You’ve likely seen the eye-catching grenade bottles on perfume counters and vanity tables nationwide. Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb and Spicebomb are some of the most popular fragrances in the world, but are they worth the hype?
Iconic Viktor & Rolf fragrances on display: A luxurious collection redefining global perfume trends (Credit: Lutsenko_Oleksandr / Shutterstock)
Below, we’ll be sharing the fascinating backstory of Viktor & Rolf and how their iconic fragrances became so popular.
Who Are Viktor & Rolf? The Avant-Garde Visionaries Redefining Fashion and Fragrance
Founded in 1993 by Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, Viktor & Rolf is a Dutch avant-garde fashion house famous for blurring the lines between fine art and fashion.
The daring duo met while studying at the Arnhem Academy of Art and Design in 1989.
Founders Viktor Horsting & Rolf Snoeren with Margareta Van Den Bosch, capturing their early journey at Arnhem Academy, 1989 (Credit: s_bukley / Shutterstock)
They instantly bonded over their desire to escape the boredom of the small towns they grew up in. Both designers were deeply inspired by the glamorous images they saw in fashion magazines as children and were determined to make their dreams a reality.
The two moved to Paris in 1993 to open their couture house; the rest was history.
Viktor & Rolf have become some of the most renowned couturiers of the 21st century for their striking designs and unforgettable runway shows.
2004’s Flowerbomb: A revolutionary fragrance that established Viktor & Rolf as leaders in luxury women’s perfumes (Credit: Amawasri Pakdara / Shutterstock)
They inspired an entire generation of Dutch designers and officially put Holland on the fashion map.
As a brand, Viktor & Rolf is now part of the luxurious OTB Group that also houses prestigious labels like Prada, Jil Sander, and Maison Margiela.
Viktor & Rolf’s Magical Approach to Fashion and Haute Couture
Viktor & Rolf have been adding elements of fantasy and magic to their designs since their debut. They initially pursued haute couture, which was the ‘most sublime’ avenue of the fashion world.
Spicebomb (2012): A daring and dynamic masculine fragrance by Viktor & Rolf, blending bold spices with refined sophistication (Credit: Keith Homan / Shutterstock)
Their collections have always challenged preconceived notions of fashion and beauty with audacious designs and witty graphics.
The duo grew a steady fan base throughout the 90s for their detailed craftsmanship, fine tailoring, and dramatic shapes. However, it was the Spring/Summer 1998 ‘Atomic Bomb’ collection that truly catapulted Viktor & Rolf to the couture hall of fame.
2014’s Bonbon: A sweet and sophisticated floral-fruity fragrance, adding a playful yet elegant touch to Viktor & Rolf’s women’s collection (Credit: FashionStock / Shutterstock)
Classic party pieces like tuxedos and LBDs were given a whimsical twist with colorful balloons and the exaggerated silhouettes the label is known for.
How Viktor & Rolf Transitioned from Haute Couture to Fragrance Icons
Viktor & Rolf launched their first perfume, Flowerbomb, in 2005. Always the game-changers, the duo applied the same innovative approach to perfume creation as they did to couture design.
Flowerbomb was no ordinary scent. It was designed to be a floral explosion that spread the word of beauty, fantasy, and positivity through fragrance.
Flowerbomb: A worldwide favorite celebrated for its captivating floral essence and luxurious appeal, embodying Viktor & Rolf’s creative spirit (Credit: SGM / Shutterstock)
The designers worked with perfumers Olivier Polge, Carlos Benaim, and Domitille Berthier to create a floral scent that would interact with individual pheromones to create a unique sensory experience for every wearer.
Its sweet, sensual scent with jasmine, rose, and orchid notes was an instant hit for fragrance lovers. The release of Flowerbomb turned Viktor & Rolf into household names all over the globe.
They later launched a men’s version of the extraordinary fragrance in 2012. Viktor and Rolf claimed they were jealous of women who got to enjoy Flowerbomb, so they created Spicebomb.
Spicebomb: A captivating blend of wood and spice, delivering a bold and timeless fragrance that defines Viktor & Rolf’s masculine collection (Credit: Tobias Arhelger / Shutterstock)
Spicebomb features bergamot, grapefruit, pink pepper, tobacco, saffron, chili, and leather made in a black and gray grenade bottle.
Viktor & Rolf have since released new editions of Flowerbomb for different occasions, as well as their second fragrance, Bonbon, in 2014.
Where to Shop for Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb, Spicebomb, and More
Are you curious about using flowers and spices as weapons? Flowerbomb and Spicebomb can be found in most major luxury department stores and beauty stores and on Viktor & Rolf’s website.
Shop for Flowerbomb and Spicebomb below:
1. Sephora
2. The Perfume Shop
3. Nordstrom
4. Amazon
Each fragrance in Viktor & Rolf’s repertoire is not just a scent but a narrative, a testament to their innovative approach to blending art with perfumery. These fragrances go beyond mere olfactory pleasures; they symbolize Viktor & Rolf’s commitment to creativity, luxury, and artistic expression.
Whether it’s the explosive floral notes of Flowerbomb, the bold and spicy tones of Spicebomb, or the enchanting allure of Bonbon and La Nuit Tresor, each creation is a unique masterpiece, contributing to the duo’s esteemed legacy in the world of haute perfumery.
Viktor & Rolf’s innovative designs have consistently captivated both celebrities and fashion enthusiasts.
For instance, Jennifer Lawrence made a striking appearance at the 2012 People’s Choice Awards in an electric blue mesh swirl dress by Viktor & Rolf, showcasing the brand’s avant-garde aesthetic. Similarly, Shakira turned heads at Paris Fashion Week with a bold trench coat featuring a prominent “NO” slogan, exemplifying Viktor & Rolf’s penchant for statement pieces.
Jessica Alba frequently showcased her affinity for the brand by accessorizing with their signature handbags during various outings.
Similarly, Gwen Stefani and Selena Gomez were spotted carrying the coveted Bombette bag, highlighting its status as a must-have accessory among A-listers.