The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
In 2014, Ramon Monegal received a commission from Bergdorf Goodman for an exclusive fragrance. Rather than reference architecture or heritage, Monegal reached for something more ephemeral, Central Park in spring. His impression became Very Private: a scent built around powdery florals that evoke elegance and the fruity freshness of Central Park coming into bloom. The composition captures both the sophistication of the city and the natural softness of the park at this time of year, holding urban and natural elements together in a way that feels intentional and cohesive. It is a fragrance that captures something personal, something a person wears, not just something they remember about a place.
The note structure opens with lilac dominating the composition, watery, almost aquatic, nothing like a candied interpretation. This is fresh and strange, green-stemmed and cool. The heart layers tea rose, violet, and orange blossom into something soft but not saccharine. Where many fruity-powdery compositions stop there, Very Private adds licorice to the base, anise-sharp and slightly bitter against the warm embrace of musk, vanilla, and oakmoss. The effect is a fragrance that shifts register mid-drydown, revealing new dimensions as it develops on the skin.
The evolution
The opening hits with citruses and fruity notes, bright and sparkling, immediately engaging. Then the lilac takes over, pushing everything else aside and claiming the space. It is not shy. The tea rose and violet arrive to temper the lilac's dominance with something softer. The orange blossom adds a waxy white-floral quality that keeps it grounded. The base begins its slow reveal: musk first, warm and close to the skin, then vanilla threading through. The licorice appears here, faint at first, then unmistakable, followed by oakmoss bringing its green, slightly earthy counterweight. As the fragrance develops, what lingers is vanilla and oakmoss, with that licorice note present throughout the drydown.
Cultural impact
Very Private exists at the intersection of niche perfumery's artisanal values and luxury retail's desire for exclusivity. Created exclusively for Bergdorf Goodman, it represents a commission that exists outside the brand's main collection. The fragrance's discontinuation has made it a sought-after piece among collectors who appreciate its unique character. Very Private offers a fruity-powdery composition that rewards close attention, revealing new facets with each wearing. Its blend of powdery florals with anise and oakmoss creates something distinctive within the landscape of exclusive department store commissions.
