What do ponytails, fingerless gloves, and oversized shades have in common? In fashion, they’re not just style choices, but signatures. And if you know, you’d know that they all point to the late, great Karl Lagerfeld.
It was this very sense of style and bold individuality that brought a select group of fragrance enthusiasts together at Blackbird Café for The Editor’s Room featuring Karl Ikonik, the fragrance line inspired by Lagerfeld’s unmistakable presence. Guests took a pause from the bustle of daily life to explore how fragrance, much like fashion, can capture the essence of an identity; like a signature style that speaks as much about the wearer as it does about the creator.
Before delving into the fragrances, the conversation naturally turned to what made Karl “Ikonik” in the first place: his famously consistent wardrobe, his tender affection for his cat Choupette, his ability to juggle heritage brands like Chanel and Fendi while still launching his own namesake label.
While fashion speaks in fabric, Karl Ikonik speaks in scent. Both fragrances, one for women and one for men, capture Karl’s fashion philosophy and translate it into scents that are unmistakable, bold, and full of character.
Karl Ikonik pour Femme, crafted by Marie Salamagne, gives off a floral-woody harmony that feels equally intentional and dazzling but sensual. It begins with bright raspberry and jasmine sambac, capturing a playful sweetness that’s tempered by the deeper notes of creamy sandalwood. The addition of hazelnut macaron provides a gourmand twist that makes the scent feel both indulgent and sophisticated. It’s a fragrance that, much like Karl’s own creations, balances the delicate with the bold which is a perfect representation of modern femininity.
In contrast, Karl Ikonik pour Homme offers a bold yet refined interpretation of the classic fougère. The fragrance immediately draws you in with its fresh top notes of sage, Madagascan ginger, and mandarin leaf, which provide a crisp, vibrant opening. As it settles, the scent becomes warmer and richer with the smooth, sweet, and slightly salty notes of tonka bean, balanced by coconut wood and creamy sandalwood. It’s a bold fragrance with a refined but strong character, perfect for the modern man who values both strength and sophistication.
With Karl Ikonik, fragrance becomes another way to experience Karl Lagerfeld’s genius. The scents reflect his legacy, providing us with something that’s both fresh and familiar—a perfect balance of innovation and tradition. With the fragrances’ modern approach and the bottle’s sleek design, this collection is a tribute to Karl’s legacy, giving you a piece of his world in a completely new form.
As the lunch drew to a close, we’re reminded that fragrance, like fashion, is a language all its own. And in the case of Karl Ikonik, it’s a language that speaks with quiet confidence, capturing the essence of Karl Lagerfeld in a way that feels as timeless as the designer himself.
