From Dream to Reality: Interview With Kai Porten on the Launch of “Oud 31”

Kai Porten, a German perfume influencer and member of the Parfumo Community since 2018, is fulfilling a big dream by launching his first own fragrance with "Oud 31".

I had the chance to talk to Kai about the background, the collaboration with master perfumer Christian Carbonnel and what the fragrance has to do with the Parfumo Community

Hello Kai, it's nice of you to take the time to talk to me about "Oud 31 - Kai Porten Parfums Privés". What made you decide to launch your own fragrance?

Hi! The dream of launching my own fragrance has been with me for a long time. At some point I decided to make it happen. There were many hurdles.

From the beginning, it was clear that I didn't want to create an "influencer fragrance" or a merchandise product, but a serious perfume of the highest quality. This high standard means a lot of effort on a structural, interpersonal and financial level. Parfumo has also made this dream come true.

Originally, my perfume was going to be launched on my 31st birthday. But as is often the case, things turned out differently and the initial planning and work had to be cancelled. I had already made a lot of progress with another perfumer and had invested a lot. There were difficulties and suddenly I was left with nothing. I had no access to my fragrance or the money I had already invested. I'm happy and grateful that people from the community picked me up and I didn't lose my goal. A door has closed, but a new one has opened, giving me access to a much better space. I started afresh with other people and 'Oud 31' is the result, which couldn't be better for me.

Let's get straight to the scent. "Oud 31 is a rose oud. What makes it so special to you?
If you follow my videos, you know that I am a huge fan of oud scents. The oriental direction really inspires me personally. So I wanted a scent that went in that direction and that I liked 100%. But it also had to stand out.

It was particularly important to me to use natural ingredients of the highest quality in Oud 31. Real, natural, but not animal oud and high-quality sandalwood oil play a crucial role. I have also always had an affinity for cardamom. I detect this note in my perfume, even if it is not listed. Christian Carbonnel managed to realize my ideas perfectly. What makes this fragrance special is its cool twist.

How did you come to work with Christian Carbonnel?
Through my work producing videos about perfume, I have always been able to establish relationships with people in the perfume scene. Today, I am incredibly grateful that the contacts I made put me in touch with Christian Carbonnel.

At a dinner in Florence during the Pitti Immagine Uomo, I was able to meet him in person and tell him about my project. Surprisingly, he offered me his expertise and I said to him: "The beauty of rose, clean, natural oud and cardamom, you have all the freedom. Could you create something special?"

Apparently he could...
Yes, it was one of the first versions of the fragrance that completely won me over. This basic fragrance has been reworked and perfected over and over again. Now everything is so perfect that the fragrance can be released.

What is the difference between your scent and others in this field?
It's the clean oud. My scent is - typically oriental - warming. But it also has a particularly cooling component through the fresh notes. I see the heat of the desert sun and the freshness of the night. This contrast of warmth and coolness is an excellent feature and makes Oud 31 unique in my opinion.

You mentioned that your fragrance is also related to the Parfumo Community?
Yes, it is! Without Parfumo, this fragrance would not have been created. Several members of the community were involved in the whole project and offered me their support when the first attempt failed. Despite all the uncertainties, many people had the confidence to pre-order the fragrance. As a result, I was able to complete the project. The packaging, graphic design and some background processes were also done by people from the community. I am grateful for that. Of course, Parfumo also helped to shape and develop my interest in fragrances. Without Parfumo, this scent would not exist!

When will Oud 31 be available?
The fragrance will first be available in a small edition. There is no big company behind me. The many processes that have been necessary so far have been done by myself - or with support. It takes time and capacity. I have now rented a warehouse for distribution. I have already received many pre-orders and am optimistic that there will be more.

It will definitely be delivered this spring! I can't give an exact date yet. All I can tell you is that all the approvals are in place. So it won't be long now. I am very excited and can hardly wait.

Where can I buy Oud 31?
The fragrance can be pre-ordered on my website. Selected perfumeries, for example in Berlin and Munich, also carry my fragrance.

Thank you for this interview!
Oud 31 - Kai Porten Parfums Privés is available in a 50ml bottle.