The Maison Richkoff, created by Richmond Koffi, is the embodiment of a rare encounter: that of the ancestral olfactory traditions of Africa and the contemporary excellence of world perfumery. The brand stands out for its ability to transform a rich Ivorian family heritage into bold, refined creations.
A sensory heritage, scented necklaces in Grasse
Richmond Koffi’s inspiration is rooted in her childhood in Côte d’Ivoire. His mother, Tahi Niamké Agnès, was the guardian of Akan know-how, precisely crafting necklaces and long necklaces scented with cloves, traditional talcum powder and essential oils. These fragrant ornaments, handed down from generation to generation, were not mere customs, but a veritable philosophy marking the important stages of life.
This unique sensitivity to noble materials has shaped Richkoff’s creative identity. After perfecting his art in Grasse, the world cradle of perfume, Richmond Koffi gave birth to a House that expresses the richness of this age-old heritage with an innovative vision.
The secret of his creations lies in the meticulous selection of exceptional African raw materials:
- Somali myrrh.
- Vibrant citrus and ginger from Hermankono-Garo (Divo, Côte d’Ivoire).
- Verbena and vetiver from Toumodi.
- Precious vanilla from Madagascar.
The “La Première” collection, an assertive flight of fragrance
Richkoff’s inaugural collection, designed under the creative direction of Richmond Koffi and the supervision of Arnaud Fourré, stands out for its exceptional concentration of natural materials and its assertive character.
- Makeda: A tribute to the Queen of Sheba. A sophisticated floral composition (jasmine, tuberose, lily) with a Madagascar vanilla base, evoking East African spices and incense.
- Confusion : A bold interpretation of the classic chypre structure. Marked by Grasse rose, black pepper, saffron and Somali myrrh. An addictive, seductive juice.
- Santal Leather: Sandalwood and cedar intertwine with almond and iris on a leathery base enriched with Ethiopian incense.
- Ceinture Noire: The embodiment of elegance and mastery. The power of red cedar and guaiac wood, combined with patchouli and papyrus.
- Exode: An invitation to travel and absolute freedom. Toumodi’s bigarade citrus converses with China’s Long Jing tea and vetiver.
- Voyage de l’âme : The spiritual apotheosis of the collection. Labdanum gum, saffron, Chinese benzoin, culminating in a deep accord of Ethiopian incense and oud.
Back to the roots of luxury
Richkoff enriches its catalog with the new “Akwa Back” collection (meaning “welcome back”, a pun on Akwaba – welcome in Baoulé), offered in a more intimate 50 ml format.
This line is an invitation to glorify the present moment and the essence of authentic luxury, with three distinctive creations:
Carpe Diem: Born from the encounter between fiery Ivory Coast ginger(gnamakoudji) and the sweetness of vanilla. A vibrant composition of ginger, lemon, coconut and Madagascar vanilla.
Leaman: Meaning “extraordinary woman” in the Gouro language. A tribute to feminine grace, with fruity notes of nectarine and peach, enhanced by Long Jing tea, tuberose and vetiver.
Bois de Violeine: A subtle tribute to nature and to Ivorian designer Violeine Béda. This fragrance captures a forest in metamorphosis, blending bergamot, lemon, ginger, vanilla and cognac, anchored by musk, cedar and vetiver.
A year-end gift, a committed choice
With his dual role as perfumer and entrepreneur, Richmond Koffi positions Richkoff not only as a player in the world of haute parfumerie, but also as a cultural ambassador. The brand now dresses luxury hotels (Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire, Radisson), institutions (UNESCO, Institut Français) and major African companies, proving that rooted luxury is, more than ever, the new trend on the continent.
When it comes to gift ideas, think Made in Africa. By choosing a Richkoff fragrance, you’re doing more than giving an exceptional perfume: you’re supporting a House that values the continent’s heritage, ethical know-how and creativity. Think of giving African brands as gifts, and make your end-of-year shopping a meaningful gesture.
Read also
