Begum Xerjoff

Unisex
Eau de Parfum
Year: 2015
Moderate
Sillage
Very Good
Longevity
Spring
Best Season
Evening, Special Occasion
Best For

Fragrance Story

Begum by Xerjoff is a Chypre Floral fragrance for women and men. Begum was launched in 2015. The nose behind this fragrance is Chris Maurice. Top notes are Red Berries, Bergamot, Lemon and Freesia; middle notes are Damask Rose, Bulgarian Rose, Iris, Ylang-Ylang, Lilac, Jasmine Sambac and Lily-of-the-Valley; base notes are Sandalwood, Vanilla, Palisander Rosewood, Patchouli, Amber, Musk and Vetiver.

Composition Profile

woody 100%
rose 85%
powdery 70%
floral 60%
sweet 50%
warm spicy 40%
vanilla 35%
iris 30%
balsamic 25%
amber 20%

About the Perfumer

Chris Maurice

Chris Maurice

Chris Maurice is a perfumer with a wide-ranging portfolio that includes work for Aqualis, Artal Perfumes, Assaf, Astrophil & Stella, Azman, and Bey Parfum. His creations include Egoli, Forbidden Rose, Darley, Love Is Lost, Moonage Daydream, Riad Jasmine, Song For A Wanderer, and Abyssoria. His style varies from floral and romantic to dark and mysterious.

Fragrance Notes

Top Notes

First impression · 15-30 min

Red Berries Red Berries
Bergamot Bergamot
Lemon Lemon
Freesia Freesia

Heart Notes

Core character · 2-4 hours

Damask Rose Damask Rose
Bulgarian Rose Bulgarian Rose
Iris Iris
Ylang-Ylang Ylang-Ylang
Lilac Lilac
Jasmine Sambac Jasmine Sambac
Lily-of-the-Valley Lily-of-the-Valley

Base Notes

Lasting impression · 4+ hours

Sandalwood Sandalwood
Vanilla Vanilla
Palisander Rosewood Palisander Rosewood
Patchouli Patchouli
Amber Amber
Musk Musk
Vetiver Vetiver
Unique Character

Begum Xerjoff by Xerjoff offers a distinctive olfactory experience that stands out from other fragrances in its category.

Artisanal Creation

Crafted with the finest ingredients and a blend of traditional and modern perfumery techniques, this fragrance represents the pinnacle of the perfumer's art.

Signature Style

Begum Xerjoff embodies the distinctive style of Xerjoff while adding a unique chapter to their fragrance portfolio.

Character Profile

The Sovereign Archetype: Portrait of Begum Xerjoff

Essence

The person who cherishes Begum Xerjoff is one who moves through the world with an air of quiet command, a presence that is neither loud nor domineering, yet impossible to ignore. Their archetype is the Sovereign-a ruler not of lands or titles, but of their own carefully constructed domain. They embody the Jungian archetype of the Queen/King, the one who governs with grace, discernment, and an unshakable sense of self-worth.

Begum Xerjoff, with its opulent blend of rose, oud, and spices, is a fragrance of paradoxes: it is both bold and refined, warm yet aloof, decadent but never excessive. The one who wears it mirrors these contradictions-they are neither purely regal nor entirely approachable, but something in between, a figure who commands respect without demanding it.

Shadow

Yet no archetype is without its darkness. The Sovereign’s greatest weakness is pride, the kind that can calcify into isolation. They may mistake solitude for strength, withdrawing too far into their own world until they become untouchable. Their high standards, while admirable, can turn into unreasonable expectations, leaving them perpetually disappointed-in others, and sometimes in themselves.

There is also the risk of aesthetic elitism, the belief that only the refined and beautiful hold value. This can blind them to the raw, unpolished truths of life-the messiness of love, the unpredictability of passion. They may dismiss what is "common" without ever realizing that vitality often resides in the imperfect.

At their worst, they can become cold, detached rulers of an empty kingdom, admired but not truly known. Their greatest challenge is to soften without weakening, to allow vulnerability without fearing it will diminish their power.

Conclusion

Their tastes are deliberate, never accidental. They favor quality over quantity, whether in clothing, art, or companionship. Their wardrobe is a curated collection of timeless pieces-tailored silks, cashmere wraps, perhaps a vintage Cartier watch that whispers rather than shouts. They are drawn to dark, rich colors, deep reds, emerald greens, and midnight blues, hues that suggest depth rather than frivolity.

Their home is a sanctuary, a place where every object has been chosen with intention. A well-worn leather-bound book sits beside a crystal decanter of aged whiskey. The walls may hold original art-not for status, but because they feel a kinship with the artist’s vision. They appreciate the craftsmanship of things, the way a Persian rug tells a story or how a hand-blown Murano glass vase captures light.

Philosophically, they believe in self-possession above all else. They are not easily swayed by trends or opinions, for they have spent years refining their own tastes and convictions. Their values are rooted in authenticity, discretion, and mastery-whether in their career, hobbies, or relationships. They do not suffer fools, but neither do they dismiss others outright; they observe, assess, and then decide who is worthy of their time.