Ormonde Jayne, the renowned British perfume brand, has launched its latest fragrance, Arabesque. This enchanting and mystical scent takes perfume enthusiasts on a mesmerising olfactory journey through the Middle East, inspired by the captivating blend of flowers, fruits, and woods found in ancient art. Arabesque’s creation is a testament to the brand’s dedication to crafting unique, well-balanced fragrances that captivate the senses.
A Fragrance That Evokes the Middle East
Arabesque invites wearers to explore the evocative beauty of the Middle East through its intricate scent profile. The fragrance is a carefully curated fusion of ingredients, expertly combined to take you on a sensory journey that captures the essence of the region.
The top note of Arabesque is a vivacious and energetic blend of blackcurrant, which is skillfully intertwined with the citrusy aroma of Italian bergamot and a spicy shot of black pepper. This initial burst of fragrance sets the stage for a captivating olfactory experience. As the scent evolves, the heart of Arabesque reveals a harmonious interplay between rose and jasmine creating a sense of well-being and serenity. These floral elements combine to form the heart of the fragrance, bringing depth and complexity to the composition.
The base notes of Arabesque are a ground force of musk, moss, patchouli, and Oudh, which form a classic foundation for the fragrance. These rich, earthy elements provide a stable and lasting foundation for the more delicate and dynamic top and heart notes to build upon.
The Inspiration Behind Arabesque
Linda Pilkington, the founder of Ormonde Jayne, has a personal connection to the Middle East, which served as the primary source of inspiration for Arabesque.
“I was always looking towards the Orient from the time I was an avid traveller from a young age, gravitating East. It’s more interesting and mystical in the Middle East, far more alluring. The hustle and bustle of the souks, with the aromas of spices and fruits, vast empty spaces, staying out in the desert, watching the sunset from a sand dune. Some of my favourite memories are sailing down the Nile in a felucca, stopping to buy fruit and spices on the bank, and then more recently a fascinating visit to Ta’if, a hilltop desert town, tasting the most delicious oranges and drinking date juice.”
“Ormonde Jayne’s philosophy is intertwined with the art of travel, in particular the Silk Road. Following this ancient opiate pathway out of China and through the Eastern side of the Mediterranean is tremendously exciting as a perfumer and a creative director. There are oils and attars not widely used in the industry and Ormonde Jayne has made some of these into fine fragrances. It gives me immense joy to introduce attars like Oudh and Ta’if into fine fragrances with complex ingredients, worn by all people from around the world, it’s a very fertile aspect to the company.”
The Significance of the Name and Bottle Design
Linda’s creative process for Arabesque involved a unique approach to naming the fragrance. Unlike many perfumers who choose a name toward the end of the creative process, Linda’s notebook held the word “Arabesque” long before the scent took shape. The word itself, with its connotations of Islamic art and graceful dance movements, resonated with her and became the perfect choice for this new addition to The Four Corners of the Earth collection.
The bottle design for Arabesque is a reflection of the fragrance’s character and inspiration. Ormonde Jayne has revamped its bottles, incorporating more glass and higher lead content to create a stunning, crystal-like appearance. The choice of a light grey colour for the bottle pays homage to the intricate details seen in Islamic and Arabesque art, casting a slightly mysterious and alluring shadow.
The Creative Process Behind Arabesque
Arabesque is a testament to the meticulous and creative process followed by Ormonde Jayne in crafting their fragrances. This perfume, while complex, adheres to the brand’s unique style. The fragrance begins with an entrance of blackcurrant and a symphony of spice notes, including black pepper and saffron. It then transitions to a heady heart of jasmine and rose absolute, infused with the magic of patchouli and Oudh to bring it all together.
When creating a complex fragrance like Arabesque, the aim is to allow each individual ingredient to shine through, taking its turn in the spotlight until it harmoniously settles into a well-balanced, amberesque perfume. Arabesque is a sensory masterpiece, a sultry and intricate fragrance that captivates and mesmerizes, inspired by the rich tapestry of the Middle East.
This fragrance is a true testament to Ormonde Jayne’s commitment to creating unique, evocative scents that transcend boundaries and captivate the senses and is available now priced at £195 for 88ml and available at Harrods.com
