In The Studio with Ex Nihilo
Join Liberty as we step into Ex Nihilo’s world of boundary-pushing perfumery - where Parisian artistry meets innovation, and every scent is a statement of individuality.
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In The Studio with Ex Nihilo
Join Liberty as we step into Ex Nihilo’s world of boundary-pushing perfumery - where Parisian artistry meets innovation, and every scent is a statement of individuality.
By: Team Liberty
Stepping into the world of Ex Nihilo is like entering a story woven from memory, vision, and alchemy. From the beginning, founders Sylvie Loday, Olivier Royère and Benoît Verdier set out to create a house that would defy convention - placing the finest raw materials at the service of radical creativity. Inspired by the spirit of the French avant-garde, Ex Nihilo has always sought to push the boundaries of what a fragrance brand can be: a laboratory of ideas as much as a creator of perfumes.
Based in Paris, yet distinctly international in its outlook, the brand is defined by its spirit of innovation and fearless experimentation. Whether through unexpected collaborations, cutting-edge technology, or an artistic approach to craft, Ex Nihilo continues to reinvent experiencing fragrance. At its heart lies a dedication to individuality - inviting each creation to become part of the wearer’s own story.
A fragrance house, yes, but beyond that - Ex Nihilo stands as a celebration of imagination itself: bold, uncompromising, and always in pursuit of the extraordinary.
Liberty sat down with co-founder Olivier Royère in Paris, to talk redefining fragrance through radical creativity and an avant-garde vision...
Can you tell us a little bit about the brand, and what makes Ex Nihilo different?
Ex Nihilo was born and raised in Paris in 2013. Its name comes from a Latin quotation meaning “created out of the blue”. When you think about Ex Nihilo, you think of a distinctly French aesthetic, avant-garde collaborations, and personalisation. When we created Ex Nihilo, we wanted complete creative freedom. The two words that really resonate with us are creativity and innovation. That’s why we developed our personalization program with The Osmologue [an automated perfume-making machine allowing customers to create a customised fragrance based on their individual preferences].
You describe your work as avant-garde. How does that come through in the everyday?
Avant-garde has always been a big inspiration for us. It starts with the aesthetics of our creations, both in scent and in design, and also in the world that surrounds us. Blue is the iconic colour of the house. Our purpose has always been to revisit French perfumery, with a focus on innovation and the very best materials. Ultimately our goal is to create your future memories through our collections.
How does living and working in Paris influence your approach?
Paris is really a part of the DNA of the brand. It pushes us to think outside the box and constantly challenge ourselves. We’re inspired by fashion, art, architecture, and design. Paris is the cultural heart of France, and for us it’s always been the home of high perfumery. From the very beginning, we’ve been surrounded by beauty here, and that feeds into everything we do.
Fine fragrance and niche scents are becoming more and more popular. Why do you think people are drawn to them?
People are looking for authenticity, and that’s really where our story began. We wanted to give ourselves no constraints in creativity or quality, and to use the very best materials with the latest innovations. It was about offering the freedom to create without compromise. I think people connect to that, to the stories we tell through Ex Nihilo, and ultimately to the memories we try to create for the future.
What is the process behind creating a new scent? How does it go from idea to the bottle?
We give perfumers complete carte blanche, with no constraints on pricing or creativity. We sit down with them in 360-degree meetings where we talk about inspirations from our pasts, our vision of the future, and influences from art, design, even the 1970s in France. Out of those conversations, the scent takes shape and eventually becomes a finished creation.
Are there any ingredients you’re particularly interested in at the moment?
For us, it’s always about innovation. We work with the best naturals and synthetics. One ingredient we particularly cherish is Ambrofix™, which you can find in Blue Talisman in overdose. It reproduces the ambergris note that can no longer be sourced naturally. Using biochemistry, we’ve created an ingredient that perfectly recreates this incredible scent, bringing superior diffusion and an addictive effect.
Can you tell us more about the scent that’s part of the Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar?
We’re so proud to introduce Blue Talisman Eau de Parfum in the Liberty Advent Calendar. It’s an amazing opportunity to discover one of our most iconic creations. It opens with juicy pear and bergamot, then moves into an overdose of Ambrofix™, which gives it this mesmerising effect. Finally, it settles into enveloping musks that give it perfect diffusion. It has become a mythical fragrance for us, and we’re delighted to share it through Liberty.
What does it mean to you to be working with Liberty?
Liberty is such an icon. For me, personally, I grew up going there with my parents whenever we visited London, so opening there was very emotional. When we launched last year, we felt so proud - it’s one of the most renowned and luxurious places in the world. For us, Liberty is like a window to the world, and we’re very happy to bring a little piece of Paris into London.
How would you advise someone who’s trying to find their own signature scent?
Fragrance is like your wardrobe - you can choose it according to the season, an occasion, or simply your mood. Don’t be afraid to play with fragrances. We also recommend some simple things: never rub your wrists together after spraying, because it destroys the molecules. Store your fragrance away from light so it lasts longer. Personally, I like to apply perfume to the “golden triangle”: wrists, behind the ears, and the neck. If you want a stronger trail, you can also spray behind the neck. In the end, it’s about how you want to feel and what you want to express.
Do you prefer having a signature scent, or changing it depending on your mood?
It really depends. In summer, I like something sparkling, like a fresh burst of bergamot. In winter, I prefer woody, warmer scents. And all year round, Blue Talisman is incredible.
EX NIHILO
Blue Talisman Eau de Parfum 100ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
EX NIHILO
Fleur Narcotique Eau de Parfum 100ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
EX NIHILO
French Affair Eau de Parfum 100ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
EX NIHILO
Fleur Narcotique Eau de Parfum Travel Set 5 x 7.5ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
EX NIHILO
Lust in Paradise Eau de Parfum 50ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
EX NIHILO
Fleur Narcotique Scented Candle 300g
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
EX NIHILO
GENERATIONS Eau de Parfum 100ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
EX NIHILO
Viper Green Eau de Parfum 100ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
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