Familiar Faces: David Benedek, Founder of BDK Parfums (BDK Parfums review)

Quite recently, I had an encounter with chance. I took a whiff of BDK Parfums Bouquet de Hongrie and instantly fell in love – it is floral, light and airy, unlike the usual heavier perfumes I tend to fall for. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and I went home and I googled the brand as I had not heard of it before. Fast forward a couple of months and I found myself invited by Robinsons to meet David Benedek, the founder of BDK Parfums. I was so ecstatic for the opportunity, and so grateful. Coincidence, you say? I don’t believe in coincidences.

On David

He’s easy to talk to, relate-able and a pleasure to learn from. He generously gave me what felt like all the time in the world to present his perfumes, one by one. We sniffed each one and discussed their notes. Although I’m quite the novice when it comes to describing fragrance, I feel very grateful to have been given the opportunity of this olfactory experience with a nose like David.

On the brand

I have to be honest, my love for this niche perfume brand is multifaceted. First and foremost, the scents are all quite unique; as much as I like my Thierry Mugler Alien and Chanel Coco Noir, I dislike smelling myself on other people. I feel like scent should be very personal and special, and although a lot of people argue that the same perfume smells different on different people, I still like to know that I can leave an impression with my scent – not because it’s strong and over-powering, but because it compliments my skin and personality. While I cannot see myself wearing all the five different BDK parfums, they all had one very enticing thing in common, and that’s the distinctiveness of their scent. Each BDK fragrance owes its uniqueness to its fine raw materials, all sourced from Grasse, and of course, David’s nose that was able to marry these ingredients beautifully.

Bouquet de Hongrie is floral and musky. It has top notes of Pear, Blackcurrant and Strawberry, heart notes of Turkish Rose, Jasmine Sambac and Lorenox, and base notes of Musk, Cedar and Amber.

Pas Ce Soir starts off as fruity and ends as very sensual. It has top notes of top notes of Black pepper, Ginger and Mandarin, heart notes of Moroccan Jasmine, Quince Chutney and Orange Blossom, and base notes of Cashmeran, Singapore Patchouli and Amber Wood.

Tubereuese Imperiale is an enchanting marriage of white flowers that is very elegant yet is not reminiscent of old(er) women. It has top notes of Pink Peppercorn and Egyptian Geranium, heart notes of Indian Tuberose, Comoros’ Ylang Ylang, Jasmine Sambac, Iris and Egyptian Jasmine as well as base notes of Cashmeran, Sandalwood, Somali Incense, Madagascar Vanilla, Singapore Patchouli, Sumatran Benzoin and Cypress.

Wood Jasmin is a unisex fragrance that is intoxicating with its whiffs of jasmine and smokey incense.  It has top notes of Plum and Pear, heart notes of Egyptian Jasmine, Jasmine Sambac, Turkish Rose and Dhavanam, as well as base notes of incense of Somali Incense, Madagascar Vanilla, Indonesian Patchouli, Spanish Labdanum and Indian Cypriol Nagarmotha.

Oud Abramad was created to depict oud that is not overwhelming so westerners would like it, without compromising the Arabs’ love for it – I have to say it’s quite the success! It has top notes of Saffron and Ginger, heart notes of Turkish Rose and Cumin, and well as base notes of Agarwood, Guaiac Wood, Rockrose, Incense, Patchouli, Castoreum and Orcanox.

Although I initially fell for Bouquet de Hongrie, Pas Ce Soir and Tubereuse Imperiale caught my fancy too – let’s see which one I end up buying first! Have you had the chance to try any of the BDK parfums? They are sold in Dubai at Robinsons, Bloomingdales and Harvey Nichols – do let me know if you end up purchasing one!