Heritage
A house, in its own words
Cave was founded in Paris in 2018 by perfumer‑entrepreneur Thibaud Crivelli, a former senior developer at a major fragrance conglomerate who sought greater creative freedom. Crivelli’s background in synthetic aroma chemistry informed the brand’s early decision to blend classic raw materials—oud, amber, rose—with carefully selected synthetics that extend the scent’s evolution on skin. The first public launch, Cashmere Oud, arrived in late 2019 and was reviewed by niche‑fragrance blogs for its smooth integration of animalic depth and soft, textile‑like warmth. In 2020 the house introduced Ambra, a composition that highlighted sustainable ambergris substitutes, signaling an early commitment to ethical sourcing. 2021 saw the release of Patchouly, a green, herbaceous scent that earned a mention in Fragrantica’s “Top 100 New Releases” list, confirming the brand’s growing reputation among connoisseurs. The year 2023 marked a strategic partnership with a small‑scale French cooper, allowing Cave to commission hand‑blown glass bottles that reflect each fragrance’s character. 2024 brought the debut of Sweet Rose, a modern take on the classic rose accord that avoided excessive aldehydes, earning praise for its restraint. The most recent milestones, Imperial Saffron and Wood Mirage (both 2025), demonstrate Cave’s willingness to experiment with rare spices and exotic woods while retaining a coherent house identity. Throughout its brief history, Cave has remained independent, financing new launches through direct‑to‑consumer sales and limited‑edition collaborations rather than large‑scale retail distribution. Cave’s creative vision centers on the idea that a perfume should change with the wearer, revealing new facets as time passes. The house describes its approach as a dialogue between the material and the moment, encouraging a scent to act as a living companion rather than a static statement. Sustainability is woven into this philosophy; the brand sources natural ingredients from certified farms in Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Turkey, and it prioritizes biodegradable packaging whenever possible. Transparency is another core value: each launch is accompanied by a detailed ingredient list and a short note from Crivelli explaining the inspiration behind the composition. Rather than chasing trends, Cave aims to preserve the integrity of each note, allowing the chemistry to dictate the final structure. The brand also supports emerging talent by offering short‑term residencies to young perfumers, providing them with access to the house’s laboratory and raw material library. This mentorship model reflects Cave’s belief that the future of perfumery rests on shared knowledge and collaborative experimentation.