The story of IKKS
IKKS was born in 1987 in La Séguinière, just outside Cholet. Gérard Le Goff launched it as a childrenswear label. The name is a trick. The letter X on its own could not be registered, so it was spelled out phonetically. Around 2000 the brand joined the Zannier group, a specialist in kidswear. That move opened the door to licences, perfume included. A scented water for babies came first, then the Young Man line for boys. Adult collections grew alongside with a rock attitude. Total Rock and For a Kiss belong to that strand. In 2015 IKKS changed hands again and came under the control of an investment fund.
An olfactory signature
IKKS fragrances stay simple and easy to wear. Baby is a soft, alcohol-free water that smells of clean laundry. Little Woman goes for a light fruity floral aimed at girls. Young Man plays aromatic freshness with citrus over a quiet woody base. On the adult side, Total Rock and For a Kiss take a firmer line. There is more wood and musk in them. None of these scents chase drama. They go with the clothes and are often bought alongside them.
Which IKKS perfume to choose?
For a newborn, Baby is the obvious pick. It is alcohol-free and light, best sprayed on clothes rather than skin. Little Woman suits girls of roughly 8 to 12. Young Man targets boys of the same age and works fine for school. For adults, For a Kiss is the softest. Total Rock is stronger and better kept for evenings. Do not expect long wear. These are scents you top up during the day.