Sixty years after the three founders of Diptyque first introduced the scented candle to the world, the brand is now opening a new chapter into this olfactory journey with a new five-piece collection of refillable candles called Les Mondes de Diptyque.

Diptyque’s appeal has long been two-fold – we love them for their delicate and emotion-inducing scents and fragrances just as much as we love them for their beautiful packaging, empty candle holders often find a place in one’s home, finding second life as make-up brush holders, planters, decorative objects and more – but how many more candle holders can we dot around the home before it’s too much?

Diptyque’s new Les Mondes de Diptyque, translated to The Worlds of Diptyque, is more than just a positive step towards environmental responsibility. The candles are truly an exceptional design, carefully and thoughtfully designed, more than ever, to blend in with the aesthetics of our living space.

Cristina Celestino is the designer behind the new object, chosen for her expertise in glassware. The design for the new refillable candles follow the classic candle’s design, a monolithic oval shaped from three stacked tiers of striking coloured glass that is manufactured using pressed glass technology. The oval shape is immediately recognisable as the brand’s signature, present in the shape of its perfume bottles, its label design and everything in between.

The vessel comes with an engraved glass lid, which when lifted, reveals a block of scented wax. The wax is a new formula, a blend of waxes exclusive to Diptyque that once consumed, can be replaced by a fresh block in a way that’s never been done before by any other candlemakers, and never before found in other Diptyque candles.

Five scents are available in the Les Mondes de Diptyque collection, each taking us to a faraway corner of the Earth. Nymphée Merveilles is a warm and sunny scent that evokes enchanted gardens of the Renaissance palaces of 16th century Italy. La Forêt Rêve is dreamlike and bewitching, a trip to the Mexican jungle of Las Pozas with an exotic bouquet of tuberose, ylang-ylang, jasmine, vanilla and galbanum that tickle the nose.

Temple des Mousses is an excursion to Kyoto, a scent that reminds one of zen gardens and quiet nature, an olfactory creation that pairs woody accents with velvety notes of matcha. La Vallée du Temps places us in the province of Jiangxi, China, where the region is as famous for their porcelain as they are their white tea. The scent brings to mind verdant tea plantations, earthy, floral and rich. The last candle is Terres Blondes, which brings us to Mesa Verde, a city of stone on a high desert plateau in Colorado that was once inhabited by Native American tribes. Think primordial and fertile lands and distinctively warm breezes that hint at toasty cereal crops.

Your new olfactory experience starts here.

The post Diptyque Launches a Refillable Candle Collection Called Les Mondes de Diptyque appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

A fragrance that lingers even after the wearer has left the room evokes long-forgotten memories or sets them a class apart with its million-dollar history and craftsmanship. All these combined make for the most expensive perfumes in the world that are works of art.

From being bottled in artistic flacons studded with precious stones to incorporating the finest ingredients such as orange blossom, pink pepper and Tahitian vanilla, luxury fragrances carry hefty price tags for their provenance, artistry and concept. Perfumery incorporates several customisations as well — from a spicy note to a floral scent — which adds to the soaring values of some of the world’s most expensive perfumes.

A testament to the rich saga of splendid taste and exquisite skill, the most exclusive fragrances not only lends sophistication and regality to the wearer but also please the senses of those around them.

Science of Scent with Francis Kurkdjian

Style

A Scent to Remember: Niche Perfumes and Fragrance Brands to Love This Year

Style

These are some of the world’s most expensive perfumes

Shumukh

Value: USD 1.29 million

Considered the world’s most expensive perfume, this unisex fragrance is not only known for its contents but also its bejewelled bottle. Unveiled in 2019, in Dubai, it immediately set the Guinness World Record for the most number of diamonds on a perfume bottle as well as the tallest remote-controlled fragrance spray bottle.

Shumukh in Arabic means, ‘deserving the highest.’ It is a product of Spirit of Dubai of the Nabeel Perfume Group, whose owner, Asghar Adam Ali Ibrahim, designed the luxurious container.

A total of 3,571 diamonds (totalling 38.55 carats) are embedded in the luxurious bottle while, IGI and GIA-certified topaz, pearls, 18-carat gold and pure silver also adorn its cushioned leather case.

When seated on its pedestal, the Italian Murano glass perfume structure stands tall at 1.97m and enables users to adjust the sprayer height and its direction via a remote control. Narrating the “tale of Dubai through seven core design elements” — pearl diving (Durra), falconry (Baz), Arabian horses (Abjar), roses (Narjesi), luxury (Haibah), Arabian hospitality (Diwan) and Dubai’s stature as a ‘city of the future’ (Aamal) — Shumukh signifies a harmonious marriage of jewellery and perfumery.

With only one such decanter existing in the world, the three-litre bottle of the most expensive perfume represents the work of artisans and craftsmen from Italy, France and Switzerland. It reportedly took over three years and nearly 500 trials to perfect the magnificent composition, which comprises notes of amber, sandalwood, musk, pure Indian agarwood, rare oud oil from India, patchouli and pure Turkish rose oil, among others.

DKNY Golden Delicious

Value: USD 1 million

This Big Apple glitters brighter than Times Square. An artistic collaboration with master jeweller Martin Katz, this perfume is clad in a DKNY ensemble in the shape of a gourmet apple. No wonder supermodel Chanel Iman left her 21st birthday party in Jamaica to unveil this one-of-a-kind design in New York in 2011.

The flacon pays homage to the New York City skyline in the most lavish way — 2,700 round white diamonds weighing 15.17 carats, 183 yellow sapphires weighing 2.28 carats and a 2.43-carat yellow canary diamond embellishes the silhouette. The exquisite packaging and the sweet fragrance within makes the Golden Delicious the first million-dollar Eau de Parfum in the DKNY Fragrance repertoire.

The concoction is seasoned with notes of orange flower water, mirabelle plum and a juicy golden delicious apple aroma. Reportedly made available in three sizes — 100ml, 50ml and 30ml — proceeds from the sale of this limited-edition expensive perfume were donated to the Action Against Hunger charity.

Opera Prima by Bulgari

Value: USD 235,000

One of the most expensive perfumes in the world, the Opera Prima from the jewellery house Bulgari lives up to the enigma and high luxury quotient of the brand. Unveiled in 2014, it marked the Italian Maison’s 130th anniversary.

Created by ace perfumer Daniela Andrier, Opera Prima is an ode to the Mediterranean region. The floral scent bears notes of lemon, orange blossom and musk. But that is not all. Sculpted by acclaimed glassmaker Venini, the flacon is a vivid combination of colours and is encrusted with an assortment of precious stones. Nearly 250 carats of citrine, over 25 carats of diamonds and 4.45 carats of amethyst inlaid in yellow gold, make up the stunning exterior.

Additionally, the iconic bottle has a gold sheet melted between glass layers.

Rémy Cointreau Launches Luxury Perfume House: Maison Psyché

Style

Smell Like a Million Bucks Every Day with These Popular Celebrity-Favourite Perfumes

Style

Clive Christian No 1 Passant Guardant

Value: USD 228,580

A Clive Christian perfume is a luxury asset. But when the fine fragrance comes in a handcrafted 24-carat gold lattice-work bottle, it is opulence redefined.

Decked up with over 2,000 flawless white diamonds, the premium crystal flacon is an emblem of regal vivacity and suaveness. While the top of the bottle resembles Queen Victoria’s crown, a lion passant guardant embellishes the front. The motif became a part of the brand’s iconic trademark crest after it was awarded by Queen Elizabeth II’s Royal College of Arms in 1999, the time when Clive Christian took over the Royal perfumery. Yellow and pink diamonds make up the eyes and tongue of the majestic beast.

This No 1 perfume blends the top notes of bergamot, Sicilian mandarin, ylang-ylang and honeyed neroli into a fragrance that is hard to forget. A creamy sandalwood base sets the stage for a hearty amalgamation of aromatic musk, warm clove, smooth vanilla and spirited vetiver.

Offering nothing but the best concoction of fragrance oils, this is one of the most expensive perfumes that justifies the house’s elite craftsmanship saga that began in 1872.

Clive Christian No. 1 Imperial Majesty

Value: USD 215,000

Encased in a precious Baccarat crystal bottle, Clive Christian calls the No 1 Imperial Majesty “the perfume of his heart”. It was created in 2006 when the founder decided to offer his most premium clientele 500 ml of absolute perfume oil in a stunning flacon. The same year, the No 1 Imperial Majesty was named the world’s most expensive commercially available perfume by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Crafted out of nest polished crystal, the limited-edition flacon flaunts a five-carat white diamond encrusted on its 18-carat gold collar. Also boasting the Royal crown design, the bottle took luxury to its zenith as each piece was delivered in a luxury Bentley car.

Considered the priciest men’s perfume in the world, the fragrance blends vanilla, spirited vetiver, bergamot and Sicilian mandarin, ylang-ylang, and honeyed neroli. It also has fresh citrus opening notes, which give way to a spicy scent and is finally finished with wood and musk aromas.

Such an ethereal and expensive fragrance is also quite alluring because of its rarity. The brand says only 10 bottles were ever made of which seven were lapped up by private collectors, while the others are part of Clive Christian’s special collection.

Parfum VI by Gianni Vive Sulman

Value: USD 89,000

The fact that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, wore it is bound to add to the price tag and popularity of this expensive perfume. Documented as his favourite fragrance, the global pop sensation reportedly bought a few of these lavish bottles when it debuted in 1998.

The packaging also adds to the allure. The wooden case comes with a lock and a gold key with rubies encrusted on it. Encased within it is a stunning flacon with a diamond-wreathed stopper.

Coming to the signature scent, a number of exotic and fine ingredients — rich jasmine, roses from Grasse in France and a few undisclosed items — come together to make a long-lost ancient formula.

Oriental Sunshine to Imperial Cushions: These Are the Most Expensive Earrings in History

Jewellery

Rare, Opulent and Divine: Here’s How Much the World’s Most Expensive Ice Creams Cost

Lifestyle

Paco Rabanne 1 Million, luxe edition

Value: USD 57,000

Paco Rabanne started as a Spanish fashion designer but soon forayed into the perfume business and built a brand synonymous with some of the finest perfumes in the world.

The Paco Rabanne 1 Million range is a collection of expensive fragrances that elevate a man’s style quotient. Add to it the opulence of the luxe edition, and it results in an exclusive fragrance that is elegant, urbane and spellbinding.

Reportedly created by perfumers Christophe Raynaud, Olivier Pescheux and Michel Girard, the scent incorporates blood orange, grapefruit, cinnamon, mint, rose, spices, light leather, white wood, patchouli and amber. Made to order, the bottles in the special edition are limited and individually numbered.

The plush edition case is a piece of art as well. The expensive fragrance comes locked in a briefcase-looking bag created by Noe Duchaufour-Lawrence and is secured by a lock and golden lever. The bottle and case are crafted out of 18-carat gold, while the former flaunts a 0.3-carat diamond, too.

Louis Vuitton Flacon d’Exception

Value: USD 16,500

French luxury brand Louis Vuitton is known for its leather goods, luggage and incredible apparel, along with a wide range of perfumes. In 2021, when it launched a limited edition of 200 Flacon d’Exception scents, it opened a new chapter in ultra-luxury fragrances.

The exquisite perfume bottle, designed by Marc Newson, sits on a leather cushion and is encased in a glass bell jar. While it is made of precious Baccarat crystal with the help of the traditional glass-blowing technique, the LV Circle logo in gold enamel is hand-painted on the black stopper, adding a chic and refined touch.

Inside each is one of the three signature fragrances created by master perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud — Rose des Vents, Matière Noire and L’Immensité. The makers use an array of sensuous ingredients such as centifolia rose absolute, Turkish rose essence, Bulgarian rose essence, Laos agarwood and patchouli as well as ginger and the bitterness of grapefruit.

Chanel No. 5 Grand Extrait

Value: USD 3,500

Taking the essence and luxe complexity of Chanel N°5, the N°5 Grand Extrait elevates the experience with a refined presentation that piques the interest of connoisseurs and collectors alike.

The faceted glass flacon boasts a special closure where each bottle is hand-sealed carefully by highly skilled perfumers. It is then placed in a white-satin-lined, artisan-crafted case that protects the iconic scent. Chanel titled this unique sealing method ‘baudruchage’ and explains it as a process which “consists of placing a fine membrane over the neck of the bottle and holding it in place with two rows of pearl-cotton thread”. It is then closed with a black wax stamp.

Reminiscent of an aromatic bouquet, the N°5 Grand Extrait epitomises feminine grace. Top notes from Grasse neroli are fused into the floral notes of May rose and Grasse jasmine, with the added freshness from Aldehydes, creating it a very light and sweet scent.

(Hero and feature image credit: Louis Vuitton)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What is the most expensive perfume in history?

Shumukh, valued at USD 1.29 million, is considered the most expensive fragrance in the world.

– Which is the most expensive perfume in the world?

A product of Nabeel Perfumes, Shumukh is regarded as the most expensive fragrance in the world. It is priced at USD 1.29 million.

– Which is the No. 1 perfume?

Considered Clive Christian’s magnum opus, the brand’s No. 1 Passant Guardant and No. 1 Imperial Majesty are two of the most iconic and expensive perfumes providing a masculine scent.

The post Shumukh And 8 Other Most Expensive Perfumes In The World That Smell Of High Luxury appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Studio Ghibli has announced a collaboration with Fernanda Fragrance for Studio Ghibli anime-inspired perfumes, so you can bring the worlds of Kiki’s Delivery Service, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Whisper of the Heart to life, in scent form, that is.

Following the newly released, and allegedly last, Hayao Miyazaki film The Boy and the Heron, Studio Ghibli has announced a collaboration with Fernanda Fragrance, a Japanese perfume company, to release a line of perfumes based on Studio Ghibli anime. There will be three fragrances based on the films Kiki’s Delivery Service, Howl’s Moving Castle and Whisper of the Heart. These “body splash” fragrances are based on the heroines of each of these anime and call forth different environments in the specifically picked fragrance notes.

Studio Ghibli announces anime-inspired perfume line

The Kiki’s Delivery Service perfume is called “Maria Regale” and is based on the flowers and herbs in Kiki’s home. The notes of pear, jasmine, and Lily of the Valley will surely emanate a sense of wonder and comfort as if you are channelling Kiki herself.

5 Quiet Luxury Perfume Brands to Add to Your Collection

Style

Smell Like a Million Bucks Every Day with These Popular Celebrity-Favourite Perfumes

Style

The perfume based on Howl’s Moving Castle is called “White Bouquet” and has notes of rose, cedar wood, and lily, resembling the florals found in Howl’s secret garden.

Lastly, the perfume based on Whisper of the Heart is called “Classic Tea.” It combines black tea, amber, and yuzu for an evocative scent, just like the books that Shizuku devours intensely.

The perfumes are on sale through Donguri Kyowkoku and are priced at approximately$15D for each bottle.

[Main and featured image credit: Donguri Kyowkoku]

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong.

The post Studio Ghibli Announces Anime-Inspired Perfume Line appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

This month, we ignite our creativity by immersing ourselves in the world of facade; a place where laws of nature are overthrown and imagination flourishes. Let’s embrace these maestros of fantasy that help create a realm where nothing is impossible, and you, dear reader, are the ruler.

Swarovski

Swarovski’s Metamorphosis campaign captures the wildly dazzling power of crystals. Under the direction of Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert, these precious stones shift into mesmerising forms and, when whimsically stacked, transform their wearer into a captivating nymph from the pages of a storybook.

Area

Area has long been tantalising New York’s fashionable with its excess- and opulence-rooted design philosophy. This grand piece – a daring translation of the all-too-familiar butterfly top – desires to dazzle and awe, both with its bold cut and brilliant crystals.

The Reflections

The Clara candle by The Reflections Copenhagen is encased in hand-cut crystal, whose facets shine with roseate brilliance. As the flame flickers,let the alluring citrus scent float enticingly through your home.

Sofia Coppola Archive

Few can create dream worlds as captivating and palpable as those of filmmaker Sofia Coppola. The visionary behind Marie Antoinette (2006), The Virgin Suicides (1999) and The Bling Ring (2013) is releasing her first coffee-table book in September, a 488-page tome filled with behind-the-scenes images from Coppola’s films and an extended interview with journalist Lynn Hirschberg – a comprehensive insight into the mind of one of our generation’s defining directors.

Cindy Chao

Iridescent purple garnets, blush-pink sapphires and diamonds of white and buttery yellow sparkle from these hyacinth earrings in Cindy Chao’s White Label collection. As if by magic touch, titanium is turned into delicate stems, while gemstones of all shapes and sizes are arranged into petals, creating these exquisite pieces of wearable art.

Guerlain

A paean to perpetual spring, Cherry Blossom Millésime by Guerlain envisages a world in which love is as tangible as the sakura-blossom perfume. The scent’s flacon aux abeilles is embellished with glittering boughs of cherry trees designed by Ateliers Vermont. Can a scent spin a story? We certainly think so.

The post Fantastical Things We Loved This Month appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

The concept of quiet luxury is not only present in the fashion realm, for the scent that radiates around a person can also reveal a lot about one’s style. Here are 5 quiet luxury perfume brands to know about. In the same way as fashion, quiet luxury perfumes seem to have taken the market some time ago. These perfumes usually have well-balanced compositions that are only achieved with a blend of high quality ingredients. The outcome is a scent and an aura of refined luxury that doesn’t overpower. On the contrary, it softly evokes a subtle sense of elegance without being loudly gorgeous. Quiet luxury perfumes are a great adornment to express your style, for they accentuate your whole look by adding an intimate depth to it.

5 Quiet Luxury Perfumes to Add to Your Collection

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Having opened its first boutique in Bangkok in 2022, Maison Francis Kurkdijian doesn’t believe in one signature scent for each person. Indeed, perfumes are a kind of jewellery that can be worn differently on different days, from sweet floral notes to refreshing citrus scents. Among the brand’s fragrance collections, the unisex Baccarat Rouge 540 is one of the most popular, for it boasts a woody scent that comes with a sophisticated floral note.

shop here

Maison Crivelli

Maison Crivelli is a French perfumery house founded by Thibaud Crivelli after his 15-year experience in the industry. Since perfume is a living experience for him, Crivelli is known for using a slow perfume approach for each of his unique bottles. The house places high importance on creation, resulting in that some of the fragrances might take several months or several years to finalise. The Santal Volcanique is an intriguing scent described as ‘the scent of scorched sandalwood on the slopes of an erupting volcano’. Magnificent.

shop here

Le Labo

Le Labo started out in New York with the ambition to revolutionise the perfume world with their soulful fragrances. Passionate craftsmanship is what drives the brand, from hand-picked ingredients to characterised fragrances. Once at the store, guests will find the lab technicians at work, freshly hand blending your selected fragrance and printing out each bottle’s label. Santal 33 and Another 13 are among the highly raved-about scents.

shop here

Maya Njie

Maya Njie founded this brand in 2016 in London with scents that were mostly rooted in her Swedish and West African culture. This relatively new, vegan, and cruelty-free fragrance brand develops all of its formulas in-house and by hand, which is enough statement to how dedicated the brand is to the customers and to the world. If you’re a fan of all things vanilla, you will love Vanilj, an earthy and slightly boozy mix of vanilla and cardamom.

House of Bō

Compared to other age-old fragrance houses, House of Bō is one of the newest and youngest in the industry. The American fragrance brand presents a collection of eco-luxe, gender-neutral scents, which express the brand’s two most important philosophies. While using only locally sourced natural ingredients, their fragrances also embrace and celebrate inclusivity. The exquisite La Mar brings you a sultry essence emerging from the sea with a luxurious white floral note.

shop here

(Featured image credit: House of Bō; Hero image credit: Maya Njie)

The post 5 Quiet Luxury Perfume Brands to Add to Your Collection appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

With Father’s Day just around the corner, we’ve rounded up the best scents to gift the number one man in your life

I know that feeling all too well, of being at a total loss of what to get for Father’s Day. Much harder to buy for than mothers, when the well-tried formula of flowers, jewellery or scented candles will easily do. Even harder perhaps, when your father or father figure already has their go-to fragrance and aren’t easily swayed to try something new.

Yet in the era of fragrance wardrobing, discerning gentleman can now be expected to have more than one fragrance to suit multiple occasions: a scent for summer, winter, holidays, or special occasions. We’ve rounded up the best in men’s fragrances that are sure to be a special addition to their bathroom cabinet.

Frederic Malle

Vetiver Extraordinaire

Described as being “the essence of an extraordinarily charming man”, from the ever-sophisticated eponymous French perfume house, Frederic Malle. Vetiver Extraordinaire is a fragrance that whispers rather than shouts. Belonging in the citrus and woody fragrance family, it’s made with bergamot, vetiver, oak moss, cedar and sandalwood. The perfect choice for father’s who prefer subtle and lighter scents in lieu of overpowering ones.

Le Labo

Thé Noir 29

It’s true that inhabitants of the world’s most affluent cities are familiar with the omnipresent waft of Le Labo’s cult perfume– Santal 33. The slighter lesser known but equally captivating Thé Noir 29, is the perfect choice for fathers who prefer to be more original when it comes to their scent. Combining the depth of cedar wood, vetiver, and musk notes with the freshness of bergamot, fig, and bay leaves, this high quality scent lingers on the skin long after the first spritz. An added bonus for the eco-conscious father, all Le Labo’s bottles are refillable in store.  

Jo Malone London

Amber and Lavender

While many of Jo Malone London’s scents are typically floral and more skewed towards female offering – their English Pear and Freesia perfume is reportedly the Princess of Wales’s go-to – the male line-up from this truly British brand are worth taking note of. A cologne most suited for summer with notes of bergamot, French lavender, amber and spearmint, Amber & Lavender offers father’s that post-barbershop feel with its slightly minty, masculine and sophisticated aroma.

Penhaligon’s

Halfeti

Halfeti is a Penhaligon’s bestseller for a reason, this intoxicating amber and woody fragrance is named after the village in Turkey, from where its middle note of black rose is harvested. With a powerful oud base, it’s the perfect gift for those who enjoy powerful scents with aromas of musk and leather.

Serge Lutens

Écrin de fumée

The newest addition to cult French brand Serge Lutens’ collection noire, this elegant and rich fragrance with notes of tobacco, coco and rum is described as a ‘poetic ode to those who burn life at both ends’. For the father who likes the finer things in life, this might just be the perfect choice.

Tom Ford

Fougère d’Argent

The flacons of Tom Ford’s private blend collection are a staple on any discerning gentleman’s dressing table. Skip the brands much touted favourite Oud Wood, and instead think of the lesser-sung hero Fougère d’Argent this Father’s Day. Made with mandarin lavender and ginger, it’s an oriental fragrance with warm and spicy notes. Described by Tom Ford as ‘impeccable, dashing and provocative’, for the father who loves to make a statement.

Looking for more olfactive inspiration? Check out our round up of the best niche perfume brands here.

The post The Best Scents to Gift This Father’s Day appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Forget Warhol’s soup cans, Chanel No.5 is contemporary art’s drop du jour.

If art imitates life and life imitates art, then the answer to the meaning of it, the universe and everything is not 42, as was suggested by Douglas Adams in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, but 5. As in No.5. That’s Chanel No.5.

Pablo Picasso once said “a picture lives by its legend, not by anything else”. Chanel No.5 is the gold standard, the gilt-edged prism through which we look at ourselves and the swirls of our 20th and 21st-century culture, its ivory towers, its romance, war, betrayal, liberation, its beauty, its promise, its Pop, its post-Pop, and it’s never anything less than eyes making love as they never dare to do again, Chanel No.5 insights our lifetimes. And if No.5 has increasingly become the de facto collector’s piece of street art and gallery art, then it should come as no surprise. It shares roots with the art movement Dada. Yet unlike Dada, in which audience expectations – and even those of its artists – outpaced the movement’s capacity to deliver, Chanel No.5 was so far in advance we’re all still playing catch-up.  

To understand the weight and breadth of the amber elixir’s provenance, it’s instructive first to understand Dada and the sentiment swirling through the air of change post-World War I. The Dada movement, christened by Tristan Tzara (a close friend of Chanel’s along with fellow Dadain, Francis Picabia), quickly became thought of as art that wasn’t art, or as Marcel Duchamp put it, “anti-art”.

In other words, Dada seemed to represent the opposite of everything art stood for. And from a Dadaist perspective, modern art and culture were considered a type of fetishisation, where the objects of consumption are chosen, much like a preference for Victoria sponge, or mango pudding, to fill a void. 

Consider this from Tzara, in the Dada Manifesto (1918). In the work: To Make a Dadaist Poem, he writes, with the below line spacing: 

Take a newspaper 

Take some scissors

Choose from this paper an article of the length you
want to make your poem. 

Cut out the article. 

Next carefully cut out each of the words that make up
this article and put them all in a bag. 

Shake gently. 

Next take out each cutting one after the other. 

Copy conscientiously in the order in which they left the bag. 

The poem will resemble you. 

And there you are – an infinitely original author of charming sensibility, even though unappreciated by the vulgar herd.

On one level, this is almost exactly as Gabriele Chanel and her Russian perfumer Ernest Beaux conjured in 1921. 

At the turn of the century, the fashion was for heady mono-floral fragrances such as Iris, cypress, gardenia and rose dubbed with pompous names: Suave Orient, Spellbound or Virginity. But Beaux woke Chanel to a revelation called aldehydes, powerful but unstable synthetic molecules that exalt aromatic scents. And the result was a bag full (or a bottle full) of revolutionary tricks. No fewer than 80 ingredients went into the composition of No.5, to which Gabrielle added capacious bundles of jasmine, in turn, intensified by the aldehydes. If Dada was pioneering non-art, No.5 was an olfactory pas de deux, the new era of “non-perfume” perfume. “A natural fragrance can only be the fruit of an elaboration, a construction of the mind,” Chanel said. And just as the Dada poem resembled you, No.5, the perfume, perfectly resembled the paradox of Gabrielle Chanel; she’d deduced that, in order to give off a natural scent, a perfume had to be man-made.

So on the one hand, the complexity of the No.5 fragrance set it apart from its fusty peers, but there was also another masterstroke: the stunning simplicity of the name, the radical graphic design of sans serif typography and the clinical elegance of the minimalist bottle (which joined the New York Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection in 1959 and from which Andy Warhol made nine screen prints in 1964). Chanel’s designs entered into dialogue with art itself. Naming a perfume by a matriculation number was genius. And the sobriety of the design lent it guaranteed lasting appeal. And that came straight from Dada. See the small paper texts signed by Tzara and his fellow Dadaists as part of their oeuvre, one Chanel knew well. And while the aldehydes have kept No.5 robustly artificial and anti-perfume, the bottle has been refined to reflect the times it’s seduced us through. 

Yet Dada rose and fell swiftly, over a roughly seven-year period. Or at least it splintered into various groups of modernism such as Expressionism, Cubism and surrealism 100 years ago. And No.5? The first abstract perfume, that manifesto of modernity. It hasn’t lost a drop (or the four Marilyn Monroe wore in bed) of its power as a trip to any art gallery in a capital city is a salient reminder.

Take London. What possessed an artist like Bambi (the female Banksy) based in North London (Islington, Shoreditch, Canonbury, Hoxton and more), to paint Chanel No.5 Quartet for a private client this year, which Prestige is revealing for the first time on these pages? Why? “Everyone loves brands,” Bambi tells us over the telephone. “But, Chanel No.5 somehow goes beyond that. It’s a kind of liquid infinity, and to paint it, or photograph it, or just to ‘art’ it and be near it is …” She pauses with awe. “It’s regal and rebellious, it’s a kind of ‘rogue-vogue’, like every queen, king and knave craves the 5. And it’s so classic and contemporary and timeless. The way Dada was non-art or anti-art, No.5 is anti-beauty. The name, the label, it still looks today so ‘avant-avant garde’, it’s a pre-and-post-punk potion, and it’s still… the future. It’s still ahead.” Coming from an artist already so advanced, that’s quite the compliment.  

Stroll into other London galleries, such as Clarendon or Maddox or Rose, and you’ll stumble across Mr Brainwash sampling a No.5 bottle, Nick Veasey X-raying one, Debra Franses’ artbags in plastic,
a future time capsule for the Anthropocene age, which she’s shown at Shanghai’s IFC, or Craig Alan’s Populus No.5s consisting of lines and rows of tiny figures making up the geometry of the hip-flask-esque vial; or David Arnott’s porcelain tiles in indigo and violet depicting No.5, or US photographer and former skater Tyler Shields, at Sotheby’s, whose totemic work Champagne Chanel No.5, shows a woman’s mouth in close-up drinking No.5 through a straw. It’s full-circle fetishism. Franses relates. “Yes, my No.5 bags are sculptures; like an arrangement of objects juxtaposed together to create a meta narrative of both consumption, memory, luxury and the spirit of a woman.”

Every person alive craves Chanel No.5. And to wear it is an art. 

The post The Art Inspired by Chanel No.5 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

This month we’re entranced by the remarkable creations of artisans. We’ve beheld golden cats brought to life, ancient idols reborn in ceramic form and feminine beauties extolled through exquisite fabrics in a manner not dissimilar to how they were venerated in marble and clay in times long gone.

Schiaparelli

Daniel Roseberry declared his Schiaparelli spring/summer 2023 haute couture show to be the agony of wanting to surprise. With models transformed into walking sculptures, foam heads of feline beasts and beguilingly low-cut tuxedos complete with plunging sleeves in unparalleled gradients, we can say without question it was a pageant of artworks brought to life with grace and aplomb.

VGnewtrend

The artisans at Venetian brand VGnewtrend display a mastery of their craft by imprisoning the Roman goddess Juno within this ceramic vase. Burnished in a warm sheen of metallic brass, the sculpture imparts an air of sophistication and transforms any abode into a temple.

Ferragamo

Cuff her hands from wrist to wrist with Ferragamo bracelets. Intricately fashioned into a distinctive and seductive shape, it captivates with a weighty allure and opulent sheen.

Lanvin

The magnificent Pencil Cat bag stands as a testament to Lanvin’s enduring history, with a sculptural feline handle echoing the andiron that once belonged to the house’s founding genius. Adorned with glimmering accents of ornate gold-leaf detailing and flowering vines, it’s sure to inspire awe in all who come across it.

Lalique

The magisterial design of the Plume Blanche bottle, which is inspired by René Lalique’s illustration of Montesquieu’s book Les Paons, sparkles with the grandeur of a peacock’s tail feathers etched on a golden surface. The scent within is no less exquisite, enchanting the senses with dulcet violet leaves, lush jasmine, musk and heliotrope.

Alaia

These Alaïa shoes, inspired by cabaret dancers against a glittering Parisian skyline, are made with one purpose in mind: to enchant. The cheeky golden sculptural heels come alive when you twirl and strut your way through a crowded ballroom or ascend a grand staircase, transfixing every eye.

The post Sculptural Things We Loved This Month appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Dr. Paolo Vranjes is a renowned Italian perfumer and chemist recognised for creating some of the world’s most luxurious fragrances. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of his brand, Dr. Vranjes Firenze, and the opening of a new store in Bangkok, Dr. Vranjes sits down with Prestige to detail his journey into the industry and where he finds inspiration for his craft.

 Olfaction, or the sense of smell, plays a crucial role in our everyday lives as it is one of the most powerful and primal senses we possess. Not only does it link to our emotions but revisiting a smell can transport us back in time to a specific place or treasured moment in our lives.

As a result of this, scenting has become closely linked to luxury living. A well-crafted fragrance can have a calming effect on the mind and body, and can create a desirable ambience, which is what we all ultimately wish to have across homes and personal spaces.

Moreover, although perfumery is often considered an art, at its core it is also a science that requires a deep understanding of chemistry and the properties of different natural and synthetic materials.

If one wants to become a professional perfumer, you must have a comprehensive understanding of the properties of different ingredients, as well as an understanding of how they interact with each other.

A challenging endeavour, the perfumery profession requires unique combination of artistic talent, technical knowledge, and rigorous training, as the sense of smell is highly subjective, and not everyone has the ability to distinguish between different fragrances and identify individual scent notes.

With very few formal training programmes available in perfumery, the craft is fascinating, complex, and has only been specialised by a few individuals worldwide, one of whom is Dr. Paolo Vranjes, the Founder and CEO of Dr. Vranjes Firenze, a luxury fragrance company based in Florence, Italy that was established in 1983.

His dedication to using only the highest quality raw materials and attention to detail in the blending process have made him a trusted name in the world of luxury fragrances, and his various luxury home products encompassing candles, diffusers, and more, are beloved by customers worldwide for their ability to transform any living space into a sensory haven.

During a recent visit to the kingdom during the 40th anniversary of the brand, Dr. Vranjes sat down with Prestige to discuss his journey into the business, where he finds inspiration for his craft, and more.

What inspired you to become a Master Perfumer? 

 Throughout my academic career, I devoted myself with passion to my studies of Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Cosmetology. Afterwards, I was able to put into practice what I learned alongside several of Italy’s greatest cosmetologists, creating formulations for thermal treatments and for spas.

I began cultivating my passion for perfumes first in private, and then later thanks to the intuition of my wife, Anna Maria, which kick started my career as a Master Perfumer. She always believed in me and continues to be my biggest fan.

She has a great sense of aesthetics, and it is thanks to her that we utilised the octagonal shape for our bottles that remains synonymous with our brand globally. She drew inspiration for this shape from an antique chandelier she saw in a glassmaker’s atelier many years ago, before we established the brand in 1983.

How does one become a professional ‘nose?’ 

Like all artists, ‘noses’ have an innate talent that is difficult to explain and difficult to share. Through studying, people can become fragrance evaluators, while “noses” are responsible for checking and evaluating the stability of essences and fragrances in the same manner a sommelier evaluates wine.

Where do you find inspiration for your iconic scents? 

Every perfume has its own story. I have been a very curious person since I was a child, and I must admit that it forms the foundation of my creativity. I find inspiration everywhere: in the people I meet, the places I go, the adventures I face every day, but I find it above all in memories. I start from an image; from the emotion it evokes in me and then I try to recreate its scent.

Have you drawn any inspiration from the Asian region? 

I have a great passion for Asia. I have travelled around the region a lot throughout my life and have tried to collect some olfactory memories for my fragrances. I believe Asia is an inexhaustible source of fascinating memories and precious raw materials that I have always been drawn to.

Two fragrances in which I have used different Asian essences are Green Flowers and Mirra Zafferano. Green Flowers embodies a wave of spring freshness thanks to notes of tea flowers, Italian citrus, ylang ylang, jasmine, vetiver, and wild mint. Sri Lanka is a paradise for the camellia sinensis tea plant, which grows there in an extraordinary environment for the purity of the air. The Green Flowers fragrance is inspired by this magical place.

Mirra Zafferano is an ode to several precious ingredients, and an olfactory journey between the East and the Mediterranean. It adds a sophisticated, sweet and gourmet touch to the day thanks to the notes of bergamot, myrrh, and amber, and is infused with saffron, frankincense, and vanilla. I’m currently creating a new fragrance inspired by Asia and can’t wait to reveal more.

In your opinion, what makes the perfumes you craft so unique? 

I think it is a mix of sophistication, originality, and creativity.

The values that have always been recognised by our admirers are the quality of the raw materials we use, the originality of the wide palette of fragrances we offer, and the excellence of our fragrances that stems from the fact that they are entirely made in Italy.

Moreover, the persistence and endurance of our fragrances, along with the colours, sizes, and unique designs of our products all play a role in enriching our clients’ daily lives.

Where do you source the raw materials that you use?

In Florence, where we have created all our fragrances since 1983, we have a collection of more than 2,200 essences. The process usually begins with one of these essences, but I’m always open to innovate and to discover new ones. Some of the essences we work with are also very rare and exclusive, for example, the Middle Eastern Oud, the uniqueness of black jasmine, and rare roses.

What are your personal, favourite raw materials to work with?

Some of my favourites are citrus notes that come from Italy, as well as woody and amber ones. I love mixing together fresh and warm shades, as you can obtain a surprising and original effect.

Which fragrances have been your best-sellers, and why do you think they have become so iconic?

Rosso Nobile, Ambra, Ginger Lime, Milano, Oud Nobile, Acqua, and Peonia Black Jasmine are a few examples. I think quality, originality, and high performance are just some of the reasons why people love and keep choosing our scented creations.

Can you offer some advice on choosing scents for a home or personal use? How can someone approach finding a scent, going beyond simply liking how it smells? 

For home fragrances, we look for the best combination to make the scent evaporate in a persistent and lasting way, while with Eau De Parfum, we select the best mix of ingredients to ensure the fragrance performs and is pleasant on the skin of the wearer. Both are intimate, each in its own way.

In the case of the home fragrances, you choose a scent to dress your private spaces that are shared only with those you love. In the case of a personal fragrance, the olfactory choice concerns the pleasure that a perfume can give to the wearer, and in turn to those around them.

By being good to ourselves, we can be good to others. I believe well-being is a virtuous circle.

It is said that scent associations can recall pleasant experiences and memories, what are some of your favourite associations?

I have many, but Rosso Nobile and Bellini Rosso Nobile goes beyond the science and chemistry of perfumes.

The former is inspired by my friendship with Francis, a filmmaker who is passionate about oenology, the study of wines. In the late 1990s, Francis was convinced that no one could recreate the scent of red wine that is so generous in the lands of Chianti and Montepulciano. I love challenges, so I immediately started working on the creation of Rosso Nobile.

After three years, I was finally satisfied with my “child” and sent Francis the fragrance in a decanter, inviting him to smell it through real vine branches. My friend was impressed by the result, and since then, year after year, the whole world continues to appreciate the fragrance and continues to choose it as an olfactory expression of its spaces.

Furthermore, I love to taste, experiment, and prepare cocktails. Among my favourites is the Bellini, also a favourite of my wife, Anna Maria. It was in front of this delicious cocktail, in Piazza San Marco in Venice, that I asked her to marry me. This was the inspiration for the Bellini Rosso Nobile.

What are some of the current biggest trends in the olfactory world?

Artistic perfumery is a globally growing field, it allows us all to express our individuality, personality, and uniqueness. A niche perfume enables us to choose a distinctive signature that becomes an essential part of our style and allows us to feel more confident and to surprise those around us.

So, a brand working in this industry has to invest in immersive and exciting experiences that offer the consumers the opportunity to personalise their style.

Another aspect that should not be underestimated is the importance of acting as sustainably and responsibly towards nature and people as possible.

Our brand is committed to producing everything in Tuscany to limit CO² emissions. The magic contained in all Dr. Vranjes Firenze perfumed creations comes from a blend of carefully and responsibly selected raw materials of the highest quality. We select our suppliers based on their economic and social commitment to the areas where the raw materials are supplied and produced.

What new products are you currently working on?

I’m working on new creations aimed to satisfy our international customers’ needs, both for interior and to wear, but I can’t divulge too many details yet. However, I would like to express that it has been a great pleasure to celebrate our 40th anniversary with the Thai market. It is an incredible milestone in our history, and we look forward to many more.

For more information about Dr. Vranjes Firenze, click here.

The post From Florence to the World: The Journey of Dr. Paolo Vranjes and His Passion for Perfume appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see,” said the Impressionist artist Edgar Degas. These perfumes and perfumeries would like to disagree on the “seeing” part.

Freedom. Fantasy. Fetish. The highfalutin syntax pebbled through zealous marketing copy for the fragrance genus often reads like truly appalling poetry. But, then again, in the same vein of quandary as being tasked to use words to describe colour, how does one accurately put scent into locution, when the olfactive journeys thus undertaken can be so immeasurably varied? Perhaps this is, precisely, why accuracy is reserved for mathematics and the sciences and not the arts.

Because the synapses in our brain-matter may very well strike upon being confronted with a single spritz of jasmine absolute. Or bergamot harvested from Sicily. Or ylang-ylang, base-noted with accords of leather. And while a palette of eyeshadow or a simple brushed-tip eyeliner may have much easier affiliations to art, or the medium that facilitates the art-making, it’s the evocative journeys prompted by scent – be they an icy plunge through suddenly unearthed childhood memories or, simply, “God, that smells awful” – that precisely do as art does: imply, suggest and, for some olfactive blends more than others, for some noses more than others, force a reckoning.

For some, art is so entirely integral to the process of creation it’s a facet entirely woven into the business itself. After all, you’d only have to exit through the Louvre’s gift-shop to wander past a series of Officine Universelle Buly perfumes scented in the image of the priceless masterpieces you can only dream of bringing home – with the fragrances, you can.

“Guerlain and art,” says Ann-Caroline Prazan, director of art, culture and heritage, “have enjoyed a unique, almost unbreakable relationship.” It was recorded that as early as 1828, Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain has associated himself and his brand with painters like Louise Abbéma, who was entrusted to decorate the boutiques. Later, Jacques Guerlain, a steadfast patron of the arts, especially those of Édouard Manet, Camille Pissarro and Claude Monet – Monet’s The Magpie, which has now found home in the Musée d’Orsay, once hung in Guerlain workshop – despite public opinion at the time, also found his own decorator in the hands of artist Jean-Michel Frank.

So, the spirit of artistic revelation has since crept its way into the very fabric of Guerlain’s sensorial oeuvre, most patently in the L’Art & La Matière collection, which intentionally pairs perfumers with works of art in hopes of inspiring brand-new olfactive creations. In the past, Rose Barbare was borne out of George Bizet’s opera Carmen; Neroli Outrenoir, a scent-rospective of the works of Pierre Soulages; and Musc Outreblanc, a distillation of Auguste Rodin’s sculptural masterstrokes. And this season, Henri Matisse and, specifically, the painter’s The Thousand and One Nights served as a vivid reference point for what ultimately became Jasmin Bonheur.

While Guerlain waltzes with Matisse, Louis Vuitton, this season, found camaraderie in the polka-dotted madness of Yayoi Kusama. Perfume bottles have long been blank canvases for artistic interpretation, because more than any other beauty issue, fragrance is made to be spritzed, ever so sparingly, and then left gingerly alone to double-duty as fragile decor – or clutter – as much as it’s a thing to be used. And what is art if not a thing to be seen, to be admired, be it Penhaligon’s Portraits’ magnificent animal-head stoppers; Jean Paul Gaultier’s iconoclastic naked torsos that can possibly rival that of David of Michelangelo; Vyrao’s gradient- blend glass coffrets that look almost like aura photography; or Kusama’s Louis Vuitton residency – and before her, Alex Israel; and before him, Frank Gehry?

And still, should the folds of fragrance, not the glass-bottled canvas itself, be used as a medium, it could, quite possibly, be the most unreliable narrator of all.

While Byredo’s library of scents has always felt like self-portraiture for founder Ben Gorham – Bal d’Afrique, for example, is a reimagination of his father’s travels through Africa as a young man; and Mumbai Noise, described by Gorham as “intensely personal”, recalls the sensory overload he remembers as so formative to his childhood in India – it would seem remiss not to mention: Gorham trained as a painter but a chance encounter with perfumer Pierre Wulf convinced him to have a change of medium.

And while Gorham draws, typically, from the autobiographical, Stora Skuggan’s co-founders take on narratives that tender towards the extraordinary. “Our perfumes are based on stories on the border between truth and myth,” says the Swedish perfumery’s co-founder Tomas Hempel. “For Fantôme de Maules we assumed the phantom – he or she – really existed. Witnesses talk about a figure who’s two metres tall, so my assumption is the phantom was a man. Silphium is a mythical plant from ancient times. It probably existed too, but one cannot be sure. Our third perfume, Moonmilk, is inspired by a phenomenon that actually exists, but it’s something most people know nothing about. At least I didn’t, until recently.”

The phenomenon the perfumer speaks of was documented by Swiss naturalist Conrad Gessner in 1555 of the precipitate that gathers on the surface of limestone that, as it was once fantastically surmised, was a liquid mist created by the rays of the moon. Moonmilk. It’d be notes of black tea, lime and tan leather that would distil the otherworldly marvel into a Stora Skuggan scent.

Then there’s Mistpouffer, that attempts to render into aroma a mystic, sonic boom, still unexplainable by science; Thumbsucker, narrating Ancient Hindu tales of magic potions that illustrate, however incredulously, why babies suck on thumbs; and Azalai, a redolent impression of a lonesome caravan route that once transported salt and gold.

And in between Byredo’s non-fiction and Stora Skuggan’s science-fiction seats, quite comfortably, Folie à Plusieurs’ pastiche of scents directly impressed from works of art, be it music, photography, literature – Haruki Murakami’s Kafka on the Shore, apparently, smells of lavender, birch tar and cedarwood – or film.

Not unlike those of unpleasant theme-park 4D screenings, Folie à Plusieurs’ Le Cinéma Olfactif perfumes, a much more sensorially pleasing experience, were created to aromatise specific movie scenes as per perfumer Mark Buxton’s nose and, in collaboration with various Soho Houses, viewings of said films would then be hosted with the scent diffused throughout, using the additive of scent with effects not unlike that of the film’s musical score, or a specific lighting choice, or an editing trick of the eye.

“Typically, you create a product and figure out how to make an experience,” says Kaya Sorhaindo, who founded the brand as an “intermedia perfumery” that acts as a sort of olfactive gallery space. And these experiences, for Folie à Plusieurs, gains traction in ever more sensory collisions; their most recent, a foray into incense paired alongside the eerie, experimentation sounds of Japanese voice artist Hatis Noit, render an entirely sightless performance experienced only through scent and sound.

“We wanted to look for new references, new areas of inspiration and not pull from the same pool as all of the other perfumeries,” Sorhaindo admits. And what is art if not something excitingly new, excitingly collaborative and, possibly, excitingly fragranced? Welcome to the dawn of a new art medium.

Header Photo Courtesy of Mikael Lundblad

Featured Photo Courtesy of Charlotte Robin and Lise Dupont

The post Why Scent is Such an Evocative, Artistic Medium appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

The post A Scent to Remember: Niche Perfumes and Fragrance Brands to Love This Year appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Francis Kurkdjian has always felt a special connection with the cities he’s lived in – his globe-trotting adventures have brought him from Paris to New York, then Sydney, then Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, New Delhi, Mumbai and more. And what he’s come to realise is this: that despite the geographic, socio-cultural, anthropological differences that exist in each and every city, there’s a communal magnetism that connects big-city living – and big-city dreaming.

His observations about this big-city energy brought about a desire to encapsulate it all within a bottle – “There is something about big cities that sweeps over you, electrifies you, elevates you,” the founder of Maison Francis Kurkdjian muses. “I translated that communicative energy, that life pulsating in unison, into a musky, floral, urban fragrance that I named 724, for 24 hours of scented living, seven days a week.”

In the top notes, bergamot from Italy and aldehydes with sophisticated, slightly metallic, effervescent facets bring a fresh, undefined urban accord. It is the sensation of energizing freshness like the one that emanates from New York laundries at the break of day.

At the heart of this vertical architecture lies an airy aura conveyed by a bouquet of flowers structured by jasmine absolute from Egypt, sweet pea and mock orange.

In the base notes, this universe of whiteness surrenders to an enveloping, comforting sensation thanks to a sandalwood-white musk accord.

Together, 724 is the scent of urban living. The first whiff recalls fresh laundry, fresh and energizing, but the scent of aldehydes and musk keep things edgy and sophisticated. The city is buzzing with energy, and this city scent will keep you at the edge of your seat.

Prestige is currently running its 12 Days of #AVeryPrestigeChristmas Giveaway where one lucky reader will be able to win a trio of Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrances. Head to this link to find out more.

Head to The Christmas Edit to read more stories and gift guides to help with your holiday planning.

The post Maison Francis Kurkdjian Presents 24 Hours of Scented Living with City-Inspired Fragrance appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

The latest Burberry Hero Eau de Parfum is bolder and more intense iteration of the Eau de Toilette.

A powerful fragrance to awaken the hero within, the latest in the Burberry Hero journey is a striking and more intense iteration of the inaugural launch. Following a similar ethos and scent to the predecessor, the newest opus nods at a sense of exploration with a centred sensibility.

“My inspiration for Burberry Hero Eau De Parfum was my memory of the Landes forest, where pine trees grow close to the ocean. The scent of the pine needles melted with a trail of warm sand and sea-spray was the aroma I wanted to recreate,” said Perfumer Aurélien Guichard. “For me, the sensual and crystalised resins included in the fragrance represent the power of reconnecting with your natural instinct.”

Formulated for discerning individuals and designed for longevity, this olfactory portrait explodes with a vibrant opening of pine needles blended with benzoin and incense, exhaling an intense fusion of profound sensuality. With the signature base – a trio of warm cedarwood oils culminating in a fresh and luminous crescendo – the Eau de Parfum also affords the wearer an exquisite woody spicy scent.

Available at Burberry boutiques and major department stores in various sizes, the complex cocktail – encapsulated in an angular shaped bottle as strong and modern as the fragrance – echoes the timelessness of the maison and emboldens us to find the hero within.

(Images: Burberry Hero Eau de Parfum)

This article first appeared on AugustMan Singapore.

The post Burberry Hero Eau de Parfum: A Bolder and Striking Iteration of the Eau de Toilette appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

A scent that smells like you – smells just like you – is the kind of bespoke, made-to-measure fragrance that French haute parfumerie Henry Jacques has long specialised in bringing to life.

Scent is personal. More than that, it’s evocative. For some, a mere graze of ylang-ylang might kindle the kind of wistful nostalgia that sends a visceral tingle down the spine. For others, it’s cedar and musk that brings to mind the weight of a father’s hand, held cradled in their own. The fired synapses that connect an olfactory impression to an indelible memory are powerfully idiosyncratic – so why should the catalytic scent-in-question be anything but indulgently, lavishly, precisely personalised?

Much like a suit made bespoke with specificity to the lines and contours of measurements meticulously taken, French haute parfumerie Henry Jacques’ Sur-Mesure perfumes, not unlike haute couture, are made-to-measure – then, made to perfection. Rather than simply adjusting existing fragrances in the parfumerie’s impressive history, the years which count close to half a century, Henry Jacques’ Sur-Mesure process brings every fragrance to life from scratch. Each a self-portrait of, first and foremost, the client’s palate and peculiarities, and each, too, a mastered portrait of the rare, natural ingredients a Henry Jacques perfumer is able to translate into distillation – a complex coalescence of approximately 250 ingredients, to be exact, from the floral accords of rose, tuberose, lavender and jasmine, to the heady sensuality of musk and marine ambergris.

And, like everything created through a respect for artisanship and craftsmanship, the making of a Sur-Measure scent is slow. Steady. It’s a metred waltz between client and maker, as the Henry Jacques eau de parfum is massaged into existence with as much care and expertise as can be mustered to create something truly unique. Then, as the scent settles, it’s bottled in a flacon designed, again, just for the crowning occasion and safeguarded in the maison’s archives for its one owner – and nobody else – in perpetuity.

At Henry Jacques, the onerous task of “finding oneself” has been perfected into an art. And here, your unique olfactory imprint awaits – and beckons.

Build your own Henry Jacques Sur-Mesure fragrance here. Shop 2036A, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 2466 1688

The post Scents of Self: The Making of Henry Jacques’ Sur-Mesure Fragrances appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

If the ideal perfume infuses the fantasies and memories of ineffable moments that define our existence, is there a perfect aroma for autumn? We ask the experts.

Autumn is a season ripe with nostalgia. There’s something mesmerising about reminiscence. We don’t simply indulge in the telling and re-telling of familiar stories; we derive meaning and truth from them. Beautiful and convoluted and haunting as such memories may be, they provide solace when we reflect on and recognise the ways in which past experiences have shaped the people we are today.

Scent is a gateway to forgotten memories and moments, eliciting core emotions that remind us that we’re fully awake and alive on this planet. The thrill of discovering something new; the devastation of rejection; the comfort of being surrounded by people you love and care about; the enormous deep happiness of believing in what you’re doing; the peacefulness of holding your own ground and refusing to hide.

We live in a culture heavily fixated on productivity, which can sometimes bring about a type of numbness that results in losing touch with sensations and feelings. Introducing small acts as simple as applying perfume into a daily routine invites a moment of intimacy and self-reflection that propels you forward from a place of confidence.

Harnessing agency and power seem to be a reoccurring theme in recent fragrance and perfume marketing campaigns for fall. With Gen Z TikTok influencers dictating the trend weathervane, we’re seeing an influx of new “gender-neutral” products that target individuals who refuse to be tied to labels or forced into binary boxes.

When it comes to searching for a new perfume, a new scent to embody your personality, Diptyque Hong Kong brand general manager Julien de Mestier says, “Scents are gender-free. Don’t limit yourself to pre-conceived ideas of masculine or feminine scents. Dare to be inspired and inspire others.”

Pauline Lau, founder of niche artistic perfume boutique Parfumerie Trésor, suggests a mindful approach. “The questions I’d ask are: what are you expecting from your first perfume? Are you trying to create a specific character or make it your signature scent? Or are you seeking a scent to please someone you love? The last thing we want is for our buyers to waste their money and grab a bottle of perfume that will end up being placed in their room forever and never be used.”

Ask any sociologist and you’ll quickly learn that consumer choices and habits have a direct correlation to self-identity. It seems as if every decision made nowadays – and even one as small as choosing a signature fragrance – translates as a form of self-expression. To stay relevant and reinforce an engaging relationship with consumers, brands are launching products that promote diversity and sustainability to reach a wider audience.

Photographer-turned-beauty entrepreneur Serge Lutens created his first unisex fragrance for fall after being exposed to the culture of Morocco. The pristine air, the red sandstone architecture and the image of cedars along the Atlas Mountains left an indelible mark on his brain. Since then, cedarwood became a central ingredient in his perfumes. “Like everything else, it wasn’t really a choice. A choice is never really conscious,” he says.

Some people describe ideas as living entities that use humans as vehicles to actualise transformative values and stories that feel urgent and meaningful. Every bottle of artisanal perfume is an embodiment of exceptional craftsmanship and unwavering commitment. “Most people in Hong Kong are more inclined to use big brands they’re familiar with. Only a small and loyal group of customers appreciate and seek out hand-made artisanal perfumes,” says Lau.

As winter slowly creeps up, feelings of disconnectedness threaten to rear their heads. How to avoid pinballing into gloom-ridden emotional states? Replace your usual choice of perfume with one that’s uplifting and hopeful. “Consumers are drawn to oriental floral and gourmand scents in the autumn,” Lau adds, “as they’re elaborate and have a deep and sensual quality that brightens our senses.”

The pandemic continues to play a critical role in shaping consumer behaviour. “We can see a new trend of fragrance usage away from self-assertiveness towards a more wellness-oriented approach,” says de Mestier. “This change of perception – particularly in Asia and Hong Kong – has caused an uptick in demand for home fragrances and personal fragrances. As the temperature starts to drop, 34 Boulevard Saint Germain would be my pick, as the notes make me feel warm and cosy, and remind me of Paris – from its comfortable interiors to daily strolls in the city.”

The allure of perfume is its power to arouse intentions that drive us to remain present and curious in an ever-shifting world – a world of abundance that comes into focus as we indulge in simple moments of scent-led joy and tranquillity.

Here are six scintillating scents and fragrances for fall

Parfumerie Trésor
Rose Millésimée

There’s something especially provocative beneath the floral notes of rose and jasmine that speaks of innate elegance and gentleness, accompanied by an assemblage of spices that invokes a frisson of excitement. A glorious rebirth.

Kilian Paris
Shield of Protection

A force to be reckoned: the citrus notes of green mandarin and bitter orange are an intriguing glimpse of the enchanted realm the brand has created. Once it’s on the skin, delight in the trio of rosemary, mint and neroli scents – a journey that culminates in a mystical and musky blend of cedarwood and cashmeran.

Shop Here

Penhaligon’s
Sports Car Club

Redolent of an audacious and carefree lifestyle, this new limited-edition fragrance by Penhaligon’s has pink berry and eucalyptus as the main ingredients that perfectly encapsulate life in the fast lane.

Shop Here

Diptyque
Summer Essentials

Designed by French artist Matthieu Cossé, the bottle features drawings of Mediterranean landscapes in a nod to locations frequently visited by Yves Coueslant and Desmond Knox-Leet, two of the brand’s founders. The fragrance for fall notes of prickly pear, lemongrass, eucalyptus and lavender perfectly capture languid days in the sun.

Shop Here

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris
724 Eau de Parfum

Sandalwood musk pairs with jasmine sourced from Egypt and citrus from Italy in an exhilarating scent that echoes the inspiration behind 724 Eau. Through this new fragrance, humanity, creativity and connection triumph against the disorienting urban bustle.

Shop Here

Serge Lutens
Poivre Noir

Poivre Noir is a tribute to New York’s rich and vibrant jazz culture. It’s a heavy infusion of black pepper, cedarwood and nutmeg that emulates the mellow and ambient atmosphere of a Harlem haunt.

Shop Here

The post The 6 Best Perfumes and Fragrances for Autumn appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Le Labo’s City Exclusive Collection is a once-in-a-year event that brings the brand’s city-specific fragrances – all of which don’t leave the confines of their respective homes eleven months out of the year – to select Le Labo stores, worldwide.

Question: do you know where in your flat your passport is currently gathering dust? In the thirty-or-so months of no travel here in Hong Kong – lest you’re one of those people with jobs important enough to sponsor a three-, seven- or 21-day quarantine, how lucky – the notion of travel has become akin to … mythology. New York City? Might as well be Mount Olympus. The anxiety-inducing rigamarole of airport etiquette? Please, sign a girl up.

But back to wanderlust.

Le Labo’s apothecary collection of scents lie in dedication to cities from which each bottle resides. And for 91.6% of the year, these coffrets roost in their respective Le Labo brick-and-mortars – no travelling, no exceptions. But, one cheeky month of the year, the perfumes leave home for pastures abroad. For those of us land-bound to Hong Kong in the meantime, a sniff of Amsterdam through notes of moss and patchouli is better than no sniff at all. While you can have your way with Le Labo’s +852 EdP all 365 days of the year, have an olfactory moment with the other 13 scents that’s here in Hong Kong for the month of September. And, perhaps, have that inspire your very first trip away in what seems like forever.

Spritz Your Wanderlust Away with Le Labo’s City Exclusive Collection

You May Also Like…

Sniff These Strands: 10 Fragrances Engineered Specifically For Your Hair

Style

Fashion Plates: How Luxury Brands Open Restaurants All Over the World

Style

Cedrat 37

Berlin

The German capital is bottled up in a gauzy concoction of cedrat and ginger, landing on notes of woods, musks and ambergris.

Gaiac 10

Tokyo

Earthy, green and woody, Gaiac 10 jet-sets to Tokyo and leaves trails of musk and incense in its wake.

Vanille 44

Paris

Despite its name it’s not just vanilla you’d scent in Le Labo’s distillation of the city of love. It’s amber-y, incense-y, woody, sexy – beautiful for mornings brushing off flakes of croissant crumbs from your feather-down duvet, imagining you’re in a plush hotel suite with views of the tour Eiffel.

Tabac 28

Miami

Le Labo describes Tabac 28 as a distilled Cuban Havana cigar, which means it’s smoky and smouldering, with several fingers of rum for good measure – and just a touch of warmth. Didn’t you hear Miami is hot?

Citron 28

Seoul

Patently Not Just A Lemon Scent, Le Labo’s Citron 28 layers on ginger, jasmine, cedar and musk amidst a fruit basket of citrus. A scent as invigorating as a freshly squeezed pitcher of lemonade – with an extra something-something.

Mousse de Chene 30

Amsterdam

With what you’re bound to capital-L legally do in Amsterdam, Mousse de Chene 30’s wafting notes of patchouli and moss are perfectly appropriate. Spritz, spritz and pass, please.

Musc 25

Los Angeles

Musc 25 is, as Le Labo describes it, a scent for the angels. And angels, apparently, flutter their feathery wings for vetiver with ambergris, musk and civet.

Bigarade 18

Hong Kong

Our fragrant harbour is rendered in olfactory form through bergamot, neroli petals and musks – a clashing, tug-of-war of citrus, white florals and dark, woody cadences.

Tubereuse 40

New York

New York City is a lot of things. The city of dreams. The city that never sleeps. But a city that smells … nice? Manhattan is much too busy for such idle thoughts. But Le Labo has bottled up the essence for the fast-moving metropolis into Tubereuse 40 – a floral, woody masterstroke as complex as the city it represents.

Poivre 23

London

Poivre 23 headlines on pepper. The spice of all spices, pepper doesn’t typically get the limelight in olfactory compositions – until now. And in London.

Baie Rose 26

Chicago

Baie Rose 26 is all about that jazz – reinventing pink pepper with clove, cedar, rose absolute and musk.

Limette 37

San Francisco

It’s not the City’s fog or Golden Gate or equally referential gestures that inspired Limette 37. Rather, its olfactory roller-coaster ride from bergamot, to jasmine, to clove is a beat-by-beat recreation of the hilly drive from Le Labo’s Fillmore street store to the bay.

Cuir 28

Dubai

“A classic motorcycle without the sweat and gasoline,” is how Le Labo describes its Dubai tribute – which, in layman’s terms, just means it’s very, very sexy. And with notes of leather, wood and musky, it must be worth at least one joyride ’round town.

Aldehyde 44

Dallas

Big, Texan energy needs a big, Texan scent. Aldehyde 44’s floral composition is made of absolute narcissus, jasmine and tuberose because one is not enough. Go big or go, well, don’t go home. Go to Dallas.

Le Labo’s City Exclusive Collection runs through September 30. Learn more here

The post Le Labo’s City Exclusive Collection is Back Through September appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

They might be marketed as hair mist, as hair perfume, as hair fragrances, as just eau de parfum but under the purview of a once haircare-only brand, which insinuates what it insinuates.

But you know what’s a much more effective sashay-away move than a cheeky hair-flick goodbye? A cheeky hair-flick goodbye that smells incredible; that leaves whoever it is you’re sauntering away from in a dazed state of shell shock. Luckily for those of us that spend precious minutes of their day daydreaming about impossible, absurd scenarios as such, the beauty industry is genius at diversifying their portfolio. So, say hello to perfumes, but, specifically, for your hair.

“But I can just spritz my regular rest-of-body perfume onto my hair, can’t I,” you might be thinking.

And yes, you absolutely can. Some of the following are, in fact, simply fragrances haircare labels making moves into the lifestyle space have come out with. (Looking at you, Oribe!) But hair fragrances are generally made with a lower alcohol content, so your strands don’t get brittle and dry in the process of becoming so lovely to smell. Even better, they’re usually infused with ingredients that nourish and protect — like oils and vitamins — so your strands can soak in some TLC in the meantime, too.

“Your Hair Smells Great, What Is It?”

You may also like…

Summer Essentials This July 2022: Sportswear, Laser Facials and More

Lifestyle

New in Beauty This July 2022: Aveda, Gucci, NARS and More

Style

Penhaligon’s Luna Hair Perfume

Penhaligon’s Luna already existed as an eau de toilette, but this hair perfume — still scented softly with bergamot oil and lemon primofiore — sparkles with an addition of argon oil and vitamin E. So your strands can really shine (and smell) at its brightest under moonlight.

Get it here

Oribe’s Fragrances

Oribe-heads will know: the scent of the haircare brand’s products is one immediately recognisable. And if you’re one of those people pestering the brand about bottling it up as an EdP, you’d be pleased to meet Oribe’s Côte d’Azur, the signature scent encased, now, behind glass and as a deserving mascot of the brand’s official departure from haircare-only territory.

Also within the brand-new trio of scents is Valley of Flowers, replete with Bulgarian rose and peony, and Desertland, landing on desert florals and Texas cedarwood.

Get it here

Kérastase’s Chronologiste Huile de Parfum

Kerastase’s hair perfume is an huile (oil), too, so it’s not just a pretty face. Scented with tea rose and infused with a cocktail of precious oils including amla, maize, camelia and argan, this clever multi-use product leaves behind tresses that’s deliciously soft, nourished and shiny. And smelling great.

Get it here

Carolina Herrera’s Good Girl Eau de Parfum Hair Mist

Carolina Herrera’s Good Girl fragrance is housed, typically, in a midnight blue heel, which makes its frosty baby blue hair mist counterpart a must-get if you care about collecting all the colours of CH stilettos. It smells like jasmine and cocoa.

Get it here

Diptyque’s Hair Mists

The last I checked, Diptyque has five hair mists within their catalogue with all containing camellia oil to nourish and soften. Pick your favourite from Diptyque’s signatures: Ilio, Eau Rose, Eau Des Sens, Do Son and Eau Capitale.

Get it here

Dior’s Hair Mists

Dior’s Miss Dior, Miss Dior Rose N’Roses and J’adore all have their own hair mist equivalents, which will make scent-matching from top-to-toe all that much easier.

Get it here

Jo Malone’s Hair Mists

Jo Malone’s Velvet Rose & Oud hair mist is the only on the list whose counterpart is categorised as a cologne; boys need hair perfume, too! Otherwise, the brand’s English Pear & Freesia and Wild Bluebell perfumes also take form as hair mists concocted, again, with argan oil and pro vitamin B for that shiny, softening factor.

Get it here

Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Scented Hair Mists

Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s hair mists — scented with MFK’s Baccarat Rouge 540, Oud, À La Rose and Amyris Femme — are completely alcohol-free. The brand even have gift sets that combine the hair mists with their corresponding eau de parfum — just in case you’re that person that needs to be matchy-matchy.

Get it here

MOROCCANOIL’s Brumes Du Maroc Fragrance Mist

Brumes du Maroc is a “Hair And Body Mist”, so feel free to spritz well beyond the ends of your trim if you so desire. Much like Oribe’s Côte d’Azur, Brumes du Maroc is MOROCCANOIL’s trademark scent and engineered with the usual suspects — see: antioxidant-rich argan oil and vitamin E — and something much cooler: UV absorber technology. Don’t forget to use sunscreen, though.

Get it here

Ouai’s Eau de Parfums

Just like Oribe’s lifestyle line-up, Ouai’s eau de parfums were born from the haircare brand’s beloved scents that traced through every haircare product. The EdPs (and scented candles) that came after are fan service at its finest.

Get it here

Header and featured images courtesy of Oribe

The post Sniff These Strands: 10 Fragrances Engineered Specifically For Your Hair appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Express the essential you through the rare and refined scents from French haute perfumerie Henry Jacques.

The power of perfume can be felt in the memories and emotions evoked by scents, connecting us to the people and places from our past while activating a newly imagined future.It’s with this in mind that French haute perfumerie Henry Jacques draws from almost half a century of tradition, which is enriched with an unwavering dedication to perfumery to create exceptional olfactive elixirs and accessories.

Established in 1975 in Grasse, France’s fragrance capital, Henry Jacques perfumes are manifestations of the upbringing, wanderlust and passion of its founder Henry Jacques Cremona. Their story, which stems from a friendship with one of the last great noses in the tradition of French perfume, is steeped in the maison’s family heritage whereby the laboratory, built with Cremona’s wife Yvette, houses a library of fragrances with more than 3,000 bespoke formulas created with the knowledge accrued from five generations and the most precious and pure ingredients sourced from around the world. From refined petals to crystallised resin, these various components become the essential oils and natural absolutes in every single scent.

The fragrances are then encased in exquisite hand-blown crystal flacons, which are loved by those with a penchant for beauty – their ranks include royalty, nobility and socialites, as well as collectors and connoisseurs. Today, the brand is helmed by Cremona’s daughter Anne-Lise, who lends her elegance and art de vivre to the brand, which can now be found at a handful of distinguished locations around the world. In 2021, Henry Jacques opened its first stand-alone boutique in Hong Kong at Elements.

Building on its heritage and legacy, Anne-Lise has now broadened the luxury brand’s horizons without omitting its origins and essence. The result includes the signature Les Classiques and Les Toupies collections, as well as innovative creations such as the Clic-Clac solid perfumes, which are made for the modern individual, both of which leave behind a unique expression of the wearer’s soul that’s as rare and refined as the elements used to create it.

Find out more here

(Hero and featured image: Henry Jacques Les Toupes Perfumes)

The post Express Your Essence With The Rare Scents From Haute Perfumerie Henry Jacques appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

The newest accessory from haute perfumerie Henry Jacques blends watchmaking expertise with the art of solid perfume. We take a closer look at the Clic-Clac.

Who among us hasn’t reached out for a perfume because of the delicate and beautiful bottle it’s been lovingly stored in? After all, our favourite fragrances are housed like magic potions, in vials and crystal-like flasks that we proudly display on our bathroom and bedroom shelves.

So it’s no surprise really that French haute perfumerie Henry Jacques is extending this courtesy to solid perfume – and in doing so, breathing new life into the ancient art.

Henry Jacques has gone beyond simply creating stunning packaging, developing an ultra-sophisticated and wholly contemporary accessory that is functional as well as stylish. Called the Clic-Clac, it will house the Maison’s new collection of solid balm-like perfumes.

The gorgeous accessory is the result of over four years of research development and engineering, applying Swiss watchmaking technology in the design of its foolproof opening mechanism. Slim enough to slip into your purse and housing the perfect medium that will never spill.

“The creation of this object quickly transported us and overwhelmed us, surpassing all our expectations. Addictive for us, and fascinating for others, the Clic-Clac responds to the need of an era and a generation – a powerful response to something clearly lacking today,” says Anne-Lise Cremona, CEO of Henry Jacques.

The Clic-Clac is available in precious avant-garde materials such as titanium, carbon and gold, and is able to house any of the 50 Les Classiques solid perfume capsules. You can purchase it all, along with other standout fragrance essences, mists and the Maison’s premium perfume box, at the Henry Jacques boutique at Elements Mall.

Henry Jacques Hong Kong, Shop 2036A, Metal Zone, 2/F, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui

You can find out more here.

The post The Clic-Clac: Henry Jacques Newest Perfume Accessory Uses Swiss Watchmaking Technology appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

The life of Perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin is intrinsically connected to the art of making fragrances and the spirit of his hometown, Grasse. His father was a perfumer, his grandfather a supplier of naturals to make scents and his grandmother a jasmine picker.

“The people of Grasse are secretive, they keep their knowledge preciously hidden, but when they do divulge it, they hand it over entirely,” Pellegrin said of his hometown on the French Riviera, widely known for its long-established perfume industry.

Recently, Pellegrin, who worked between Paris and Grasse for the past 15 years, worked on a modern interpretation of Racquets, an old favourite from the Penhaligon’s classics library. The fragrance, inspired by an elegant tennis club house and British sports, has an uplifting sparkling-citrus shine that takes those who wear it and smell it to a playful state of mind.

In an exclusive interview with the Penhaligon’s, Fabrice Pellegrin talks about the fragrance, working with the British heritage brand and his career as a perfumer.

What was the inspiration behind Racquets? How did it evolve from an idea, into the fully formed fragrance?

It all started with brief from Penhaligon’s, namely to be inspired by British sports and a dandy spirit. There was an idea to marry a tennis tournament, the concept of the tennis rackets themselves, and horse racing. I started by creating a leathery perfume, thinking at first about the equestrian world, and then was more inspired by the Wimbledon tournament. As I imagined the leather of the tennis rackets, I reworked my creation over time.

Fragrance is very personal, but how do you hope that Racquets will make the wearer feel?

The starting point of any creation is pleasure. I’d like first and foremost for consumers to feel pleasure when wearing this fragrance. There is a blend of citrus that provides a lot of energy and a certain dynamism, as well as a leathery and woody facet, representing a typical English dandy: elegant, refined and full of quality.

Racquets has notes of Lemon Essence, Gaiac Wood, Ambrox and Woodleather – what do each of these ingredients bring to the fragrance?

The lemon essence brings freshness, brightness and freshness, with a certain glow and pleasure. The Gaiac wood delivers a richness and authenticity, with a smoky elegance.The ambrox adds magnetism and addiction, sensuality and sillage. The woodleather provides textured woody, leathery facets, with a unique contrast and strength.

Can you give us some insight into the process of creating Racquets? What sort of research, discovery, dreaming went into creating the fragrance?

Thinking about the world of British sports, I immediately had the idea of working on a very contrasting fragrance using fresh and energising top notes, featuring two intense and complementary qualities of lemon. The “all-white dress code” of the Wimbledon tennis tournament also inspired me to look for luminosity, brightness and freshness, and develop a very pure, chic aesthetic for this creation. The base of the fragrance delivers all the elegance and refinement that is inseparable from British sports, providing an indelible olfactive signature.

Perfumery runs in your family, when did you decide you wanted to be a perfumer?

My craft is a true family story, set in Grasse. My father was a perfumer, my grandmother harvested flowers, including roses and jasmine, and my grandfather was a supplier of natural ingredients for perfumery. Naturals are my life, as I grew up surrounded by their precious scents. This is the reason I am so passionate about natural ingredients. I trained very early with master perfumers to learn everything about composition. I have always wanted to do this job: it has always been evident. Perfumery is my life.

Does Racquets remind you of any different memories or experiences in your life?

I don’t associate this fragrance with a specific time in my life, but the quality of its citrus reminds me of my Mediterranean roots. It is both the smell of my youth and the unique elegance of the perfumers, harvesters and, more generally, the people of Grasse who surrounded me as a child.

A gendered label when it comes to perfumery is not as important anymore, does Racquets hit the unisex box?

I think you can say that Racquets is a genderless fragrance. When I imagined and created it, I gave it an infinite elegance and richness thanks to the most beautiful natural ingredients, without privileging feminine or masculine inflections.

What would be the ideal scents to layer with Racquets, for extra depth?

Overall, I find Penhaligon’s fragrances so unique that they are best used alone. However, with its duality of luminous freshness and sophisticated intensity, I could recommend layering Racquets with Halfeti; it will highlight the more radiant notes, while reinforcing its sensual amber, woody trail.

What does the brand Penhaligon’s mean to you?

To me, Penhaligon’s means great authenticity. It also represents a very British identity: British chic with a taste for the finest quality.

Why is fragrance a good vehicle for storytelling?

Fragrances are full of emotion, recalling memories and feelings. With a unique palette of ingredients, we can tell an infinite variety of stories. I believe in natural ingredients. In overdose, they deliver all their poetry to the perfume.

Could you give any advice or tips on how you should apply a fragrance?

There are no rules when it comes to perfumes. I like to say that fragrance should be used without moderation; apply it everywhere you want to smell good.

The interview with Fabrice Pellegrin was originally conducted by Penhaligon’s, which authorised Prestige Hong Kong to use it

The post In Conversation with Fabrice Pellegrin, the Grasse-native Perfumer Behind Penhaligon’s Racquets appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

A lot of fragrance ads promise, in one way or another, to make you smell like a higher (read: more attractive) version of yourself.

Hermès’ latest scent does not. The H24 eschews masculine stereotypes and offers, instead, an unexpected olfactory experience that takes your nose through the maison’s fluid, timeless men’s universe. “I had to open up other, less predictable paths, to move away from the conventional woodiness of men’s scents,” says perfumer Christine Nagel, who was inspired by the work of menswear artistic director Véronique Nichanian. “When I attend one of Véronique’s runway shows, I am always struck by how I am able to feel the texture, the very weave of the fabric, with my eyes.”

What results is a sensational plant-forward cologne that is as complex as a top-shelf gin, if not more so. Described as “a lively, sensual and bright fragrance cultivating a daring blend between nature and technology,” it starts off luminous, crisp and green with clary sage — a dominant botanical reminiscent of hay and cut grass with a slightly animal amber undertone — and narcissus absolute, noted for its sharp floral scent that Nagel softened by co-distilling it with a secret ingredient. “I like to go towards natural, very classic raw materials and work them using technologies that give them other renderings, other textures,” says Nagel.

Rare rosewood essence and sclarene round off the H24. Sustainably sourced in Peru, rosewood is chosen for its simple, invigorating freshness. Sclarene, on the other hand, is a synthetic molecule with a warm, metallic aroma that recalls the scent of hot irons on fabric in the Hermès atelier. “I was thinking of urban nature, the accelerated image of this fragile little shoot pushing through concrete to claim its space,” explains Nagel.

A precise expression of a modern man in motion, the EDT is bottled in an aerodynamic, diamond-shaped glass atomiser designed by Philippe Mouquet. The box, made from 100 percent recycled and recyclable grey paper, is a nod to the fragrance’s composition. It may be part of Hermès’ “men’s universe”, but H24’s innovative, intriguing composition is one that defies gender (or any limiting) categorisation. Wear this masterpiece however you like — and we think you would, for a long time.

The collection is available in stores and on hermes.com/hk.

This story first appeared on Prestige Online — Singapore.

The post H24: Hermès’ First Men’s Fragrance in 15 Years Eschews Stereotypes appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Question: do you know where in your flat your passport is currently gathering dust? In the thirty-or-so months of no travel here in Hong Kong – lest you’re one of those people with jobs important enough to sponsor a three-, seven- or 21-day quarantine, how lucky – the notion of travel has become akin to … mythology. New York City? Might as well be Mount Olympus. The anxiety-inducing rigamarole of airport etiquette? Please, sign a girl up.

But back to wanderlust.

Le Labo’s apothecary collection of scents lie in dedication to cities from which each bottle resides. And for 91.6% of the year, these coffrets roost in their respective Le Labo brick-and-mortars – no travelling, no exceptions. But, one cheeky month of the year, the perfumes leave home for pastures abroad. For those of us land-bound to Hong Kong in the meantime, a sniff of Amsterdam through notes of moss and patchouli is better than no sniff at all. While you can have your way with Le Labo’s +852 EdP all 365 days of the year, have an olfactory moment with the other 13 scents that’s here in Hong Kong for the month of September. And, perhaps, have that inspire your very first trip away in what seems like forever.

Spritz Your Wanderlust Away with Le Labo’s City Exclusive Collection

You May Also Like…

Sniff These Strands: 10 Fragrances Engineered Specifically For Your Hair

Style

Fashion Plates: How Luxury Brands Open Restaurants All Over the World

Style

Cedrat 37

Berlin

The German capital is bottled up in a gauzy concoction of cedrat and ginger, landing on notes of woods, musks and ambergris.

Gaiac 10

Tokyo

Earthy, green and woody, Gaiac 10 jet-sets to Tokyo and leaves trails of musk and incense in its wake.

Vanille 44

Paris

Despite its name it’s not just vanilla you’d scent in Le Labo’s distillation of the city of love. It’s amber-y, incense-y, woody, sexy – beautiful for mornings brushing off flakes of croissant crumbs from your feather-down duvet, imagining you’re in a plush hotel suite with views of the tour Eiffel.

Tabac 28

Miami

Le Labo describes Tabac 28 as a distilled Cuban Havana cigar, which means it’s smoky and smouldering, with several fingers of rum for good measure – and just a touch of warmth. Didn’t you hear Miami is hot?

Citron 28

Seoul

Patently Not Just A Lemon Scent, Le Labo’s Citron 28 layers on ginger, jasmine, cedar and musk amidst a fruit basket of citrus. A scent as invigorating as a freshly squeezed pitcher of lemonade – with an extra something-something.

Mousse de Chene 30

Amsterdam

With what you’re bound to capital-L legally do in Amsterdam, Mousse de Chene 30’s wafting notes of patchouli and moss are perfectly appropriate. Spritz, spritz and pass, please.

Musc 25

Los Angeles

Musc 25 is, as Le Labo describes it, a scent for the angels. And angels, apparently, flutter their feathery wings for vetiver with ambergris, musk and civet.

Bigarade 18

Hong Kong

Our fragrant harbour is rendered in olfactory form through bergamot, neroli petals and musks – a clashing, tug-of-war of citrus, white florals and dark, woody cadences.

Tubereuse 40

New York

New York City is a lot of things. The city of dreams. The city that never sleeps. But a city that smells … nice? Manhattan is much too busy for such idle thoughts. But Le Labo has bottled up the essence for the fast-moving metropolis into Tubereuse 40 – a floral, woody masterstroke as complex as the city it represents.

Poivre 23

London

Poivre 23 headlines on pepper. The spice of all spices, pepper doesn’t typically get the limelight in olfactory compositions – until now. And in London.

Baie Rose 26

Chicago

Baie Rose 26 is all about that jazz – reinventing pink pepper with clove, cedar, rose absolute and musk.

Limette 37

San Francisco

It’s not the City’s fog or Golden Gate or equally referential gestures that inspired Limette 37. Rather, its olfactory roller-coaster ride from bergamot, to jasmine, to clove is a beat-by-beat recreation of the hilly drive from Le Labo’s Fillmore street store to the bay.

Cuir 28

Dubai

“A classic motorcycle without the sweat and gasoline,” is how Le Labo describes its Dubai tribute – which, in layman’s terms, just means it’s very, very sexy. And with notes of leather, wood and musky, it must be worth at least one joyride ’round town.

Aldehyde 44

Dallas

Big, Texan energy needs a big, Texan scent. Aldehyde 44’s floral composition is made of absolute narcissus, jasmine and tuberose because one is not enough. Go big or go, well, don’t go home. Go to Dallas.

Le Labo’s City Exclusive Collection runs through September 30. Learn more here

The post Reconnecting with Nature through Bulgari appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.