Heeley

JAMES HEELEY PERFUMES - NEW ZEALAND

James Heeley, the founder and perfumer behind the luxury French fragrance house Heeley, has long been captivated by the art of scent. It was not until he met the renowned Annick Goutal that he fully understood how fragrances are crafted. His creations are modern, refined, and sophisticated. Originally from Yorkshire, England, Heeley studied Philosophy and Aesthetics at King’s College, London. He currently resides and works in Paris. With a background in architecture, Heeley applies his meticulous design approach to perfume-making, creating scents that are architectural in their precision: structured, elegant, and always restrained—an obsession with form is evident in every aspect of his work.

From the conception of each fragrance to the development of their eco-friendly packaging, every detail is meticulously crafted in-house. Heeley is one of the few independent, owner-operated luxury perfume houses in Europe, which allows him the freedom to design truly unique, distinctive fragrances.

Heeley’s style is effortlessly chic and understated, with fragrances that are subtle, thoughtful, and visually beautiful. His perfumes often feature fresh, citrus-forward notes that elevate this scent category to new heights of complexity. However, Heeley also delves into intellectual takes on florals, oud, and chypre blends.

Sel Marin evokes the essence of a sun-drenched beach, with warm sand and a soft sea breeze, while Note de Yuzu, created in collaboration with Maison Kitsuné, highlights the vibrant, sharp intensity of yuzu citrus fruit. Cardinal offers a captivating incense experience, reminiscent of the serene atmosphere found in a Gothic cathedral, gazing through its stained-glass windows.