The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Champagne Royale arrived in 2021, part of a collaboration between Navitus and creator CJ City. But perfumer Julien Rasquinet understood the real ask was harder than that. The challenge was translating celebration into scent, finding the balance between effervescence and something deeper. The champagne accord opens bright and almost green, sparkling with citrus while Madagascan ginger keeps the composition grounded underneath. It's a fragrance that captures the spirit of a moment worth remembering, the kind of scent that feels like raising a glass with people who matter.
What makes this composition work is the tension between effervescence and warmth. The top sparkles, literally, with a champagne accord that reads bright and almost green. But underneath, Madagascan ginger adds a warmth that keeps it grounded. The heart layers plum's fruitiness against iris powder and Ceylon cinnamon, creating a spiced sweetness that carries through the mid-notes. The woody base of guaiac wood, cedar, leather, and fir balsam anchors the composition, providing a dry foundation that allows the earlier notes to shine without overwhelming them.
The evolution
The first minutes are all brightness. Mandarin and champagne arrive together, sharp and citrusy, with ginger adding a clean heat underneath. It smells like a table being set, the anticipation before the cork pops. As time moves forward, the heart takes over. Plum's sweetness emerges, softened by iris and warmed by cinnamon. The citrus fades but doesn't disappear, it's still there, supporting the fruit and spice that follow. The base arrives quietly. Cedar and guaiac wood bring a dry warmth, leather adds texture, and fir balsam grounds everything. The fragrance settles into something intimate and warm, lingering close to the skin as the day progresses. On fabric, it leaves a subtle trace that fades gradually with time.
Cultural impact
Champagne Royale occupies an interesting space in the Navitus catalog. Released in 2021 as part of a collaboration with creator CJ City, it brings the brand's narrative sensibility to a wider audience. The fragrance attracts wearers who want something with personality but without the sharp edges that narrow appeal. Its sillage and longevity make it practical for regular wear, while the spiced fruit and woody base give it enough complexity to reward attention. It's a fragrance that balances approachability with depth, offering something for those just discovering the house and those already familiar with its work.
