AN ODE TO OMAN

Amouage's chief creative officer RENAUD SALMON shares insights about the high perfumery house's new Escape chapter from the Oman-inspired Odyssey collection.

- RENAUD SALMON

Established in Oman in 1983, Amouage has redefined the art of Arabian perfumery. The niche fragrance house seamlessly merges Eastern and Western influences, taking inspiration from the country's rich heritage as a hub of trade for incense and myrrh. 

Amouage perfumes bear a sophisticated signature, and comprise the finest and rarest ingredients sourced from around the globe. The result is a tapestry of multi-faceted florals, deep spice and wood combinations, and lingering contrasts. Among its repertoire of memorable scents is the Odyssey collection, an Oman-inspired range that its chief creative officer Renaud Salmon introduced upon joining the house in 2019.

Now, Amouage has introduced Escape, the third chapter of this collection. Each representing a distinct fragrance family, the quartet of scents evokes the enchanting Masirah Island, a secluded destination along Oman's eastern coast. Presented in elegant translucent flacons, they are adorned with hues that reflect the natural landscapes of the location.

In Singapore to launch the collection, Salmon discusses his creative process behind Escape and the house's future endeavours.

What drew you to Amouage?

Four years ago, when I was living in New York, I got a call from Amouage and I came onboard as it is the ultimate dream to create for such a prestigious house. I want to bring the house back to its roots and spotlight the craft as the heart of the house. Amouage has such a unique set-up in Oman. I'm trying to channel elevated modernity when it comes to the artistic language of the collections and bring a contemporary feel to the house.

How do you achieve that while retaining the soul of Amouage?