Balenciaga Returns to High Perfumery After Nearly 80 Years

Cristóbal Balenciaga remains one of fashion’s greatest innovators. Christian Dior once described him as “the master of all of us.” His work reshaped couture with bold lines, sculptural shapes, and an almost architectural sense of form.

He founded his house in 1919. Soon after, pieces like the Sack Dress, Balloon Jacket, Tulip Dress, and Baby Doll Dress set a new standard for style. His silhouettes challenged convention and pushed couture into modernity.

Now, almost eight decades after his first perfume, Balenciaga is returning to the world of high perfumery.

The Return of Le Dix

Balenciaga introduced Le Dix in 1947. It became a quiet classic, known for its elegant blend of violet and powdery floral notes. After a 15-year search for an untouched bottle and its original composition, the maison has brought the fragrance back.

This new Le Dix mirrors the original. It features a rounded glass cap, a hand-tied ribbon, and packaging made to look aged. The archival logo completes the look. As a result, past and present meet in one refined object.

A New Collection of Ten Fragrances

Balenciaga is also releasing a new 10-scent collection. Each fragrance draws inspiration from the house’s codes and couture shapes.

Highlights include:

• No Comment, a woody scent that reflects Balenciaga’s belief that true design speaks for itself.

• Incense Perfumum, a smoky fragrance inspired by his love of deep, dark tones.

• Cristóbal, an oud-infused scent that feels understated yet powerful.

The house also offers a Discovery Box (€320), a travel spray case (€130), and a bag charm (€395) for collectors.

A New Era for Kering Beauté

Balenciaga’s perfumes were once created under license by Coty. When the agreement ended in 2021, Kering brought perfumery back into the brand. This shift marks an important moment.

“This is a new chapter in Balenciaga’s couture and olfactive history,” says CEO Gianfranco Gianangeli.

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Raffaella Cornaggia, CEO of Kering Beauté, adds:
“We wanted to honor the house by reviving the very first fragrance Cristóbal created. Our goal is to balance heritage and modernity.”

The revived Le Dix removes animal-based ingredients and uses modern iris aldehydes. Yet, the violet notes remain, creating a bridge to the 1947 formula.

A Fragrance Line That Feels Like Couture

Each scent reflects a mood, gesture, or silhouette from the archives. It feels like choosing pieces from a Balenciaga wardrobe.

“We wanted a new way to express the house’s spirit,” Gianangeli explains. “These fragrances appeal to those who value exclusivity, craftsmanship, and modern elegance.”

The name Le Dix pays tribute to Balenciaga’s historic atelier at 10 Avenue George V — a fitting symbol for a collection rooted in legacy.