Aromatic Poetry: Inside the World of Testament London’s Fragrant Artistry

Karma, Sang Noir, Sin Poetry, Pont Neuf… A symphony of scent memories unfolds in Bogdan Vlad’s visionary world of Testament London, a niche luxury brand steeped in his expertise across global fragrance markets.

With a profound sensitivity to the poetry of fragrance, join us in discovering Bogdan’s industry journey, with exclusive anecdotes and insights into Testament London's fragrant tapestry!

What does the power of scent mean to you?

To me, the power of scent lies in its ability to encapsulate emotions, memories, and experiences in a single breath. At Testament London, we harness this power to craft fragrances that do more than just smell good—they evoke a spectrum of feelings and recall the deep-seated memories that shape our lives.

How and when did you discover your love for fragrance?

My fascination with fragrance began during my early travels through Europe, where I was captivated by the diverse aromatic landscapes. It was the intricate blend of natural scents in the bustling markets and serene gardens that sparked my desire to capture these experiences in a bottle.

With experience in both the Middle Eastern and European/British fragrance markets, how do you believe each has shaped Testament London?

The Middle Eastern market, with its rich legacy of perfumery, introduced us to the profound depth and warmth of ambree notes.

In contrast, the European and British markets have instilled a precision and subtlety in our compositions.
The synthesis of these influences has allowed Testament London to craft a line of fragrances that are both bold and refined, mirroring a global palate.

What has your experience and path in the fragrance industry been like?

It has been a profoundly enriching journey. From exploring the historical roots of perfumery to embracing contemporary techniques, each phase of my path has been about pushing the boundaries of conventional fragrance design to create something truly unique for Testament London.

Can you tell us more about your creative process and role as the Creative Director of Testament London?

As the brand’s Creative Director, my role is pivotal in translating our brand's vision into olfactory experiences.
My process often starts with a concept or story, inspired by art, nature, or history, which we then meticulously develop into a fragrance, selecting ingredients that best tell this story to ensure each scent is a narrative captured in a bottle.

You've collaborated with perfumers Chris Maurice, Miguel Matos, Gokhan Simsek, and Dominique Preyssas, each known for their unique approaches to fragrance creation. What does your collaborative process look like when working with them?

Our collaborations are a blend of artistic freedom and guided precision. I work closely with each perfumer, harnessing their individual strengths and perspectives to ensure the fragrance not only aligns with our brand’s ethos but also pushes creative boundaries. This synergy often leads to innovative scents that are signature to Testament London.

Testament London is also one of the earliest fragrance brands to tap into the luxury fragrance car market. What sparked this interest in the market?

Recognising that our clients’ lifestyles are dynamic, we wanted to extend the luxurious experience of Testament London into every aspect of their lives, including travel.

Our foray into luxury car fragrances was driven by the desire to make every journey memorable and infused with the essence of luxury.

In your opinion, what is Testament London's fragrance DNA that consumers can experience throughout the collection?

Our DNA is defined by a commitment to complexity and elegance. Each fragrance is crafted to be a multi-layered experience, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative olfactory compositions that challenge and delight the senses.

A focus for Testament London is offering exclusive scent experiences. Can you tell us more about the services and offerings that push this exclusivity within the collection?

We offer bespoke fragrance services, allowing individuals to create personal scents tailored to their preferences.

Additionally, our limited editions and special collaborations are designed to offer unique scent experiences that can't be found elsewhere, making each collection piece a coveted item for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

You recently opened a flagship store in Bucharest, Romania. How does your brand vision come to life in the boutique space?

The Bucharest flagship boutique is not just a store but a sensory gallery where customers can immerse themselves in the world of Testament London.

The space is thoughtfully designed to reflect our brand's ethos of luxury and artistry, with interactive elements that allow visitors to explore our fragrances deeply.

As a brand that often presents the collection at fragrance expositions worldwide, what role does the fragrance community have for Testament London?

The fragrance community is our collaborative partner, sounding board, and inspiration.
These expositions are vital for us to engage with the community, gather feedback, and stay connected to emerging trends and preferences, which continually influence our creative direction.

To conclude the interview, could you share one of your most cherished scent memories?

One of my most cherished scent memories dates back to 2001 when my cousin returned from Kuwait. He brought with him an array of perfumes that were unlike anything I had encountered before.

The rich, exotic aromas were a revelation—they opened my eyes to the profound impact scents could have on memory and emotion. This experience was pivotal, sparking my deep-seated interest in the world of perfumery and ultimately leading to the foundation of Testament London.

It set me on the path to explore and create fragrances that could evoke similar powerful connections for others.