- Ilyas Kakis Perfumer:
Ilyas Kakis is a remarkable figure in the world of perfumery, wearing multiple hats as a perfumer, biologist, and the creative director of ILYA Parfums, a niche perfume brand hailing from the UK.
His journey into the captivating realm of fragrances is deeply rooted in his personal and professional experiences. With a background in science and a global publication to his name, Kakis initially found it challenging to fully express his creative inclinations. However, his discovery of the art of perfumery became a turning point. It provided him with the perfect outlet to channel his creativity, leading him to wholeheartedly pursue this passion. He was fortunate enough to collaborate with some of the most renowned names in the niche perfumery field over nearly a decade, which significantly honed his skills and deepened his understanding of the craft.
In 2019, driven by his inner worlds and the desire to tell stories, evoke emotions, and create lasting memories solely through scent, he founded ILYA Parfums. The brand stands out for several reasons. It is a true haven of olfactory art, a rarity in today's market. ILYA Parfums focuses on the essence within the bottle rather than relying on flashy exteriors, elaborate but unsubstantiated heritage tales, or overpriced, jewel - encrusted packaging. Each fragrance is a highly emotive creation, stemming from a wellspring of emotions and possessing the power to stir the feelings of those who experience it.
Kakis uses traditional methods that have been passed down for thousands of years, eschewing more modern and commercial approaches. He spares no expense when it comes to ingredients, incorporating some of the most expensive and rare ones such as the voluptuous red champaca, exotic orris, and the mythical ambergris. Additionally, ILYA Parfums defies gender norms in perfumery, with all its creations being gender - neutral, a concept that Kakis passionately believes in and one that sets the brand apart.
The DNA perfume collection by ILYA Parfums, masterminded by Kakis, delves into highly evocative fragrances that are distilled from his most personal memories and emotions. These exclusive scents are produced in limited quantities, making them truly special for those who can resonate with the worlds they encapsulate. For instance, "Heaven’s Tide," launched in 2023, is a floral aquatic fragrance that celebrates the harmonious blend of pure white florals and aquatic notes. Conceived by Kakis, it features top notes of citruses and sea notes, middle notes of jasmine and gardenia, and base notes of cedar and musk. It creates an ethereal experience, with refreshing citrus opening the scent, delicate jasmine and sacred gardenia floating on serene tides in the heart, and cedarwood and musks forming an angelic white mist with a glimmer of light shining through.
Another example is the Les Velours collection, which pays homage to Kakis' favorite fabric, velvet. The collection captures the rich, regal, and character - filled essence of velvet in bottle form. Scents like "Black Velvet" and "Green Velvet" are unique olfactory interpretations. "Green Velvet" is woven around a special and timeless fougère accord, a secret kept by Kakis. This aromatic composition is accompanied by a subtle oriental accent mainly composed of Madagascan vanilla and amber. Rich musk adds depth and grandeur, while violet leaf absolute imparts mild green nuances, resulting in a fragrance that exudes both elegance and dynamism.
In summary, Ilyas Kakis, through ILYA Parfums, has carved out a unique space in the perfumery world. His dedication to the art of perfumery, use of traditional techniques, selection of rare ingredients, and creation of gender - neutral, emotive fragrances have firmly established him as a respected and innovative figure in the industry.
