illuminate the petals of centifolia rose, while earthy patchouli lends a profound, mineral depth, evoking the sweeping sands of the Orient. Nigel Peake’s artwork, rendered in soft sandy pinks, captures the essence of this enchanting creation, inviting us to experience the serene beauty of a rose blooming amidst the untamed desert.

Diptyque’s boutiques now offer these fragrances in a 100ml format, alongside a special limited edition Discovery Set of miniatures. For a truly immersive experience, fragrance experts are available for personalised consultations at the Diptyque Maison in Paris and London.

diptyqueparis.com.