The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Ex Nihilo was founded in Paris in 2013 by three friends who came from outside the fragrance industry. Their approach was unconventional: give perfumers complete creative freedom with no budget constraints, treating scent as a vanguard art form rather than a commercial product. Jordi Fernández, the perfumer behind Explicite, worked within this philosophy to create something that felt unrestricted. The name itself signals intention, promising an explicit sensory statement before the bottle is ever opened. Explicite was inspired by the addictive energy of a summer night in Paris, translating that sultry, daring environment into liquid form.
The note structure of Explicite reflects the houses belief that perfumers should have no ceiling on ambition. Nutmeg and pink pepper were chosen to create an immediate, arresting opening that sets a bold tone. The floral heart of peony, praline, and lily of the valley represents a deliberate balancing act, using peony for its romantic softness, praline for its edible warmth, and lily of the valley for its clean counterpoint. The drydown of sandalwood, vanilla, and amber creates a classic warm base that ensures the fragrance remains pleasant and approachable throughout its evolution, making the overall experience feel both ambitious and accessible.
The evolution
The opening of Explicite builds rapidly, with nutmeg lending a warm, aromatic spice that immediately engages the senses while pink pepper adds a bright, sparkling quality that lifts the composition. This initial phase feels confident and energetic, a clear signal of intent. The heart phase introduces peony as the dominant floral, its petals offering a slightly sweet, powdery character that pairs naturally with the praline note. The praline brings an edible, buttery richness that creates an unexpected but pleasing sweetness, while lily of the valley grounds the florals with its clean, green freshness. As the drydown begins, sandalwood takes over as the primary anchor, providing a creamy, smooth woody foundation. Vanilla extends the warmth and sweetness established in the heart, creating a seamless transition. Amber finishes the composition with a soft, resinous glow that adds depth and allows the entire experience to linger on skin for hours.
Cultural impact
Since its 2020 launch, Explicite has built a following among fragrance wearers who want warmth without aggression. The floral-gourmand combination, peony and praline, fills a particular gap between fresh florals and full orientalism. Conversation around this fragrance often circles the same point: it leans more feminine than the unisex label suggests, which has become part of its appeal rather than a negative.
