In our ‘Behind the Scent’ series, we step into the fascinating world of one of Belgium’s few true perfume visionaries… exploring the stories, inspirations, and passions that shaped their craft.
Name: Bouzouk
Age / Place of Birth: Ypres, June 1970
Brand: Bouzouk Brussels
Registered in: 2025
Bouzouk, what is your intention behind this perfume project?
B: “To create a line of perfumes with a DNA rooted in simplicity, elegance, and discretion. Genderless fragrances.”
What role does scent play in your vision?
B: “Through olfaction, I seek to find a source of calm for the heart (slowing down the heartbeat) and mental serenity, using carefully chosen essential oils.”
How do you define perfume?
B: “Perfume should be a signature for oneself and for others — a way to feel in full harmony with yourself while also being a courtesy to those around you.”
How would you describe the composition of the perfume?
B: “An undulating pyramid.”
Topnotes: “Winter lemon, schinus molle, saffron-infused cinnamon.”
Heart notes: “Mimosa vein, marine jasmine, sea salt crystals.”
Base notes: “Cypress and oliban resins, grey amber, driftwood.”
What makes this composition unique?
B: “Thanks to its ‘undulating’ structure around salt and woody resins, this perfume adapts to different levels of heat and humidity. It evolves and vibrates very differently depending on the external temperature, but also the acidity or alkalinity of the skin. Despite this, its balance and structure make it remarkably stable.”
How would you describe the personality of the fragrance?
B: “It is an intimate and universal perfume. It’s not linear… it constantly shifts… it unfolds differently in space and movement. The saline note (the dunes) and asphalt (the city) make it equally at ease in urban settings, during sports, or out in the countryside… a perfect companion that brings joy and energy.”
Does this perfume reflect something Belgian?
B: “Its ingredients reflect the spirit of Belgium… and of its capital. The name ‘Bouzouk Brussels’ is no coincidence. It embodies a frank and distinctive character, multicultural. At the same time, it is both sophisticated and simple, not without humor… like a piece of clothing that is highly unique, yet brilliantly designed and thought out (I’m thinking of the incredible pedagogical work at La Cambre, Fashion Department). Also for Brussels’ role as a cultural capital with international influence.”
How did you envision the image and packaging of the perfume?
B: “I turned to an experienced director-scenographer: Monique Lenoble, a multidisciplinary artist. I wanted something refined, classy, discreet, elegant, and artistic.”
What was her contribution to the design?
B: “She created, on the sides of the box, a small character representing me by silhouette and ponytail (clearly reminiscent of a Giacometti sculpture), and opted for minimalism in the bottle and cap, reflecting the transparency and lightness of the fragrance. She succeeded beautifully.”
And what about the campaign image?
B: “Monique Lenoble chose a ‘cinematic feel’ rather than a ‘commercial ad’. Characters who are drawn to one another, who recognize each other.”
What is your artistic ambition with this perfume?
B: “To capture the invisible, emotion, desire… and translate it into a scent that intrigues, suggests, seduces, and completes you.”
How do you see your creative process in terms of time?
B: “To be in ‘long time’, in reflection… I apply makeup as I paint, I paint as I write… I write as I sense, as I translate the imaginary… and now, I perfume.”
