"dangerous but worth the risk..."
Niki de Saint Phalle, the signature fragrance of the celebrated artist Niki de Saint Phalle, was introduced in 1982 through a collaboration with Jacqueline Cochran, Inc. The choice to create a fragrance inspired by the avant-garde artist was both strategic and visionary. Niki de Saint Phalle was internationally renowned for her bold, colorful, and often provocative sculptures, particularly her Nanas, the exuberant, curvaceous female figures that celebrated femininity, strength, and joy. Her artistic identity was closely linked to themes of transformation and empowerment, making her an ideal muse for a fragrance that sought to challenge conventions and captivate a broad audience.
Carlo Bilotti, who managed Jacqueline Cochran, Inc. from 1970 to 1987 and was instrumental in launching the perfume, explained the origins of the project: "I knew her work and I asked her if she would be interested in designing a bottle on commission. Later I realized her name was well known." Bilotti, an avid collector of Saint Phalle’s works, recognized the potential of translating her artistic spirit into fragrance form. He understood that a perfume bearing her name would not only intrigue consumers but also provoke conversation, inspire admiration, and appeal to those drawn to the unconventional and artistic.
When first approached with the idea, Niki de Saint Phalle hesitated. Concerned about preserving her artistic integrity, she initially declined the offer. However, the project became compelling when she was promised full creative control. Saint Phalle saw the opportunity to merge fine art with the world of perfumery, crafting a fragrance that was as much a piece of art as it was a luxury product. “It had to be as good as a work of art,” she later said. Moreover, she viewed the fragrance as a means to fund her lifelong dream—creating a sculpture garden that would eventually become a public artistic sanctuary. This dream materialized as the Tarot Garden in Tuscany, a fantastical landscape filled with her monumental sculptures, which remains a testament to her artistic vision.
