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Francis Kurkdjian Launches Dior Paradise Fragrance Inspired by La Colle Noire

publication · 2026-05-29

Dior Paradise, the newest fragrance in La Collection Privée Christian Dior, has been crafted by Francis Kurkdjian, who has served as Dior's perfumer for almost five years. This scent draws inspiration from Château de La Colle Noire, Christian Dior's retreat in the South of France, aiming to evoke the essence of his childhood garden following his family's financial struggles in the late 1920s. Bitter almond serves as the primary note, representing renewal, while bright citrus notes (mandarin, orange, lime), soft woods, and tonka bean enhance the composition. After joining Dior, Kurkdjian visited La Colle Noire and was struck by its elegant interior and modern guests like Picasso. He highlighted the fragrance's themes of joy and optimism, rooted in the classic European haute cologne tradition. Dior Paradise is now available.

Key facts

  • Francis Kurkdjian created Dior Paradise for Dior's La Collection Privée Christian Dior.
  • The fragrance is inspired by Château de La Colle Noire, Christian Dior's estate in the South of France.
  • Kurkdjian has been with Dior for nearly five years.
  • The central note is bitter almond, symbolizing renewal and spring.
  • Other notes include mandarin, orange, lime, soft woods, and tonka bean.
  • Kurkdjian visited La Colle Noire less than a week after joining Dior.
  • Christian Dior loved orgeat syrup, a fermented almond syrup used in cocktails.
  • The fragrance is designed to be optimistic, joyful, and easy to wear year-round.

Entities

Artists

  • Francis Kurkdjian
  • Christian Dior
  • Pablo Picasso
  • Jean Cocteau
  • Jonathan Anderson
  • Lingling Kwong
  • Jasper Liu
  • Anthony Boyle
  • Alexa Chung
  • Camélia Jordana
  • Charlotte Le Bon
  • Jay Lycurgo
  • Mamadou Sidibé
  • Mina Kavani
  • Nadine Labaki
  • Paul Kircher
  • Susanne Wuest
  • Vanille

Institutions

  • Dior
  • La Collection Privée Christian Dior
  • Château de La Colle Noire
  • Whitewall
  • Christian Dior Parfums
  • Christian Dior
  • La Collection Privée
  • Galerie Magazine

Locations

  • South of France
  • Granville
  • Middle East
  • Cannes
  • France
  • Grasse
  • Château de La Colle Noire
  • Mandelieu-la-Napoule
  • Provence
  • Paris
  • Château de la Colle Noire

Sources