An increasing trend in perfumery in recent years has been the desire to hunt out fragrances based on ingredients rather than the overall composition, so almost the reverse of the well-known saying “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”. This quest for a specific ingredient can often leave the hunter disappointed, as there are multiple varieties and strengths available to a perfumer, so is this really the best way to choose a scent? Long counters filled with endless choices used to be the norm so, instead of an ingredient-focused approach, are you ready to choose by complementary odour profile instead?
The idea of reconnecting with the past is something that has been at the forefront of many people’s minds over the past twelve months. That feeling of travelling back to simpler times, even experiencing the thoughts and feelings of forgotten generations, anything but the uncertainty of modern life. Perfume companies have tried to tap into this concept many times, with everything from the Pharaohs to World Wars, but one of the most ingenious has to be Neandertal. With a nod to the past both visually and sensorially, but celebrating the world around us, the company have created the sensational Neandertal Light.
Finding the right inspiration for a new perfume brand is often the springboard that leads to its success. Many have tried to find that magic “something” but it often proves illusive even to those with boundless energy and drive. When Imogen Russon-Taylor decided that she wanted to launch her own fragrance house she had to hunt for the individuality that would set her apart from everybody else, and she found it very near to home. Kingdom Scotland launched at the end of 2018 with a collection of three scents and success was clearly on the horizon. A Fragrance Foundation Award Nominee, it's time to head to Edinburgh.
