Defy, a new fragrance by Calvin Klein. Calvin Klein is far from a classic brand. A true symbol of revolution and minimalism, the house is renowned for both its boldness and its sensuality. A symbol of a sensual and provocative aesthetic, Calvin Klein was thrust into the spotlight in the 1970s with the launch of its denim line, paired with rather suggestive advertisements.
It was in the summer of 2021 that the house of Calvin Klein decided to enrich its olfactory catalog with a brand-new masculine composition: Defy. Presented in a clean-lined blue glass bottle, Defy by Calvin Klein champions minimalism and embodies both the vulnerability and the bravery of men. More than a simple fragrance, Defy is a symbol. It invites men to take on all the challenges that await them daily. With Defy, nothing seems able to stop them any longer. Crafted by perfumers Anne Flipo, Pascal Gaurin and Loc Dong, this masculine essence is a concentrate of vitality and energy to indulge in day after day. Here is a breakdown of its composition.
The aromatic freshness of Defy by Calvin Klein
Defy by Calvin Klein opens on a striking freshness. This comes from bergamot. Widely used in perfumery, this raw material is both volatile and very airy. Coming from a hybrid between the lemon tree and the bitter orange tree, bergamot is highly prized for its infectious energy. With it, Defy by Calvin Klein takes on an untamable vigor while immediately possessing a certain nobility. Indeed, it takes about 200 kg of bergamot to obtain a single kilo of essence. This earns it the name fine flower of citrus. What is more, bergamot is also renowned for its tonic and highly elegant breath. Here, it is paired with a more aromatic lavender. Emblematic of the Mediterranean basin, lavender alone evokes summer and sunshine. Its slightly vintage character is not unwelcome and recalls the fresh scent of the Eaux de Cologne of the past. Somewhat floral, lavender also does not lack woody tonalities. It is therefore an excellent bridge to the heart of Defy by Calvin Klein.
Defy by Calvin Klein and its vetiver heart
At its heart, Defy by Calvin Klein gives pride of place to masculinity. To achieve this, the house chose to turn to vetiver root. Widely used in perfumery, this raw material only made its appearance on perfumers' shelves quite recently. As proof, worldwide vetiver consumption at the start of the twentieth century was around 1 ton. Currently, 130 tons are sold each year! Vetiver root is steam-distilled and yields a woody, vibrant scent. Its light hints of hazelnut and its fine smoky scent make it an ingredient recognizable among all others and highly valued by perfumers.
Defy by Calvin Klein closes on a more velvety and amber base
Finally, Defy by Calvin Klein ends with the animalic and sensual breath of amber. More specifically, this is a small gray stone, derived from the sperm whale. This concretion is produced by the marine animal when it is overfed. It is then expelled into the ocean and gains an iodized breath as it drifts with the currents. Tossed by the waves, it only reveals its flavor through oxidation, in contact with water and sun. It is also, however, one of the rarest and most expensive raw materials in the entire perfumer's palette. Defy by Calvin Klein is not just an authentic fragrance. It is also a luxurious fragrance.