BELKIS.NYC as a brand suggests simplicity and ease, conveying a straightforward and accessible neutral identity.
BELKIS.NYC is not just a perfume Brand it projects refinement with urban wilderness
it's a “open door”, a platform for artistic REBELS through fragrance.
Each scent is crafted by pioneers master perfumers with distinct olfactory perspectives. They’re artists, with their own distinct signature.
Our collaboration benefits from our diverse backgrounds and geographic locations, bringing together a cultural tapestry of olfactory experiences.
The Brand celebrates maximalism with ease, offering a rich experience that transcends gender boundaries. Free from fleeting trends, our perfumers explore unknown olfactory territories, embarking on daring journeys to create extraordinary fragrances. They are true olfactory alchemists, poets of the unseen.
CONCEPT
CONCEPT
VISION
VISION
BELKIS HIRSCH
Venezuelan-American Creative Director, Dancer, Choreographer and a New York Entrepreneur.
Fusion of arts and science :
She studied molecular biology from the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas, before immersing herself further into the Dance world. She built a successful international career as art director, ballerina and choreographeress, first in Florence, Italy followed by New York City.
She has collaborated with renowned painters, musicians, composers and fashion designers for her projects in Venezuela, Italy, New York City and at her refuge animal sanctuary upstate New York.
THE HUDSON VALLEY AND THE KAATERSKILL
Years ago, she founded The Kaaterskill, a farm estate two hours up the Hudson valley, as an immersive sanctuary with trails surrounded by the waters of the Kaaterskill Creek and the home to the “Tribe”: many rescued animals from a large menagerie of species.
BELKIS NYC is a welcoming venue which intersects Fashion, Wellness, Hospitality, Nature Preservation , and World Culture.
What inspires you to create Belkis ?
BELKIS as a brand was inspired by a desire to push new creative boundaries and explore storytelling in a completely new way.
For years, I've collaborated with large teams – writers, dancers, musicians – to create visually stunning dance productions.
BELKIS isn't a show it's a complete different media a different challenge, where the wearer becomes the character in their own story.
An intimate journey where the specific chemistry of your skin interacts with the fragrance's unorthodox chords, creating a personal olfactory signature. It's like a dialogue ; the fragrance proposes a story with its and your body responds, shaping the scent into something uniquely yours.
By working with two incredible Noses, each one a master in their own universe , the experience is already well assured, two different perfumes, two completely contrasting stories. As creative director my work was a subtle hand to maintain the creative vision; providing feedback, suggesting directions, and ensure the final fragrance stays true to the original vision.
What is the most satisfying aspect of this perfume creation for you ?
With this line we aim to transcends mere pleasant commercial smells. It's an artistic exploration, a fragrance pushing boundaries with unexpected chord combinations. We're letting imagination run wild to create a true experience.
One of my main motivators for creating this perfume line was to elevate the often-overlooked artists behind captivating scents – the perfumers. Yet, unlike painters or musicians, perfumers' artistry remains largely anonymous. Their creations lack the signature or credit they deserve, often overshadowed by the major brands or celebrities associated with the fragrance. By featuring the perfumers as the stars of the show, we want to showcase their unique styles and personalities. Each fragrance is an expression of their creative vision, a glimpse into their inner world of fragrance.
This perfume line is a celebration of these olfactory alchemists.
Almost ten years ago the August sun beat down on Italy as I wandered through Atri, a charming hilltop town in central Italy. It was Ferragosto, the most anticipated summer festival, and the air buzzed with a joyous energy. It was there, amidst the vibrant chaos, that I met an extraordinary couple. She, a "nose" – a perfumer with an exceptional sense of smell – and her husband, a physicist both ran an artisanal family lab dedicated to fine perfumery.
Over cups of morning espresso and evenings shared over local wine, a fascinating world unfolded before me. It was like Alice tumbling through the looking glass – a world where history, science, and art collided in a symphony of scents.
Science research formed the foundation, raw materials the building blocks, and a classical music-like structure, the guiding principle. Even animalic notes, once commonplace, still held a place in this captivating yet bizarre realm. For me, with my background in science and art, it felt strangely familiar. Just as a composer meticulously arranges notes for a specific effect, here, the molecular weight of each component played a crucial role in how the fragrance would unfold on the skin – the top notes arriving first, followed by the heart and base notes in a captivating olfactory dance.
During our long conversations we discussed how Cleopatra’s reign, would soak the sails of her ships in perfume so the scent would drift to Rome before her arrival . We talked about the butthole gland of the African Civet, (nocturnal mammal) a secret ingredient for perfumes such as Chanel 5 .
Is there a particular story behind this new project?
How Ambergris, commonly known as whale vomit, created by the sperm whale is often called “floating gold” for its outrageously price due to its unique fragrance used in luxury perfumes.
The spiritual meaning of three gifts of The Wise Men : gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of deity, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death.
"Gold, as to a king; myrrh, as to one who was mortal; and incense, as to a God."
Or like in the opulent Roman feasts, doves dipped in scented oils were released over diners. Their fluttering wings sprayed perfume,adding an unexpected fragrant touch to the guests.
I knew right away then that this was the beginning of a new adventure, a molecular journey of this invisible art.
It was the perfect opportunity to leverage my skills in choreography and visual storytelling, to weave a narrative not just with words, but with the scent, delve into the depths of memory – both personal and collective – while exploring contemporary themes that resonated with me.
I was already deep into niche perfumery when I stumbled upon Filippo's work. Flipping through a magazine, trying to learn more about niche, a black-and-white ad featuring his perfume line caught my eye. The aesthetics hinted at a "noir poetry" vibe, which aligned with my own love for spiritual gothic. Luckily, a store in New York City carried his fragrances. One whiff of Unum, and I was hooked. I understood his caliber and depth .
I wrote him, from the other side of the planet, like a shot in the dark , I think he understood that I was serious and he was interested in my proposal.
With Filippo at the time we discussed a fragrance inspired by the pristine landscapes of upstate NY where The Kaaterskill my sanctuary farm is, the history of the harmonious coexistence of the Native Americans who thrived there in balance with the wilderness, long before any pioneers arrived in the New World.
The perfume will speak of fragrant bonfires from the surrounding forests, the winter fog while they walk at night, the morning dew before going hunting.
The vivid smell of the New World perfectly suited for the urban jungle of the big metropolis. This fragrance is a reminder that there is a connection with nature, a hint of an "urban escape" .
"Desorden" embodies the untamed spirit of Upstate NY's landscapes and the tribes who once thrived there. Its blend mirrors nature's chaotic yet harmonious essence, capturing the raw beauty and unpredictability of the land and its people.
We listened the song and lyrics of Elton John by song : “Indian Sunset” by Bernie Taupin.
But more than just a perfumer, Sorcinelli is a painter, an organist, a photographer, and graphic designer. He has also designed sacred vestments for the current and previous pope through his LAVS Atelier.
Filippo's creations aren't just beautiful; they're a journey.
Desorden is no exception. This opulent, sophisticated, and grand perfume is where the wild finds perfect balance with the urban. It's a captivating contrast, a testament to Filippo's artistry.
How did you meet Filippo Sorcinelli et Christophe Laudamiel?
In the enigmatic underworld of New York City's niche perfumery, I encountered Christophe.
His passion for fragrance was contagious, his ideas utterly captivating. But at the time what drew me in was his connection to the iconic film, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, based on the book by Patrick Süskind.
Christophe, it turned out, was the visionary nose behind the film's unforgettable scents. Captivated by the novel, he embarked on a quest to translate the language of scent from Patrick Süskind's masterpiece into reality. These olfactory creations embodied the essence of the maidens. Whoever wears the scents is taken (or takes themself) into the heart of Süskind's dark and intoxicating world. Christophe's nose is a testament to the transformative power of scent landscape and the artistry required to bring it to life.
Throughout his career, Laudamiel has created some of the most popular fragrances on the market, Ralph Lauren Polo Blue, Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce, and Tom Ford Amber Absolute. He’s also worked with Clinique, Estée Lauder, Michael Kors, Mugler, and Tommy Hilfiger. In 2019 he was designated Chief Perfumer to BélAir Lab in Tokyo, Currently he’s the perfumer at Osmos NYC : bringing together AI and olfactory science.
In the world of perfumery Christophe has been called the punk rock star of the scent world, a provocateur . But he’s an advocate, an activist as stated in his “Perfumery Code of Ethics “, a pledge that recognizes perfumery as an art, the protection of intellectual property, including the farmers of perfumery plants,…
Because of his background in science, as chemist engineer and a perfume artist, his non conformist persona and adoration for EDM (electronic dance music ) as well as Kung fu, dancing in general, his very urban lifestyle, for me, it was easy to connect and get along. Possibly being a non conformist myself.
It was at our Upstate New York farm sanctuary, The Kaaterskill, that we truly connected.
There, amidst the snowstorms and wildlife, our shared love for nature and a sense of adventure blossomed. Whether braving a blizzard to check on the animals, setting up cameras to capture wildlife, or simply enjoying long walks with our dogs Yuki and Hudson along with the goats to the frozen creek, or marveling about the hectic beaver’s activity in the woods . His dedication to his craft sometimes went to...interesting lengths. Take the time he meticulously analyzed the ear scent of every horse in the farm for an Australian client, an equestrian obsessed with horses. The horses? well let's just say they weren't too impressed. But moments like these, along with countless others, solidified our bond.
Naked Forest stands as a crown jewel for his impressive career.
It’s a whiff of the wild, like walking naked under towering trees encircled by a kaleidoscope of contrasting notes. Green, sensuous, a bit animalic, the scent is extremely contemporary, pushing the boundaries of modern fragrance.