There's something almost magical about watching the world wake up. As dawn painted the skies in Grasse, I stood amidst a sea of white, the air thick with an aroma that felt like a whispered secret between Earth and the heavens. The scent was pure, intoxicating, and almost otherworldly-imagine the sweetest embrace of nature. This was Joseph Mul's farm, the birthplace of the jasmine that is so integral to Chanel's legendary fragrances.
THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE JASMINE
So, why the early start? Jasmine flowers are most fragrant in the morning, their oils at their peak concentration. Moreover, the delicate petals can easily be bruised by the sun's harsh rays. Picking them in the cooler hours ensures that they retain their integrity and fragrance.
As I wandered through the fields, I watched flower pickers with their seasoned hands, moving with a rhythm honed through years. Their care and precision were evident: only the finest blossoms were chosen and handpicked. By mid-morning, the day's harvest is complete.
A SCALE AND A PROMISE
As I watched the freshly harvested jasmine flowers being weighed, a staggering fact hit me: 700kg of these delicate blossoms yield only one kilogram of absolute. That's 5.6 million flowers, each handpicked with care.
What took me by surprise was Chanel's ingenious approach. Right at the end of the sprawling fields stood their factory. The reason? Time is of the essence. The flowers begin to oxidise the moment they're plucked, so processing them immediately is crucial to capture their pristine scent.
Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av Harper's BAZAAR Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
FASHION IS POWER
American author, filmmaker, psychologist and educator Roberta Degnore who teaches a world-first course called "The Psychology of Gender, Perception, and Self-Expression in Fashion" at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology argues that fashion is anything but frivolous.
The Italian Who Does It Better
After fifty years in fashion, Giorgio Armani—the man and the brand is still a force to be reckoned with.
Most Stylish Women 2024
Stylishness isn’t just about being fashionable. Instead, it’s a blend of self-assurance, passion and stories that makes the idea of style so multifaceted and rich. From a mother and daughter duo who approach dressing up with equal exuberance, to an entrepreneur championing the varied tales of batik to a singer-songwriter showing her chic chops with a walking stick, meet the 10 women who inspire us with their singular takes on personal style.
CITY ON HIGH
One city, 10 collaborators, 10 collections-Moncler lit up Shanghai with its City Of Genius showcase.
PRETTY NOVEL 172
Franck Muller presents its smallest skeleton movement to date in beautiful miniaturised novelties from the Round collection.
THE JOIE
Chopard's newest global brand ambassador Bella Hadid details her appreciation for the Maison and what she loves about its jewellery.
SOUL SEARCHING
In Rajasthan, India, a first-time visitor explores two stunningly singular Aman properties and experiences the raw and powerful beauty of the northwestern state.
INTO THE BLUE
With the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, the watchmaker is on a mission to safeguard our most precious resources, including the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area in Indonesia.
LIFE IN TRANSIT
Entrepreneur and creative multi-hyphenate Sherry Ang shares how her transitional home blends elegant simplicity with the vibrant chaos of family life.
YES,CHEFS!
BAZAAR talks to three of the hottest names in Singapore's culinary scene to get the hot, hard truths of the trade.
