The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Xerjoff's 2024 collaboration with Maison De Venoge, the historic French Champagne house, takes its number from a royal decree. The year 1722 marks a significant moment in the evolution of French celebration culture, and Louis XV 1722 treats that legacy as olfactory material. Rather than simply referencing champagne, Xerjoff translated the spirit of opulence into scent, using bright citrus and spice to capture the energy of a royal occasion.
The note selection reflects a philosophy of contrast and balance. Grapefruit and liqueur provide effervescence, while saffron and plum add depth and spice. The heart combines floral freshness with gourmand warmth, and the base anchors everything in resinous, woody sensuality. Each layer builds on the one before it, creating a fragrance that feels both festive and intimate, modern and rooted in history.
The evolution
The fragrance opens with grapefruit cutting sharply against saffron and plum, a burst of energy that evokes the moment a celebration begins. As the top notes soften, lavender and rose introduce floral elegance while cocoa and hazelnut ground the heart in warmth. Coffee adds a bitter counterpoint, preventing sweetness from dominating. The drydown then shifts to resinous territory: frankincense smoke, worn leather, and cashmere wood create an intimate, almost ceremonial atmosphere that lingers long after the event ends.
Cultural impact
Louis XV 1722 was first presented at the TFWA Cannes trade show in 2024, with Xerjoff distributing free bottles to attendees. The parallel creation of three bespoke Champagne cuvées alongside the fragrance elevated the collaboration into a cultural event within niche perfumery circles. The house created a complete sensory experience that extended beyond traditional fragrance boundaries, drawing attention from industry professionals and enthusiasts alike who appreciated the ambition of the project.
