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.
