Clive Christian Perfume, the perfume house synonymous with the world’s most expensive and exquisitely crafted scents, launched their latest addition, “Strange Heavens Out Of The Blue” at a vibrant event at Bloomingdale’s, Dubai Mall. The perfume, inspired by the musings of Oscar Wilde and interpreted through the lens of contemporary art, marked a unique collaboration with renowned artist Domingo Zapata, who shared with us the synergy between scent and canvas, and why the energy of Dubai has become his ultimate creative sanctuary.
Your signature panda is a fascinating choice for this project, described as a symbol of balance and “playful mystery.” Why did you feel this specific motif was the right hero to stand against the “enigmatic sensuality” of the fragrance?
The panda has always been a playful character in my world. It actually came about very organically during a period when I was staying in hotels; I once threw a party and went to Chinatown, bought a bunch of small panda figures, nailed them to the wall, and started writing cheeky, naughty little phrases next to them, like “Kiss me like you miss me”.Since then, the panda has stayed with me. It is mischievous and a little naughty, but still innocent and charming. For this fragrance, it felt perfect because the panda carries that fun, seductive curiosity without taking itself too seriously. In many ways, it represents me—reflecting the balance between boldness, humour, sensuality, and that flirtatious wink that makes you smile.
The collection is said to embody a spirit of “innocence entwined with desire.” Your work is famously bold and expressive; how did you navigate that fine line between the youthful purity of your imagery and the deep, addictive notes like cocoa and smoke that define the scent?
As bold as my work can be, I have always believed that versatility is part of true creativity. I live my life creatively, which means knowing how to shift energies when needed. Stepping slightly outside my comfort zone felt natural. I was able to tone things down without losing intensity, allowing youthful purity to exist alongside deeper, more seductive notes. Just like in life, opposites can coexist beautifully; innocence does not cancel out desire, it enhances it. I simply aligned my visual language with the emotions the fragrance already carried.
You’ve moved from massive public murals in Times Square to the intricate canvas of a Clive Christian perfume bottle. Did your approach to “visual expression” change when you knew the final piece would be a collectible item held in someone’s hand rather than viewed from a distance?
Not really; my visual expression remained the same. What changed was the intimacy. I saw it as taking a mural and bringing it into someone’s personal space. This is not a piece you merely pass by; it is something you live with and see when you wake up.
When you spray the fragrance and receive a compliment on the street, that image comes back into your mind. My intention with art has always been to create joy and make people feel something positive; this project was simply a more personal version of that mission.
The fragrance itself is a “symphony of provocative notes,” from the sharp kick of coffee to the softness of vanilla caramel. If you were to recreate Strange Heavens Out Of The Blue as a mixed-media piece on canvas, which textures and materials would you reach first to represent that “Addictive Fusion”?
I would start with the best canvas I could find, something that feels elevated and intentional. From there, I would play with layers of blues, exploring depth and emotion. I would spray touches of white, splash hints of yellow, and introduce small hits of red to create tension and excitement. It would not be overly planned; I would let instinct guide it, as that addictive fusion comes from contrast and surprise. Sometimes the best expression comes when you stop thinking and let the work speak for itself.
How does the energy of Dubai, a city that truly appreciates the “world’s finest” things, resonate with your own artistic philosophy of living life at its “zenith”?
I will say it this way: the United Arab Emirates is the best country in the world. Dubai has the most beautiful light I have seen since I was a child. There is something about the atmosphere here that inspires clarity, ambition, and beauty. Launching the fragrance here felt deeply meaningful because this is where I live now. It is where I go home at the end of the day, and where I intend to stay for the rest of my life. Bringing this project to life in Dubai made everything feel complete.
A Word from the House
Clive Christian is famously rooted in the heritage of the Crown Perfumery Company, dating back to 1872. When you bring a visionary like Zapata into the fold, how does that help evolve the brand’s future-forward vision without losing that sense of royal opulence?
Clive Christian is known for its ever-evolving complex formulas and, by extension, our visual DNA. This evolution has been jump-started by our new Global Flagship on New Bond Street. The evolved DNA merges the esteemed history of The Crown Perfumery Company with sleek, contemporary, metallic elements that showcase over 150 years of heritage with a modern twist. We continue to pay homage to our marks of quality: Queen Victoria’s Crown atop every bottle, the Crown Perfumery Company crest, and the Coat of Arms granted for our dedication to qualitative perfumes. Working with Domingo is the cherry on top, as his artistry is aligned to the new brand vision and blends seamlessly into our values.
By allowing Zapata to transform the bottle into a piece of art, you’ve blurred the lines between perfumery and visual expression. Is this celebration of contrasts something the brand intends to explore further within its portfolio?
Artistry and perfumery have always been a pivotal part of Clive Christian’s DNA. The brand has previously collaborated with artists to evoke fragrances such as Matsukita and the Jump Up & Kiss Me franchise. Partnering with Domingo Zapata is a natural continuation of our strategy to merge fine art with the world of perfumery.
“Strange Heavens Out Of The Blue” by Clive Cristian is available at Bloomingdale’s Dubai Mall, Harvey Nichols Mall of the Emirates, Bloomingdale’s Reem Mall, Ounass, and Bloomingdales.com, AED 2420
