The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Vanilla High began with a question: what if you could capture the feeling of elegant Dubai cafes? Not the coffee itself, but the ritual around it. The way conversation flows under low light. The social warmth that gathers in such spaces. Bertrand Duchaufour and Bérengère Bourgarel approached the brief by considering the smoke first, how it rises and carries sweetness. Tobacco absolute anchors the composition. Bourbon vanilla gives it somewhere warm to land. The hookah note isn't decoration. It's architecture.
Two vanilla sources distinguish this from simpler gourmand compositions. Tahitian vanilla brings a creamy, slightly floral sweetness. Brazilian tonka bean adds another layer of complexity. The smoked wood base ties everything together, creating a foundation that supports the opening notes while maintaining a warm, enveloping quality throughout the wear. It's about comfort that invites you in.
The evolution
The hookah opens bright and aromatic, sweet smoke with a distinct presence. Ten minutes or so in, the bourbon vanilla arrives, warm and resinous, adding a smooth sweetness to the composition. This warm heart develops and deepens before the tobacco absolute begins to surface, dry and grounding. The base is where Vanilla High earns its name. Tahitian vanilla and Brazilian tonka bean create a praline sweetness that complements rather than overwhelms the other elements. The drydown stays close to skin, intimate and lingering. On fabric, the vanilla notes persist longest, praline sweetness emanating from clothing long after the initial application, smoke weaving through the fibers.
Cultural impact
Vanilla High doesn't try to soften the smoke or apologize for the sweetness. It embraces the paradox of sweetness meeting smoke, creating something that stands apart from conventional gourmand fragrances. This is a fragrance for those who appreciate bold, unapologetic compositions that bridge different olfactory territories.
The House
Vivamor ParfumsVivamor Parfums emerged in 2022 as a niche fragrance house that blends the Latin roots viva (life) and amor (love) into a scent‑focused narrative. Within a few years the brand has built a catalogue that includes Forbidden Temptation (2025), Addiction Absolu (2022), Tagomago (2024) and Main Character (2025). Each launch targets a specific mood or memory, inviting collectors to explore a spectrum that moves from gourmand sweetness to dark, oriental depth. The label positions itself as a laboratory for modern romance, offering both full‑size bottles and discovery sets that let enthusiasts sample the evolving story.
The Creator
Bertrand Duchaufour & Bérengère BourgarelDuchaufour is the master of smoke and shadow, of incense rendered with painterly depth rather than theatrical force. Where many perfumers treat frankincense as a single note, he builds incense as a tonal range, capable of austerity or warmth depending on what the fragrance dem…
