PARIS, April 25: COTY, a global leader in beauty, announces the release of “Pierre Bourdon, Gentleman Perfumer” – a tribute film honouring one of the most influential fragrance creators of our time.
Renowned for crafting numerous iconic scents, Pierre Bourdon revolutionised the world of men’s perfumery with the launch of Davidoff’s Cool Water in 1988. A visionary creation, Cool Water was a manifesto for the olfactive movement known as “New Freshness.” With its minimalist composition and bold ingredient overdoses, its broke conventions and became a cultural phenomenon — sparking waitlists at fragrance counters and record-breaking sales across Germany, the UK, and the US.
“Success is the dividend of risk.” – Pierre Bourdon
In this exclusive documentary, Bourdon reflects for the first time on the behind-the-scenes story of Cool Water’s creation. Through personal memories, olfactive insights, and previously unheard anecdotes, he shares how a gentleman perfumer met the spirit of a gentleman adventurer — Davidoff.
Directed by 180 Global’s Luxe unit in collaboration with Coty, the film explores the creator’s inner world through his cabinet of curiosities, his influences, and personal archives. It highlights the importance of heritage and transmission in perfumery, while asking what Cool Water means for the man of 2025.
Launching April 11, 2025, the documentary is accompanied by original short-form videos for social media, in which Bourdon offers advice to a new generation of perfumers.
Arthur Poulain, 360° Communication Manager at COTY, shares the significance of this first-ever Davidoff documentary, “The story of Cool Water continues to captivate brand enthusiasts. This documentary revisits the foundations of an undisputed success, while projecting the fragrance into a renewed sense of modernity.”
Laurent François, Managing Partner at 180, adds: “Pierre Bourdon’s legacy is a founding narrative for anyone seeking to understand the history of perfumery. This documentary is a valuable resource that will inspire both today’s and tomorrow’s perfumers.”
