KILIAN HENNESSY inherited a taste for creation from his family’s generations-old cognac business. His namesake perfume collection BY KILIAN epitomizes both luxury and modernity, using some of the world’s finest raw materials and rare essential oils. The elegant bottles and boxes are all refillable and reusable. His newest launches «Body Pleasures» include shower gels, body lotions as well as scented hair and body oils. I met with the irrevocably French fragrance-maker who gave me some amazing tips for his favorite place on earth.
Your favourite city?
PARIS – It is the most beautiful city for me, full of culture. It inspires me, helps me to create. I was born there and then raised from 1-7 in Cognac. At the age of 7, I returned to Paris. As of now, I haven’t found a better city.
Your favourite hotel?
LE BRISTOL – It is the perfect hotel for a romantic weekend with exceptional service.
112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, Phone: +33 1 53 43 43 00
Your favourite restaurant?
CAVIAR KASPIA – It is owned by a couple which are good friends of us. The food is absolutely excellent and it has a fun vibe. We are always there for Russian New Year’s – the most exciting place to be! The waiters are dancing on the table, they even get naked. We always have a blast.
17 Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, Phone: +33 1 42 65 33 32
Your favourite dish there?
POTATO CAVIAR – It is a baked potato with a huge amount of caviar on top.
Your favourite bar?
MATHIS BAR – The most elegant and handsome bar in Paris.
3 Rue de Ponthieu, 75008 Paris, Phone: +33 1 42 25 73 01
Your favourite nightclub?
CLUB RASPOUTINE – The only club in Paris for people my age. They play house music, kind of hardcore, but a lot of fun.
58 Rue de Bassano, 75008 Paris, Phone: +33 1 47 20 02 90
Your favourite sightseeing spot?
LA VICTOIRE DE SAMOTHRACE at the LOUVRE. I cannot go to the Louvre without stopping by to see her. It is a sculpture that was at the bow of a ship which you can still see in the exhibition. The woman has wings with a veil that is covering her naked body. Looking at her, you imagine the wind that is pulling the fabric to show of parts of her body. It is very sensual, you can feel so much strength. If I don’t have any more elan, I go see her.
Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Your favourite park?
I don’t do parks.
Your favourite shop?
MR PORTER – Even that there are still a few brands missing. I love that it is shopping with no hazzle. Just trying at home and if it doesn’t fit, they pick it up. So easy.
Your must-have accessory?
It would be MY SCENT. Otherwise I just got this amazing BLACK SUEDE TOTE BAG by SAINT LAURENT that I cannot live without anymore.
The best soundtrack for this destination?
IL VENAIT D’AVOIR 18 ANS by DALIDA – I cannot live without. It’s part of my culture, such a gorgeous song.
The scent of Paris?
ECCENTRIC – All excesses blend well in Paris. Here women have a posture to look beautiful in a «negligée way». The message they convey is «I kind of work on it but I didn’t do anything». This is FRENCH CHIC. So the scent would be a gorgeous tuberose, jasmine like VOULEZ-VOUZ COUCHER AVEC MOI
. For example in the States where women tend to be more made up, the scents are more subtle.
TO SHOP BY KILIAN ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
Thank you, Kilian, for sharing your insider scoop on Paris with us!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Via The Telgraph, ©Mathieurivrin, Courtesy of the Locations, Mr Porter, © Kilian Hennessy and © Sandra Bauknecht
With Kate Bosworth in Dior
Hugh Jackman holding a speech, what a fantastic table I had across from Charlotte Casiraghi, Johannes Huebl and Olivia Palermo.
Matthew Morrison in Burberry
With lovely Divine Bonga, PR Montblanc Switzerland
Photo of James Goldstein and me via his Instagram @jamesfgoldstein
Goldstein’s personal hat collection in his house.
Goldstein loves to surround himself with celebrities, the house is plastered with memories of those encounters.
Georges Kern, CEO Breitling, introducing his brand’s next chapter.
With Patrick Liotard-Vogt
Always fun talking to former soccer player Günter Netzer and his lovely wife Elvira.
Walking into a #legendaryfuture…
Exploring Breitling’s versatile history and the new Navitimer 8 collection…
My Dolce & Gabbana gown is an ode to the Year of the Dog.
Having fun on the dance floor with Barbara Becker.
Thank you, Georges Kern, for this fantastic night!
