Valentine’s Day is approaching. Year after year, the question still stands: “What do I get her? What do I get him?” Fleur du Mal, the luxury lingerie and ready-to-wear company, has translated sensual dreams into a collection fit for any Valentine—with an interesting twist. The brand’s new 10-piece capsule collection is multi-sensory.
“There’s something intriguing and intimate about fragrance and lingerie that I’ve always wanted to explore,” said Jennifer Zuccarini, Fleur du Mal’s founder. “With this collection, we’ve been able to add an element of sensuality that enhances the experience of intimacy.”
Courtesy of Fleur du Mal.
Created in collaboration with KILIAN, a fragrance brand by Kilian Hennessy, each piece is woven with scented threads from the brand’s fragrance LOVE, Don’t Be Shy. “I have always been a fan of Jennifer’s designs. Her approach is very similar to what I try to convey with my scents,” said Hennessy.
To learn more about designing a multi-sensory collection, we spoke with Zuccarini.
Courtesy of Fleur du Mal.
WHITEWALL: This your first scented collection. What did you want it to say?
JENNIFER ZUCCARINI: I loved the idea of working on a multi-sensory collection; the visually beautiful nature of the lace, and then to add the element of scent… It was all very exciting. Each piece is made with the finest French Leavers lace woven from threads scented with microcapsules of Kilian’s iconic fragrance, LOVE Don’t Be Shy.
Courtesy of Fleur du Mal.
WW: The collection features handcrafted Leavers lace from the Solstiss lace mill in Caudry, France. Tell us a bit about working with this mill.
JZ: I’ve been working with Solstiss for many years, they are true lace masters and one of the few mills left in France making Leavers Lace. I knew they would be the perfect partner to develop this idea with. We spent a lot of time comparing laces and testing the fragrances to see which one worked with our designs and held the scent best.
Courtesy of Fleur du Mal.
WW: The fabric is woven from scented threads with microcapsules holding the fragrance. Why this fragrance? How did your partnership with Kilian begin?
JZ: I met Kilian’s wife, Elizabeth, through a mutual friend, and we instantly hit it off. She mentioned Kilian wanted to develop a lingerie collection encapsulated with his fragrance. We loved the idea and started working together on the collaboration. We tested about 10 fragrances and finally chose “Love, Don’t Be Shy.” The scent takes inspiration from the marshmallow; it’s a fragrance that is sweet but still seductive without being overpowering.
Courtesy of Fleur du Mal.
WW: How long does the scent stay in the clothing for? How do you prolong the fragrance?
JZ: The scent lasts for 5 to 6 hand washes in cold water. The fragrance releases as you touch the lace and the microcapsules are released. I would prolong the fragrance by minimally washing the garments, if possible, and not over handling the lace.
Courtesy of Fleur du Mal.
