Pyramid and Olfactory Families - Olfactory Lounge

This classification was developed to create a common descriptive language, which would allow everyone to better understand the fragrances that surround us.

For example, if a fragrance is composed of woods and citrus, there are two possible interpretations:

• if woods are the predominant note, we are talking about a woody fragrance with citrus facets, characterised by a dry and decisive beginning;
• on the contrary, if citrus fruits are the ones that prevail, the fragrance will be defined as citrus with woody facets, less persistent than the previous one.

"Knowing the ingredients of a perfume is certainly fascinating, but only their combination can capture its true essence."

Classifying and recognizing the dominant character of a fragrance is one of the keys to understanding its emotional message, immersing ourselves in its magic and appreciating its beauty.

Natural ambergris, coming from the bellies of sperm whales, is now a rare treasure, difficult to find and of inestimable value. In perfumery, the amber accord is recreated using vanilla, labdanum, benzoin and balsams.

of Peru and Tolu.

The Eleventh Labor of Hercules.

"During his exploits, Hercules stole some apples. According to the ancients, this garden of the Hesperides where the apples were placed was located at the foot of Atlas."

In 1988, the dihydromyrcenol-citrus accord that inspired Davidoff's Cool Water brought a new freshness to the citrus family. This family of fragrances originated with Aqua Mirabilis by Giampaolo Feminis and evolved into traditional eau de Colognes such as Acqua di Colonia 4711 and Acqua di Parma .

The essence of citrus evokes sensations of freshness, sparkle and joy, as if you were immersed in a garden of the Gods, among the scents of golden apples and

of the evening nymphs.

These fragrant essences, different from dried spices, are used in cooking, perfumery and medicine, to give a touch of freshness and vivacity to compositions.

Among the most used aromatic plants, we find the fragrant thyme, the fragrant

sage, rosemary, mint and basil, alongside delicate notes of tea. Lavender, a symbol of the aromatic family, is often used in compositions to add freshness and a rustic touch.

These essences blend perfectly with marine and ozonic notes, creating a harmony of great dynamism and a sporty touch.

"The universe of floral perfumes is a kaleidoscope of nuances, ranging from fresh to sensual. Floral fragrances evoke intense emotions, from seduction to richness, to delicate joy and tenderness."

Every flower inspires master perfumers and the list would be endless: from the rose loved by Parfums de Rosine , to the violet celebrated by Ludovico Borsari in Violetta di Parma ; from the intense tuberose of Chloe and Giorgio di Beverly Hills , to the jasmine symbol of Joy by Patou ; from the fresh and spring-like lily of the valley of Diorissimo by Dior, to the exotic ylang of Fidji by Guy Laroche .

Classic and elegant perfumes such as Chanel N. 5, Arpège by Lanvin, Vent Vert by Balmain and Chanel N. 19 are based on the synergy between flowers and aldehydes.

This is the family of fougère perfumes, born from the famous Fougère Royale by Houbigant, created in 1882. Its name, although it may suggest a fern scent, is actually just a fantasy name.

These elements combine to create the classic and sophisticated structure of the fougère fragrance.

Lavender Base: It is the heart of the fragrance, giving freshness and a herbaceous touch.

Heart Notes of Geranium: Adds a green and fresh floral accent.

Oakmoss Accord: Provides depth and a moist, woody, earthy feel.

Top Notes of Bergamot: Adds a fresh, citrusy opening.

Touch of Coumarin: Provides a sweet, warm and slightly spicy undertone.

"The refined, timeless and aristocratic elegance evoked by these fragrances is destined to enchant the soul."

It was François Coty who composed the first chypre symphony, an ode to the island of Cyprus, a favorite destination for those who drank from high society. In an essence, the creator immortalized the sensations he felt during his journey: if his art had been painting, rather than perfumery, he would have painted an enchanted landscape.

Among the timeless fragrances belonging to this family, Mitsouko by Guerlain and Aromatics Elixir by Clinique are the most famous. In modern version, we find many fragrances, including Narciso Rodriguez for Her which is certainly the most successful.

Since time immemorial, woods have been the pillars of men's fragrances, carrying with them an aura of nobility and mystery. Their notes can be refreshed with a breath of marine, citrus or aromatic aromas, or made enveloping and sensual with touches of spices, leather, oriental, fruity, gourmand and chypre notes.

Among the great founders of this olfactory family is the famous Pino Silvestre by Vidal, a fresh woody fragrance that gave birth to a true dynasty of perfumes.

"In the realm of arcane oriental perfumes, the most beloved notes are like a symphony of spells. Essences of vanilla and ambergris intertwine their melodies, while sandalwood and patchouli dance together in a magical dance. The sweet resins of labdanum and benzoin combine with the most fragrant spices, such as cardamom, pink pepper, coriander, cinnamon and clove, to create a unique and unforgettable perfumed poem."

It was Shalimar, the magician who inaugurated the legendary "guerlinade", a spell of vanilla and tonka bean that would enchant future creations of the Maison Guerlain. Its bottle, inspired by the majesty of Buddhist stupas, earned the honor of being the best artistic and decorative object at a prestigious exhibition in Paris in 1925.

Since then, the Maison Guerlain has continued to be fascinated by oriental notes, which have inspired many of their future wonders, from the celebrated Samsara of 1989 to the more recent Instant of 2003 and Mon Guerlain of 2018.