In a world flooded with new perfume launches, CZAR Fragrances stands apart for something rarer than novelty: a philosophy that unites creative freedom with meticulous craft. Founded in Kuwait in 2018, the house has already gained global recognition for storytelling scents and for collaborating only with the world’s most accomplished perfumers.
The vision behind CZAR
At the heart of CZAR’s success is a leadership team that blends creativity with precision. CEO Abdulwahab Nabil AlSenan drives the brand’s bold direction. Vice CEO Ahmed Salah AlHeid ensures flawless execution with deep knowledge of the regional market. Abdulwahab Mohammed Al Refai, as CTO & Business Development Manager, leads digital growth and international partnerships. Dr. Talal Nasser Al Bannai, Creative Consultant & Art Director, gives the brand its unique aesthetic and storytelling edge. Completing the team is Yousef Salah Al Haid, Chief Operating Officer, who oversees operations to ensure excellence across all branches and initiatives.
Antoine Lie: fearless concepts, precise craft
For celebrated French perfumer Antoine Lie, CZAR offered something rare: the freedom to create without compromise. Known for daring work with Givenchy and Tom Ford, Lie approaches perfumery as a balance between brand vision and artistic identity. “When I create, I get inspired by the brand’s philosophy first, then adapt my ideas for the market without ever losing my original vision,” he explains.
His creations for CZAR, Sword and Honeymoon, demonstrate the house’s daring duality:
- Sword reinvents the classical fougère with leather and warm Middle Eastern notes, projecting confidence and what Lie calls “soft power.”
- Honeymoon takes coffee—an ingredient treasured both in the Middle East and the West—and magnifies it into an “almost overdose,” yielding a bold, polarizing scent with lifelong appeal for those who embrace it.
Lie praises CZAR’s trust and respect, qualities that enabled him to push creative limits while remaining true to the brand’s DNA. His first visit to Kuwait in 2024 left him with lasting impressions of cultural richness and hospitality—qualities that mirror CZAR’s own character. “With CZAR, I found respect, freedom, and the chance to create without limits.” explains Antoine Lie.
Follow @antoinelieolfactiveexperience on Instagram.
Nathalie Feisthauer: poetry with power
Adding another dimension to CZAR’s olfactory identity is Nathalie Feisthauer, a Paris-based perfumer with a portfolio spanning Hermès, Cartier, and other global houses. For CZAR, she created Gardenia, a woody-floral finalist at Beautyworld Dubai 2024, and Antelope, which balances European elegance with Middle Eastern strength.
“Working with CZAR is inspiring because they give creators so much freedom,” she says. “We combine Middle Eastern influences with European touches in a way that appeals not only to GCC markets, but far beyond.”
Follow @nathaliefeisthauer on Instagram.
PEAK: the ascent of a signature
At the Kuwait Spring Perfume Expo 2025, CZAR unveiled PEAK, a fragrance by Cécile Zarokian inspired by the climb of a mountain. With airy aldehydes, mineral freshness, frankincense, florals, and musks, PEAK captures ambition, elevation, and elegance. More than a scent, it symbolizes CZAR’s rising place in luxury perfumery globally.
A world-class team of perfumers led from Kuwait to the world
CZAR has achieved what no other Kuwaiti fragrance house has done before: collaborating authentically with some of the most celebrated perfumers in the world. This roster includes Cécile Zarokian (@cecilezarokianparfumeur), Olivier Cresp (@oliviercresp), Antoine Lie, Nathalie Feisthauer, Ilias Ermenidis, Jennifer Jambon, Aslan Gülçiçek, Valérie Bessone, and Marzia Tissino.
These partnerships have firmly placed Kuwait on the global fragrance map, proving that a homegrown brand can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s most prestigious luxury houses.
From Kuwait to the GCC: Luxury on Display
In addition to headline launches, CZAR Fragrances is now showcasing its creations across the GCC’s most popular perfume expos. These events transform perfume from a luxury object into an immersive experience where visitors can explore ingredients, compare styles, and purchase directly. For many, it is the first opportunity to step into CZAR’s world and understand why these scents, crafted by master hands, are unlike anything else.
Toward New Horizons
Antoine Lie once described perfumery as “mixing all the elements, rebalancing them, and never losing the initial idea.” That philosophy now defines CZAR itself: a Kuwaiti brand blending traditions, cultures, and visions into something timeless.
As it continues its global journey, supported by a dream team of perfumers, CZAR Fragrances is showing the world that from Kuwait, a new peak of luxury perfumery is rising—one bold creation at a time.
Special Offer for Bazaar Readers
Since you’ve reached the end of this article and are inspired to explore CZAR Fragrances for yourself, we’re pleased to offer our readers an exclusive discount code. Use bzr at checkout on the CZAR website or mobile app to receive a special discount as a token of appreciation from CZAR and bazaar Magazine.
Find your new favorite fragrance at czarfragrances.com. Follow @czar.kw on Instagram for the latest news.
