AIR OF AQUARIUS by Sana Jardin

How do you reinvent and reinvigorate a popular period that includes both personal and humanitarian growth? It’s a broad canvas, and not one that many companies would tackle without an element of apprehension. Movements that took the world by storm are deeply anchored in both the subconscious and lasting cultural effects, and so deviation from the original philosophy needs to be cautiously approached. That’s why the launch of Sana Jardin’s Air of Aquarius perfume is so pitch perfect. Forget the patchouli-laced memories of the seventies, it’s time to embrace a mind-expanding interpretation for a new age.

The Sixties and Seventies were a period that many will remember for the patchouli oil that wafted around both individuals and their, often fleeting, habitations. This was the period of free love, a coming together of those that were out to challenge the establishment, and a new found fascination with the essential oil of the lamiaceae family. Encouraged by the words of the rock musical Hair, “when the moon is in the seventh house… this is the dawning of the age of Aquarius”, a generation decided that enough was enough and change was coming. So, how do you reinvent this for a new century?

Sana Jardin was founded by Amy Christiansen back in 2017, but their approach to perfume creation was something completely new for the fragrance-buying customer. They practised with a more aromachology-based ethos, where the ingredients chosen, and in particular their molecular vibrations, were able to directly act upon the wearer. This took the concept of “wellness” to a new level, and the company’s worldwide success is testament to the fact that they are really connecting with their customers. Marrying an inspiration with a concept is not however the easiest thing to do, especially in the fashion-fast world of perfume, but it's been expertly achieved in Air of Aquarius.

Described as encouraging “transformative creative rebellion”, it manages to conjure a more introverted realisation of those combative days of the Sixties and Seventies. Gone are the heavy earthy tones, and in their place are mind-expanding washes of vibrant colour. Now, there were plenty of “mind altering effects” during the hippie age, but this fragrance provides a less “trippy” and more “meditative” quality. Thanks to perfumer Carlos Benaïm, Air of Aquarius perfectly delivers a scent that is “embracing, uplifting and buoyant”. So, whether clothed or unclothed, solo or in a group, it’s time to discover the scent of a new age.

Air of Aquarius opens with a vibrant blend of lemon, tangerine and petitgrain, so you’re immediately treated to a green and woody citrus medley that is wonderfully uplifting. This cologne-like grouping is then added to by aromatic lavender and rosemary, which contributes to the mind-clearing and focusing aspect of the scent. However, it’s the arrival of the metallic neroli that adds a truly reflective edge to the fragrance, like light glinting off a sword, before a watery touch of lily of the valley adds softness to the whole experience. With the final addition of a dry, mineral-esque amber mixing seamlessly with a comforting musk, Air of Aquarius is a perfume that triumphs in its simplicity by allowing the wearer a moment of scented clam.

Air of Aquarius is available from the Sana Jardin website at sanajardin.com, and also Space NK, priced at £32 for 10ml, £115 for 50ml, and £180 for 100ml. [Sample provided by Sana Jardin]