The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Baisers Volés, meaning "Stolen Kisses," was launched in 2013, with Heather Kaufman serving as the perfumer for Jolie Laide Perfume. The name gives the composition its charge: not a grand romance, but a private exchange that leaves an impression. Here, the idea meets bergamot, jasmine, myrrh, Kewra, and white flowers, with fresh citrus set against a floral core. The result is described as mischievous, heady, sexy, and mysterious, the sort of scent that draws attention without announcing itself.
The unusual part is the balance. Bergamot brings a clean, sparkling edge, but myrrh keeps the composition from behaving like a conventional fresh floral. Jasmine, Kewra, and white flowers contribute to the lush, floral character of the fragrance, while the listed accords add amber, spice, sweetness, and balsamic depth. That combination gives Baisers Volés a layered impression despite its compact note roster, with citrus brightness meeting a rich floral heart and a darker, resinous warmth.
The evolution
Baisers Volés opens with bergamot, jasmine, myrrh, and Kewra, combining polished brightness with an aromatic quality. The listed notes of amber, warm spice, sweet, and balsamic accents add further depth to the composition, which is described as floral and lush. Together with the fresh bergamot and the resinous myrrh, these elements create a fragrance that reads as mischievous, heady, and mysterious. The jasmine and Kewra lend the floral heart, while the amber, spice, sweetness, and balsamic notes contribute warmth and richness to the overall effect.
Cultural impact
Baisers Volés stands apart through its French title, which translates to "Stolen Kisses," and its playful sense of secrecy. As a unisex floral, it occupies an interesting middle ground in the Jolie Laide catalog, appealing to anyone drawn to compositions that balance fresh citrus with a lush floral heart. The fragrance has also drawn comparisons with Masculin Féminin, another Jolie Laide composition, though its own character comes through in the pairing of bergamot and myrrh alongside jasmine, Kewra, and white flowers. It is a scent frequently described as mischievous, heady, sexy, and mysterious.
The House
Jolie Laide PerfumeJolie Laide Perfume is a San Francisco fragrance house founded by Heather Kaufman. Its name comes from the French phrase “jolie laide,” an idea that beauty can emerge from qualities outsiders may consider strange, awkward, or unconventional. That tension shapes the brand’s botanical perfumes, which take their names and narratives from classic French cinema. Compositions such as Masculin Féminin, Bande À Part, Cléo de 5 à 7, Jules et Jim, Baisers Volés, and À Bout de Souffle connect scent with film titles, performers, and fictional characters. The house is especially associated with natural perfumery and materials drawn from plants.
The Creator
Heather KaufmanKaufman’s style is marked by rich, deep compositions and all-natural materials. Her approach favors carefully balanced botanical accords that develop with warmth and time, creating an enveloping sense of place and atmosphere.
