Founded in 1993 by fashion graduates Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, Viktor & Rolf is an avant-garde fashion house. The debut fragrance from the brand, Flowerbomb first came out in 2005.
Flowerbomb, one of the most popular fragrances of the time, is symbolic of positivity and aims to inspire and uplift the wearer. The perfume was later followed by Spicebomb, a version of Flowerbomb created for men.
This brief article explores 11 of the most popular Viktor and Rolf perfumes in detail, including Antidote, Bonbon, and, of course, the much-loved Flowerbomb.
1. Flowerbomb
Launched in 2005 by Viktor and Rolf and created by top perfumers Carlos Benaim, Domitille Michalon Bertier, Dominique Ropion, and Olivier Polge, Flowerbomb is an exquisite amber floral fragrance made exclusively for women. The stunning perfume bottle design in the shape of a diamond grenade was created by Fabien Baron. The shape is symbolic of the explosively sophisticated reputation of the scent.
The keynotes in this scent are undoubtedly floral blends with warm undertones of woody flavor. Fresh chords of tea, bergamot, and osmanthus feature in the top notes, while base notes of patchouli, musk and vanilla are deep and intense in oriental qualities. The heart of this scent is a floral bouquet of jasmine, rose, freesia, and African orange flower.
2. Spicebomb
The male equivalent to the notorious Flowerbomb fragrance, Spicebomb is a strong, elegant spiced scent created by Olivier Polge. Launched in 2012, the striking bottle of this fragrance immediately became a talking point. With the appearance of a hand grenade triggering the logo, this scent oozes power and masculinity.
Model Sean O’Pry became the face of the advertising campaign for this product. The invigorating top notes for this fragrance include pink pepper, elemi, grapefruit, and bergamot. At the heart of this extravagant scent lies saffron, paprika, and cinnamon, while the sensual base notes are tobacco, leather, and vetiver.
3. Spicebomb Extreme
Launched in 2015, Spicebomb Extreme is a highly spiced amber fragrance for men, perfect for an indulgent evening occasion. As indicated by the suggestive name, Spicebomb Extreme is a more intense version of the popular scent, Spicebomb. The striking perfume bottle is shaped like a hand grenade and decorated with a shining copper ring.
Given the name of this scent, the ingredients are similarly explosive and aromatic in flavor. A rich blend of caraway, lavender, and black pepper is contrasted with smooth notes of tobacco and vanilla in the foundation layers of this fragrance.
4. Bonbon
Created exclusively for women by Cecile Matton and Serge Majoullier, Bonbon was first launched in 2014. Playful in nature, this fruity, floral scent is symbolic of pleasure and self-indulgence. The beautiful perfume bottle is symbolic of this; the pink bottle is shaped like a wrapped candy. Top model Edita Vilkeviciute was the face of the advertising campaign for this fragrance.
The sweet layers of this scent make Bonbon perfect for an everyday Springtime scent. The most significant aroma in Bonbon is caramel, while top notes of peach, mandarin orange, and orange provide instant fruity appeal. At the heart of this fragrance are caramel, orange blossom, and jasmine, while base notes of cedar, guaiac wood, amber, and sandalwood offer depth and warmth.
5. Flowerbomb Nectar
A spellbinding amber floral scent exclusively for women, Flowerbomb Nectar by Viktor and Rolf is an intense, powerful fragrance. Launched in 2018, this fragrance is symbolic of a magical exploration of the details of a flower. Part of the highly acclaimed Flowerbomb collection, this scent possesses mysterious qualities and is ideal for an intimate evening occasion.
The top notes include gunpowder, bergamot, and cassis, contrasting harmoniously with vanilla, tonka bean, patchouli, and benzoin in the base notes. The middle notes are a delicious assortment of orange blossom, jasmine sambac, and osmanthus.
6. Antidote
Launched in 2006, Antidote was created by top perfumers Alienor Massenet and Pierre Wargnye. An amber woody scent exclusively for the modern man, this perfume was the winner of not one but two prestigious awards: FiFi Award Best Packing Men’s Prestige 2007 and FiFi Award Fragrance of the Year Men’s Nouveau Niche 2007.
Symbolic of a healing antidote, this fragrance has been compared to a magical elixir with the power to turn negative into positive. This oriental scent is spiced and floral at its heart with notes of violet, freesia, nutmeg, African geranium, lavender, orange blossom, cinnamon, and sambac jasmine. The base brings welcome relief with warm, gentle notes of Texan white cedar, tonka bean, incense, caramel, white musk, vanilla, sandalwood, and Guiacum wood.
7. Flowerbomb Midnight
A sensual floral fragrance for women, the bewitching Flowerbomb Midnight was created by Carlos Banaim, Fanny Bal, Dominique Ropion, and Domitille Michalon Bertier before the launch of the scent in 2019. The bottle is startlingly minimalist in design and black in coloring, representing the dark of the night sky at midnight.
Top notes in this fragrance include dark, luscious fruits of blackcurrant and pomegranate, while at its heart burns peony and night-blooming jasmine. These deep fruity flavors work beautifully with subtle base notes of vanilla and white musk.
8. Spicebomb Night Vision
One of the more recent fragrances launched by Viktor and Rolf, Spicebomb Night Vision, an amber scent, was launched in 2010. Exclusively for men, this fragrance is presented in a futuristic black bottle with striking green lettering.
Top notes of this scent include black pepper, nutmeg, cloves, grapefruit, lemon, and fresh chords of green apple. The complex, woody base notes are benzoin, pistachio, balsam fir, cedar, patchouli, labdanum, and olibanum. At the heart of this scent is a heady mix of coriander, rosemary, lavender, sage, mint, and mastic.
9. Spicebomb Infrared
Another new edition to the inspiring range of fragrances produced by Viktor and Rolf is Spicebomb Infrared, launched in 2021. Created for men, this spicy amber scent is sold in impactive black and red bottles, symbolic of power and strength.
Top notes include red fruits, saffron, and pink pepper, which work harmoniously with cinnamon and red pepper at the heart of this scent. Smoky base notes of tobacco and benzoin give a mysterious edge to Spicebomb Infrared.
10. Spicebomb Eau Fraiche
A classical aromatic spicy fragrance for men, Spicebomb Eau Fraiche by Viktor and Rolf was launched in 2014. This versatile fragrance is suitable to wear for any occasion, day or night. The minimalist, calm exterior of the pale perfume bottle reflects the well-balanced ingredients in this scent.
Top notes include pepper, grapefruit, and pink pepper, while at its heart lies fresh and invigorating flavors of lavender, elemi, and sea salt. Earthy base notes of tobacco, moss, and amber give depth and longevity to this fragrance.
11. Eau Mega
Launched in 2009 and created exclusively for women by Carlos Benaim and Olivier Polge, Eau Mega is a fresh, floral scent perfect for daytime wear. The dazzling bottle is transparent with a glamorous golden cap and an elegant cylindrical shape.
The top notes of this opulent scent include pear, violet leaf, water notes, lemon, and basil, while white musk and sandalwood contrast with the green freshness of the top notes. The middle notes are a floral bouquet of peony and jasmine sambac.
