© Extreme Agency
Beginning with the brand name and its clever word play, each component of Parfums de Nietzsche’s fragrance concept has been considered down to the smallest detail - from the complementary yet opposing scents to the triangular flacons that clip together thanks to a N-shaped plate.
Originally conceived as a collaborative project to showcase each stakeholder’s expertise — from perfumers to packaging suppliers — Parfums de Nietzsche launched late last year with two unisex EdPs in triangular bottles, one black one white. Dubbed Surhomme, the fragrance duo takes its cues from German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s superhuman concept.
The scents were created by Anne Flipo and Carlos Benaïm (IFF); the black EdP blends notes of iris, vetiver and leather, while the white features ginger, iris and cashmeran.
Brand founder Laurent Assoulen, a jazz pianist with a background in fragrance development having held roles at Robertet and Takasago among others, worked with Extreme Agency on the pack design, inspired by the philosophy of “two opposing yet complementary ideas”, and the size and dimensions of an iPhone 5SE.
Two triangular 25ml flacons (Heinz Glas) – one lacquered black, the other transparent – clip into an N-shaped plate (Texen Beauty Partners) that holds them together to form a rectangle balanced on a standard, Surlyn cap (MEDICOS Beauty). Made of stainless steel, the plate is hand polished and laser-engraved with the brand's logo.
When held vertically and rotated, the scents can be applied individually, while holding the flacons horizontally enables them to be combined. The fragrances can also be detached from the metal frame and a refill inserted.
They are housed in a monochrome box (Wauters) that echoes the triangular lines of the flacons. On the facing, the letters S, H and E of Surhomme are embossed.
Surhomme is sold on Parfums de Nietzsche’s e-boutique and at niche perfume retailer Jovoy in Paris, priced at €180 for 50ml.
BottleHeinz Glas
CapMEDICOS Beauty
PumpAptar Beauty + Home
BoxWauters
LabelCogetiq
PerfumerAnne Flipo, Carlos Benaïm (IFF)
PlateTexen Beauty Partners
FillingMF Productions
DesignExtreme Agency
