Inside the Launch of a Fragrance Inspired by a “Social Butterfly”

In partnership with Vogue Philippines, Parfums de Marly introduces its newest scent, Athénaïs, through immersive installations within its boutique.

In her memoir, Memoirs of Madame la Marquise de Montespan, the anonymous translator P.E.P describes Françoise-Athénaïs as “armed with beauty and sarcasm.” Her reflections, and the accounts of her life as King Louis XIV’s “greatest love” and patron of the arts, reveal a woman who understood court life as much as she shaped it, navigating Versailles with wit, ambition, and a keen sense of self. 

In the fourth chapter, she writes, “I do not profess to be a prodigy, but those who know me do me the justice to admit that where I am it is very difficult for boredom to find ever so small a footing.” In a single line, Athénaïs de Montespan was affirming the confidence that defined her place at the French court, framing her social magnetism “not as a conquest but as a gift.” 

Inside Parfums de Marly’s Makati boutique, the confidence that was associated with the marquise found a contemporary interpretation in Athénaïs, the Maison’s newest fragrance. Paolo Gomez of Atelier de Prestige sums up her character simply: “She was a social butterfly.”

Rather than simply borrowing her name, Parfums de Marly draws from Athénaïs de Montespan’s influence at the court of Louis XIV. Beyond her well-documented relationship with the king, de Montespan was recognized for shaping the cultural life of Versailles, where conversation, fashion, and spectacle were as much displays of status and taste.

Founded by Julien Sprecher in 2009, Parfums de Marly draws inspiration from the king’s summer residence, Château de Marly, and the grandeur of 18th-century France, reinterpreting historical figures and traditions through contemporary perfumery. Athénaïs joins the Les Signature collection alongside Delina, Valaya, Cassili, Palatine, and Oriana. While Delina has become known for its modern rose and lychee signature and Valaya for its “skin-like” fresh sillage, Athénaïs explores a different expression through a floral ambery composition built around contrast.

It opens with yuzu, bergamot, and neroli before orange blossom and jasmine soften the composition. As the fragrance develops, vanilla, tonka bean, and amber leave a warm and powdery trail.

“You need to understand the story. You need to let it develop on your skin,” shares Gomez, encouraging guests to experience the fragrance beyond first impressions.

“Spray it on the skin and walk around. Wait for it to develop until you hit the middle notes. That’s when you know the scent is for you.”

The same philosophy shaped the afternoon’s guest experience through a virtual reality journey of the château and personal note writings. In partnership with Vogue Philippines, attendees, including friend of the house, Daniela Stranner, actors Rhys Miguel, Caitlyn Stave, Martin del Rosario, and Jasmine Scales, content creators Jessica Yang, Sandy Riccio, Skye Chua, Justin Bangsil, Alexis Alonte, Mikyle Quizon, and Bianca Ferro, volleyball athlete Majoy Baron, and model Adela Mae Marshall, explored each activity inspired by the fragrance. They were also joined by Vogue Philippines editor-in-chief Trickie Lopa, beauty and wellness editor Joyce Oreña, and associate digital editor Chelsea Sarabia.

The boutique itself became part of the narrative with actual elements found in the king’s summer residence. The marble surfaces, geometric wood flooring, and ornate moldings and detailing echoed the architecture.

“I love how bright and playful it is. The Athénaïs instantly lifts my mood, especially when I smell its base notes of vanilla and tonka bean, which I find romantic and comforting,” shares Stranner. “I see myself in its playful spirit. I can start my morning feeling bright and energized as I get ready for work. The scent softens into something incredibly warm and intimate that just flows with whatever I’m doing.”

While Athénaïs draws from the story of its namesake, Gomez notes that fragrance ultimately belongs to the person wearing it rather than the figure who inspired it. “A scent doesn’t have a gender. At the end of the day, wear what you enjoy smelling.”

Parfums de Marly Boutique is located in Glorietta 4, Makati. For more information, follow Atelier de Prestige on Instagram.