Scents of the Heartland

Want to smell like your favourite Indian Memory, the addictive woody scent of fresh masala chai, the intense aroma of Indian cardamom, the heavenly marriage of earthy ginger oil and khus. Breathe in a lungful of India-inspired nostalgia courtesy of the Bombay Perfumery, a contemporary fragrance house which crafts experimental combinations of scents. Like the myriad cultures in India, Bombay Perfumery fuses handpicked ingredients to offer a boutique selection of unique perfumes. This label is a reflection of modern India. Minimalistic in its aesthetic and vibrant in experience, the aim is to create a dreamy memory that lingers after each spritz.

Each perfume has been put together to inspire the feeling of reminiscence. Poised to capture the traditional essence in a bottle, founder Manan Gandhi says, “Bombay Perfumery has been in the making for over a year. I wanted to develop fragrances that are complex and confident, using rich perfumery traditions while showcasing beautiful, natural Indian ingredients. Each scent is a deeply personal experience.”

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The origins of these perfumes lie in native ingredients and nostalgia. Using only the finest, handpicked ingredients to create fragrances that are distinct and confident, much like the city that has inspired it, think Tuberose notes from Coimbatore blended with Tunisian Neroli, or Cochin’s pure black pepper oil with Haitian Vetiver. For the fragrances, Manan has sourced exotic ingredients such as Vetiver Oil from Haiti, Patchouli Oil and Nutmeg from Indonesia, Cinnamon from Sri Lanka. Closer home, Manan has travelled to Coonoor, Kannauj and Tirupati, allowing him to have an indepth look at how natural ingredients react with elements of nature and the impact they have on them.

A line of a couple of unisex perfumes and three unisex fragrances have been conceptualised in collaboration with renowned geniuses. Jacques Chabert has lent his expertise to international houses such as Guerlain, Chanel and Loewe. Alexandra Carlin is known for her work with luxury fragrances house Amouage, as well as Givenchy and Victoria’s Secret. In addition, perfumers Pierre Kurzunne and Tristan Rostain have created a special fragrance for the brand.

These perfumes are all about the experience and rightfully so, No stone has been left unturned with respect to the details looked at. Glass bottles with symbolic illustrations come in collectible boxes.

Available in a pack of 100 ml, the range is priced between INR 3,900 to 4,100.

For The Feminine & Alluring L'Officiel woman

Seven Islands

A floral scent with a tantalizing mix exploding with femininity with every inhale just as a low tide teases the edge of a beach and slowly pulling away to visit her other suitors.

Top: Bergamot, Mandarin, Neroli

Heart: Rose, Jasmine, Violet

Base: White Musk, Cedarwood

Olfactive family: Fruity, Marine

100ml eau de parfum: Rs 4,000

For the Sexy & Sensuous L'Officiel Woman

Madurai Talkies

Memories filtered through tones of sepia. A woman with flowers in her hair. A suitor dressed like the hero from the movie they've both come to watch. Or rather, live. The striking blend offers a memorable aroma that is an undeniable classic.

Top: Bergamot, Mandarin, Neroli

Heart: Rose, Jasmine, Violet

Base: White Musk, Cedarwood

Olfactive family: Floral

100ml eau de parfum: Rs 3,900

For the Experimental L'Officiel Woman

Chai Musk

A busy terminal. Innumerable lives intersecting, weaving together in anticipation of a shared journey. Stories exchanged, stories forgotten. The only constant, the many cups of tea.

This one is for the offbeat woman who remains untethered, from delicate florals to peppery spices, and even earthy musks, This has it all.

Notes:

Top: Lemongrass, Ginger root, Green tea

Heart: Osmanthus flower, Mate, Roasted nut accord

Base: Cade oil, Sandalwood, Hot milk accord

Olfactive family: Citrus, Musk

100ml eau de parfum: Rs 4,100