Francis Kurkdjian Builds Miniature Théâtre de la Reine Replica by Hand for Holiday Campaign
Maison Francis Kurkdjian's festive campaign showcases a small-scale version of the Théâtre de la Reine, a 17th-century venue located at Château de Versailles. This creation by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian pays homage to France's Grand Siècle, featuring a mini opera-ballet where fragrances take center stage. The project was enhanced by the talents of production designer Antoine Fontaine and set designer Jean-Hugues de Chatillon. Crafted by 20 artisans over a span of six months, the replica boasts trompe-l'oeil sets and operational backstage elements. Kurkdjian, who is also a trained ballet dancer, stars in the campaign film wearing the Perfumer's Habit, designed by Marie La Rocca. A preview is currently available, with the full video set to release on the maison's website on 1 November 2026.
Key facts
- The campaign pays homage to France's Grand Siècle with a miniature replica of the Théâtre de la Reine at the Château de Versailles
- Antoine Fontaine, who worked on the original theatre's restoration, helped create the replica
- The build took six months and about 2,000 hours, involving 20 craftsmen and roughly 3,000 individual pieces
- Backstage mechanisms were reconstructed to function like the originals, designed with professional puppeteers
- Kurkdjian stated that no AI was used in the project
- Kurkdjian wears the Perfumer's Habit from a 1697 engraving attributed to Gerrit Valck and printed by Nicolas de l'Armassin
- Marie La Rocca of the Paris Opera and the Caraco Couture Atelier worked with seven craftsmen on the costume
- The full campaign film is scheduled for release on Maison Francis Kurkdjian's website on 1 November 2026
Entities
Artists
- Francis Kurkdjian
- Antoine Fontaine
- Jean-Hugues de Chatillon
- Sophie Calle
- Marie Antoinette
- Gerrit Valck
- Nicolas de l'Armassin
- Marie La Rocca
- Béatrice Martel
- Jean Paul Gaultier
- Mary Cleary
Institutions
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian
- Christian Dior
- Château de Versailles
- Théâtre de la Reine
- ISIPCA
- Paris Opera
- Caraco Couture Atelier
- Wallpaper*
Locations
- Versailles
- France
- Paris
- London
- New York