INTRODUCTION BY CÉCILE ZAROKIAN – THE PERFUMER

“The inspiration came from the themes expressed in The Red and the Black, particularly 3 notions covered extensively in the novel: confusion, passion and destruction.

I chose to express confusion in the opening through a disconcerting blend of woody notes instead of the usual more volatile notes. Through this first phase, I am setting the stage for a creation with tremendous power and depth.

The heart of the Eau de Parfum is about the burning passion. I selected a quality of Oud from the best origin (Assam, India) associating it with Vanilla Absolute to reveal its depth and roundness.

Finally, the dry down is about destruction: more woods and animalic notes bring the creation into deeper territories.”

Silver Oud is Cécile’s third creation for Amouage, following Epic Woman in 2009 and Material earlier in 2021.

An ISIPCA alumnus and Robertet perfumer, Cécile Zarokian trod her own path by becoming at 27 the youngest independent woman perfumer of our age. Cécile Zarokian’s first creation for Amouage also happened to be her very first perfume,

paving the way for a decade of fragrances showcasing a certain grandiloquence and Eastern homeliness that would earn her the nickname of “Queen of Ambers”. With Silver Oud, Cecile captures the essence of the most precious quality of Oud

– Oud Assam – like never before.Cécile Zarokian’s creations for Amouage: Epic Woman (2009), Material (2021), Silver Oud (2021).

The key represents Julien’s social climbing through his love affairs but also symbolizes the aristocracy’s privilege and solitude.

THE HOUR GLASS TIMER

Represents time and life slipping away.

THE SMOKE

Represents destruction (driven to prove he is better than the nobles he envies and despises, Julien destroys himself and the woman he loves), confusion (Julien confuses his vanity with a sense of honor, leading him to act recklessly) but also a fake feeling of burning passion (even when Julien experiences love, he is overwhelmed by feelings of triumph, not passion).