Dries Van Noten’s Captivating New Fragrance Quartet: A Sensory Ode to Contrasts

Dries Van Noten has always been a maestro of juxtaposition. Known for his daring interplay of textures, patterns, and unexpected hues on the runway, the iconic Belgian designer has now translated his genius into a realm where contrasts take on a whole new dimension: fragrance. Following his retirement from his eponymous fashion brand earlier this year, Van Noten remains a guiding light, shaping the brand's creative DNA. And now, he's unveiled four new fragrances that embody his ethos of “impossible combinations.”

A Palette of Scents: The New Fragrance Lineup

Launching under the Dries Van Noten beauty line, which debuted in 2022, the quartet comprises Vanille Camouflage, Crazy Basil, Camomille Satin, and Bitter Splash. Each scent weaves together olfactory contradictions, resulting in perfumes as nuanced and evocative as Van Noten’s couture collections.

Vanille Camouflage

Forget the cloying sweetness you might associate with vanilla. This scent reimagines it with an unexpected green edge, blending Madagascan and Tahitian vanilla beans with galbanum—a resinous, bitter note reminiscent of lush forest canopies. Encased in a stunning bottle that marries translucent green glass with painterly porcelain, it feels like an artwork waiting to be uncorked.

Crazy Basil

Bold and invigorating, Crazy Basil lives up to its name. Bursting with the aromatic zest of fresh basil, it is anchored by deep, woody notes of cedar and warm amber. The result is a daring fragrance that balances brightness and depth, ideal for those who crave a scent with energy and edge.

Camomille Satin

A pastoral reverie bottled. Camomille Satin begins with the sweetly herbal aroma of chamomile before cascading into a bouquet of orange blossom, lavender, Turkish rose, and neroli. The dry-down, featuring white musk and resinous balsam, leaves behind a lingering impression of warmth and serenity, like sunlight on a meadow.

Bitter Splash

A study in tension, Bitter Splash melds zesty pomelo with the sensuality of leather. Powdery iris and earthy vetiver add layers of sophistication, crafting a scent that feels at once fresh and mysterious. It’s a fragrance that thrives on its contradictions, embodying both lightness and depth.

The Art of the Bottle

Van Noten didn’t just craft scents; he designed their vessels. Each bottle is an extension of the fragrance it holds, combining diverse materials—ceramics, glass, and prints—in a patchwork of textures and colors. These bottles transcend utility, doubling as sculptural objects meant to be cherished long after the last spritz.

Layering as an Art Form

For Dries Van Noten, the beauty of fragrance lies in its fluidity. He encourages experimentation, mixing scents like a perfumer with a painter’s palette. His favorite combinations include Bitter Splash with Crazy Basil, or layering with classics from his first collection, like Jardin de l’Orangerie.

“Perfume is about storytelling,” Van Noten reflects. “You’re not just creating a scent; you’re creating an experience, a memory, a dream.”

A Legacy Reimagined

Priced at $300 to $315 for 100ml bottles, with refills ranging from $220 to $380, this new collection is more than just a continuation of the Dries Van Noten brand—it’s a reaffirmation of its founder’s vision. Even in retirement, Van Noten continues to push boundaries, proving that in both fashion and fragrance, there are no rules—only possibilities.

Dries Van Noten’s new fragrances are now available online and at select boutiques, waiting to transport wearers into his kaleidoscopic world of contrasts.