The Creator of Baccarat Rouge 540 Brings Back a Lost Icon

Maison Francis Kurkdjian is commemorating its 15th anniversary by reviving one of its foundational scents—APOM, or "A Part of Me." Originally launched as separate perfumes for men and women, APOM has been reimagined for 2024 as a single, unified eau de parfum.What makes this reimagined fragrance a standout in today’s crowded perfume world?

A Fragrance with Dual Personalities

When APOM debuted in 2009, it was introduced as two distinct fragrances: APOM Pour Femme and APOM Pour Homme. Each version highlighted different facets of scent artistry—the women’s fragrance played with delicate orange blossom notes, exuding a bright, floral warmth, while the men’s offered a grounded lavender profile, rich and bold. Both, however, shared a base of amber, a note highly valued in perfumery. Over the years, APOM garnered a dedicated following, but the separate formulas were eventually discontinued, leaving a gap in the hearts (and collections) of fragrance lovers everywhere.

Francis Kurkdjian, the brand’s co-founder and master perfumer, is known for his fearless creativity and attention to detail. In revisiting APOM, Kurkdjian chose not simply to resurrect the old formulas but to merge them into a new composition that captures each one’s individual strengths. This thoughtful blending of “feminine” and “masculine” elements into one fragrance reflects today’s evolving tastes.

The New APOM: A Fusion of Floral and Amber

The newly reimagined APOM is a fragrance for all, combining the floral brightness of orange blossom and lavender with amber’s velvety warmth. By including neroli, ylang-ylang, and white musk, Kurkdjian has added fresh layers that awaken the senses. The scent starts with a vivid floral opening, softens with amber, and settles into a musky base.

What makes this new iteration special is its sillage, or the scent’s ability to linger in the air and leave a trace after you’ve left. Kurkdjian has long emphasized the importance of sillage, stating that a fragrance should be more than just a personal accessory—it should have a presence. “Fragrance is also the idea of sillage. It’s the part of yourself that you leave behind,” he stated in a short film by Cyril Testel. Unlike fragrances labeled as “skin scents” that barely project, APOM’s diffusion is intentional and unapologetic, meant to leave an impression.

The Art of Pentimento: Revisiting and Perfecting a Classic

Kurkdjian approached the reimagining of APOM with the artistic technique of pentimento, a term used in painting to describe the act of going back to a piece, refining it, and adding new elements to achieve a final masterpiece. The reimagined APOM embodies this philosophy, as Kurkdjian took what he loved about the original formulas and enhanced them for a new generation. The inclusion of neroli provides a sunny sparkle, while the floral notes lend a sense of freshness that contrasts beautifully with amber’s aroma.

For longtime fans of APOM, the familiar notes will remind them of the past, while the new additions make it clear that this fragrance is designed for today’s wearers.

A Trend Toward Nostalgia and Revival in Modern Perfumery

APOM’s revival is part of a broader movement in the fragrance world, where beauty brands are looking back at beloved classics and reviving them once more. 

The unisex nature of the new APOM also reflects a shift in how some consumers view fragrance. No longer confined by gender, many of today’s scents are about self-expression and the individual’s relationship with scent rather than fitting into a “masculine” or “feminine” category. APOM, with its balanced blend of floral, amber, and musk, attempts to reflect this change.

APOM’s Place in Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Legacy

As Kurkdjian celebrates 15 years of pushing creative boundaries, he reflects on the journey: “From the beginning, our mission has been to infuse artistry and refinement into everyday life through scent. Fragrance isn't just for special occasions; it's an integral part of self-expression and personal well-being,” he noted.

With APOM’s return, the fragrance house has not only honored its history but has also positioned itself as a pioneer in the art of fragrance revival.

A Scent That’s Here to Stay

APOM’s revival marks a significant moment for Maison Francis Kurkdjian, blending nostalgia, artistry, and modernity into a scent designed to linger. For fans of the original Pour Femme and Pour Homme, APOM offers a familiar warmth with new layers. And for those discovering it for the first time, it serves as an invitation to experience the Maison’s commitment to excellence in fine fragrance.

As Kurkdjian continues to blend classic techniques with contemporary approaches, APOM’s journey shows how a well-crafted scent can transcend time and trend. Now, wearers can carry “A Part of Me” wherever they go.