Aqua Vitae Cologne Forte
“Aqua Vitae Cologne Forte by Maison Francis Kurkdjian is a Citrus fragrance for women and men”
The Quick Read
A polarising scent — a citrus, floral composition with a musky undertone. Voted best for spring and summer wear — and genuinely unisex.
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Launched in 2021 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Aqua Vitae Cologne Forte is a citrus fragrance that balances bright freshness with subtle warmth. Created by the renowned perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, this scent opens with mandarin orange and bergamot, creating an invigorating top note. The heart of floral and solar notes adds a luminous quality, while musk and sandalwood provide a powdery and woody base that grounds the composition. Aqua Vitae Cologne Forte is a modern interpretation of classic cologne, capturing both crispness and warmth.
Composition & Character
Notes Pyramid
How It Wears
Application Tips
One or two sprays is sufficient — the mandarin orange and bergamot top notes are bright but fade within an hour. The musky base will linger longer, providing a warm backdrop that's most noticeable close to skin.
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 sharp click of heels on pavement as you step out into a bustling city street, where the sun glints off glass and crisp citrus notes mingle with powdery florals.
Fig. 01 — Aqua Vitae Cologne Forte, Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Where to buy.
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