The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
By Kilian emerged from Paris in 2007, founded by Kilian Hennessy, whose family legacy in cognac shaped his understanding of scent as narrative. The brand built its reputation on provocative compositions and darkly glamorous packaging. When perfumer Honorine Blanc approached Princess, she found an unexpected opportunity. Rather than leaning into By Kilian's established darkness, Blanc chose to create something different. The result is a fragrance that arrives without apology, beginning exactly where its intention lies.
The choice to omit opening and drydown notes was deliberate. Blanc designed Princess to exist entirely within its heart, a single sustained chord rather than a traditional progression. The marshmallow provides comfort and accessibility, appealing to those who want sweetness without aggression. Green tea offers an unexpected sophistication, a nod to Japanese aesthetics and mindfulness. Ginger bridges both, adding dimension and ensuring the fragrance never feels simplistic. Together, these notes form a scent that works as a personal signature, a comforting presence that rewards close acquaintance rather than dramatic first impressions.
The evolution
The arc of Princess moves with purpose. The journey begins the moment the scent meets skin, as marshmallow immediately envelops the wearer in its soft, sweet embrace. Green tea arrives within seconds, tempering the confectionery sweetness with its clean, slightly bitter character. Ginger emerges as the structure within the softness, providing subtle warmth and spice that keeps the composition grounded. As time passes, these three notes continue to interplay, neither dominating nor retreating. The sweetness of marshmallow never fully recedes, yet the green tea and ginger ensure the fragrance maintains its sophistication. When the scent finally fades, it does so gently, a slow exhale rather than a sharp departure.
Cultural impact
Princess arrives as part of the My Kind of Love collection, By Kilian's line of gourmand scents that emphasize refillable flacons. It's sweet enough to appeal to vanilla and marshmallow lovers, with enough ginger to catch the attention of those who typically find overly sweet fragrances a little too soft. The name suggests confidence and self-sufficiency, a quiet declaration of independence that fits naturally within a collection built around emotional specificity. This isn't a fragrance trying to be everything at once.
The House
By KilianBy Kilian is a Parisian perfume house that marries the rich legacy of French luxury with a distinctly modern, provocative edge. Founded by an heir to a cognac dynasty, the brand champions perfume as a true art form, creating complex scents in stunning, refillable bottles.
The Creator
Honorine BlancBlanc gravitates toward contrasts: sweet and dark, structured and sensual, familiar and surprising. She has a particular affinity for amber and gourmand notes, shaped by her Lebanese upbringing in an Ambrée culture.
