Talisman by Welton x Chris Collins: When Two Creative Worlds Meet in One Fragrance
Written by Kristina Kybartaite-Damule
Early June, during Esxence, a new perfume that sparks conversation was introduced – Talisman, the result of a collaboration between Welton and Chris Collins. A meeting of two creative worlds proves that, in niche perfumery, partnership can be just as inspiring as individual vision.
Photo credit: Instagram @kristinakii.scents
One of the most memorable moments of Esxence 2026 for me was the unveiling of Talisman, the first collaboration between Welton and Chris Collins. In a world where niche perfumery often celebrates individual artistic signatures, it is still quite rare to see two independent houses joining forces to create a fragrance together. This makes Talisman a particularly interesting project from the very beginning: it is not simply a new perfume launch, but a dialogue between two creative personalities and two different approaches to storytelling through scent.
The collaboration brings together John-Paul Welton, founder of Welton, and Chris Collins, founder of World of Chris Collins. Their journeys into perfumery could hardly be more different. Welton’s background in organizing official travels for heads of state shaped his appreciation for culture, refinement, and the art of creating immersive experiences. Collins, known previously as a model and the face of Ralph Lauren, approached fragrance through the language of identity, emotion, and personal expression. Yet despite these different paths, both share a fascination with fragrance as something much deeper than a beautiful smell — a medium for memories, emotions, and self-expression.
Talisman feels like the result of this creative meeting point: a fragrance built around contrast, balance, and transformation.
From the first spray, Talisman immediately captures attention with a luminous burst of citrus. Bergamot and sweet orange create a bright, radiant opening, but there is already something more complex beneath the freshness. Ginger adds a refined spiciness, giving the opening a lively energy rather than a simple citrus brightness. It feels fresh, but not predictable.
To me, Talisman is difficult to define. Every time I wear it, I notice something different. On some days, the citrus aspect feels like the main character – vibrant, slightly sweet, and almost glowing. On others, the fragrance reveals its drier and more structured side, with woods and incense coming forward. Just when I think I have fully understood it, another detail appears: the crisp freshness of ginger, the subtle resinous character of elemi, or the delicate contrast created by white tea and jasmine.
This is a fragrance that does not reveal everything at once.
Unlike compositions that clearly follow a traditional progression from top notes to heart notes and base notes, Talisman seems to me to move continuously between its different facets. The freshness does not simply disappear to make room for warmth; instead, the two coexist throughout the development. The sparkling citrus and aromatic elements remain intertwined with the deeper notes, creating a fascinating tension between light and shadow.
For me, the most captivating aspect of Talisman is precisely this balance between freshness and warmth. The composition manages to feel airy and radiant while still having depth and presence. The amber character provides a comforting richness, while the woods, incense, and resins add sophistication and texture.
Created as a perfume extract and composed by master perfumer Vincent Ricord, Talisman showcases impressive craftsmanship and attention to detail. The ingredients are arranged with precision, yet the final result feels instinctive and emotional rather than overly constructed.
In my opinion, Talisman is a bold and sophisticated creation. It is modern without chasing trends, luxurious without feeling expected, and complex without becoming difficult to appreciate. It is also a truly unisex fragrance, as its appeal doesn't lie in traditional masculine or feminine codes. Instead, it continues to evolve, surprise, and create curiosity after the first impression.