Théros

Θέρος

YS Uzac 2017

Teodor Currentzis' second work of the cycle, translated as Summer, was presented at the Diaghilev Festival in Perm, just like the first creation, Air 16 (Spring). Here, Maestro Currentzis conducted his ensemble musicAeterna. During the concert, the current fragrance is sprayed into the audience. Whether the works thematically matched the fragrance and its name is not documented.

Teodor did not create these fragrances (Air 16 and Théros) alone, but in collaboration with the mastermind behind the brand Ys Uzac, Vincent Micotti. He draws his origins and a core of his creativity from, among other things, "bespoke Perfumes." The fact that two such powerful and creative artists create fragrances together is the big bang for the series surrounding the seasons.

Théros, the summer, comes in a beautiful and likely unique dark glass bottle, on the front of which, through alchemical processes, as Ys Uzac writes, a silver logo has been applied. The bottle is indeed adorned only with this logo. Upon closer inspection, one can recognize a "c" and a curved line. The cap is so massive that I had to be careful not to drop it when opening, as one easily underestimates its weight. The packaging itself features references to the Diaghilev Festival in Perm as well as the signature of Teodor Currentzis. Here we see the stylized "c" from the bottle again. The Egyptian-like glyph tablet displayed on the front of the packaging turns out to be a mix of Greek and the Maestro's signature. With a bit of imagination, one can read both Théros and T. C. (for Teodor Currentzis). This glyph tablet is rendered in gold and bears traces of smudged sand.

Now, onto the fragrance itself. Théros is an Extrait de Parfum, which impressively reveals itself upon the first spray. Almost oily and amber-colored, the drop flows onto the skin. It seems to have too much density to truly be atomized.

Théros builds around the theme of sensuality and summer. The fragrance indeed starts with the impression of hot stones and sand, ozonic air, and very quickly, after about 5 minutes and a bit of skin warmth, it dramatically finds its mood. Shortly thereafter, a warm skin accord joins in, transitioning from sun-kissed, sensual, tender to caressing. Warm. Captivating. Thoughts embark on a journey.

Everything maintains a lightness and intimacy, without ever wanting to equate sensuality with greed or even sex in any way. Sun-kissed skin.

With closed eyes, one envisions being in beautiful company on a beach. In the dunes. The wind blows through the hair. The sand runs warm and fine through the fingers. The other hand holds that of the person next to you. Your nose against their neck.

Accents of lip gloss, unscented, resonate subtly and give everything an aspect of playful youthfulness. The taste of a first kiss. Perhaps on this day. Or the last in life. It doesn't matter.

The contained oud brings the most sensual and warmest form of the noble oil that I have ever experienced. Kyara Oud. Minimal smoky aspects meet balsamic embers. Here too, the name "Théros" hits the mark again. It also means heat in Greek. In the smoke, I repeatedly recognize slightly nutty aspects, like the scent of roasted pine nuts. Everything is so minimal that one might just barely sense it.

Théros comes entirely without a pyramid and presents itself as a fragrance that captured a moment to hold it forever. This day at the sea. In the summer of love.