The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Francis Kurkdjian created Green Tea in 1999. He would later found Maison Francis Kurkdjian and create notable fragrances for LVMH. The fragrance was developed as part of Elizabeth Arden's portfolio, positioned as an accessible option within the brand's offerings. Kurkdjian approached the composition with a focus on creating a fresh, clean scent profile that would appeal to a broad audience. The work drew on his expertise in balancing simple materials to achieve something memorable.
What makes Green Tea unusual isn't any single note, it's the structure. The pyramid stacks lemon and bergamot on top, yes, but then introduces rhubarb and mint, which give the citrus a tart edge. The heart layers jasmine against oakmoss and fennel, a floral note held against something with herbal character. The base features green tea, celery seed, and caraway. Green Tea adds caraway and cloves to its base, which gives it a quiet spiced warmth that adds depth to the drydown.
The evolution
Green Tea opens bright. Lemon and bergamot hit first, with mint pulling the citrus toward something cooler. The orange peel adds a slight zest, and the rhubarb gives it a tart edge. As the scent develops, the mint settles and the heart emerges, jasmine and white amber, with oakmoss and fennel introducing an herbal complexity that adds dimension to the composition. The drydown is where things get personal. Green tea arrives in earnest, and with it, celery seed, a note that brings a savory quality to the base. The musk and white amber keep it close to the skin. The cloves and caraway add a quiet spiced warmth beneath. The oakmoss lingers, giving the base a slight bitterness that adds structure.
Cultural impact
Green Tea has remained a consistent presence in the fragrance market since its launch. Its fresh, sparkling profile has resonated with consumers looking for an uncomplicated scent. The fragrance continues to be available and relevant, maintaining its place in the market through its straightforward appeal.
