Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte
“Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte by Maison Francis Kurkdjian is a Citrus fragrance for women and men”
The Quick Read
A polarising scent — a musky, citrus composition with a floral undertone. Voted best for spring and summer wear — and genuinely unisex.
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Launched in 2021 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte is a fresh and sophisticated scent that bridges the gap between citrus vibrancy and floral warmth. Top notes of bergamot create an immediate burst of freshness, while sweet pea and mock orange form a delicate heart that adds a touch of powdery sweetness. The fragrance settles into a base of white musk, which grounds the composition with its soft, enveloping quality.
Composition & Character
Notes Pyramid
Main Accords
When to Wear
Who Wears It
How It Wears
Application Tips
Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte is best applied lightly — one or two sprays are enough to let the citrus top notes open up before giving way to the floral heart. The fragrance blooms gradually over time, making it ideal for daytime wear when you want a scent that evolves subtly throughout the day.
Francis Kurkdjian
Founding perfumer · 234 fragrances · French
“My creations are an invitation to choose the scent that suits you daily, because I like the idea that each woman and man can express a part of themselves through perfume.”
Maison Francis Kurkdjian was born in 2009 from the encounter between Francis Kurkdjian, a renowned perfumer with scores of successful creations to his name, and Marc Chaya, Co-founder and President of the fragrance house. At only 24, Francis Kurkdjian composed his first perfume, "Le Male" by Jean Paul Gaultier, an international best-seller and game-changer of its time. Instead of relying on a very promising start to his career, he decided, as a precursor, to explore new possibilities and give olfactory creation a new artistic dimension. In keeping with his visionary outlook, in 2001 he set up his tailor-made perfume workshop, against the general tendency of perfume democratization, while constantly putting his know-how and sensibility at the service of the greatest fashion designers (Rick Owens, Hedi Slimane, Riccardo Tisci, Alber Elbaz or John Galliano), as well as the most iconic houses (Dior, Guerlain or Saint-Laurent). From 2003, artists like Sophie Calle, Christian Rizzo or Sarkis called on him to compose his first olfactory compositions - the starting point of his quest to break down the boundaries between different fields and the senses. In 2008, he was named Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres.
Also created
About the Brand
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Light, radiance, and contemporary French perfumery
Founded by master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, the maison is known for transparent, luminous compositions that blend traditional savoir-faire with modern sensibility. Signature use of radiant musks and airy florals defines the house style.
Designer Maison Francis Kurkdjian
More from Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Edited by Scentsation Editorial
The story behind the bottle.
The quiet intensity of an early afternoon in a sunlit garden, where bergamot and sweet pea intertwine with the subtle glow of white musk.
Fig. 01 — Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte, Maison Francis Kurkdjian
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