Francis KurkdjianThe nose · 234 fragrances · also made Rouge Trafalgar Esprit De Parfum (2024)Portrait →Will you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian · Sold as unisex
Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte
The quiet intensity of an early afternoon in a sunlit garden, where bergamot and sweet pea intertwine with the subtle glow of white musk.
Full bottle: Luxury tier, typically $250+. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
Aqua Universalis Cologne ForteLuxury · $250+
55%Similar accords, often for lessMiss Blooming Bouquet (2023) Dior · DiorPremium tier, $100–250 · shares bergamot, sweet pea and white musk8 matches →How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
Notes Pyramid
Main Accords
When to Wear
Who Wears It
The story behind the bottle.
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.
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.
Fig. 01 — Aqua Universalis Cologne Forte, Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Where to buy.
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Francis Kurkdjian
The composer of lightFrancis Kurkdjian is among the most celebrated perfumers alive — a creative polymath whose work spans haute couture fragrance, contemporary art installations, and the founding of his own maison.
“It’s impossible to predict. Success doesn’t depend on you. It depends on the audience.”
Francis Kurkdjian · SLEEK, June 2026
The Aqua Universalis line
3 fragrances, compared side by side
Designer Maison Francis Kurkdjian
More from the house · founded 2009 · France
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Chosen from what wearers say it smells like, what its fans also love, and its notes
Love it, not the $250+ price?
Matched by accords and notes. Sample first, then decide.
The originalAqua Universalis Cologne ForteMaison Francis Kurkdjian · Luxury · $250+Dior · 2023Miss Blooming Bouquet (2023) DiorShares Bergamot, Sweet pea and White musk$100–250★ 4.12 (2,178)50%Match
Jo Malone London · 2023English Pear & Sweet PeaShares Sweet pea and White musk$100–250★ 3.91 (1,301)48%Match
Guerlain · 2021Herbes TroublantesShares Bergamot and White musk$100–250★ 4.33 (1,427)47%Match
Une Nuit Nomade · 2020Nothing but Sea and SkyShares Bergamot and White musk$100–250★ 3.81 (743)
With Maison Francis Kurkdjian APOM Pour Femme Elixir
Adds yellow floral, woody and vanilla; shares two accords.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
A polarising scent: loved by 24%, disliked or hated by 29%.