Freedom. Fantasy. Fetish. The language pebbled through zealous marketing copy for fragrances often reads like truly appalling poetry. But, then again, in the same vein of quandary when using words to describe colour, how does one accurately do the same for scent, when olfactive journeys can be so varied? The synapses in our brain may very well fire wildly when confronted with a single spritz of jasmine absolute. Or bergamot harvested from Sicily. Or ylang-ylang, base-noted with accords of leather. While makeup may have more straightforward affiliations to art, it's the evocative journeys prompted by scents that do as art does: imply, suggest and, for some olfactive blends and noses more than others, force a reckoning.
For some, art is so entirely integral to the process of creation it's a facet entirely woven into the business itself. “Guerlain and art," says Ann Caroline Prazan, the beauty brand's director of art, culture and heritage, "have enjoyed a unique, almost unbreakable relationship." It was recorded that as early as 1828, Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain had associated himself and his brand with painters like Louise Abbéma, who was entrusted to decorate the boutiques. Later, Jacques Guerlain, a steadfast patron of the arts, especially those of Édouard Manet, Camille Pissarro and Claude Monet Monet's The Magpie, which has now found home in the Musée d'Orsay, once hung in the Guerlain workshop despite public opinion at the time, also found his own decorator in artist Jean-Michel Frank.
So, the spirit of artistic revelation has since crept its way into the very fabric of Guerlain's sensorial oeuvre, most patently in the L'Art & La Matière collection, which pairs perfumers with works of art.
Denne historien er fra April 2023-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra April 2023-utgaven av Prestige 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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TRIUMPH OF IMAGINATION
Cartier’s latest limited-edition Tutti Tutti jewellery collection is a joyful expression of the house’s boundless creativity and commitment to pushing design boundaries.
Dancing on a Palate
Singapore is a haven for gourmets seeking the next must-visit food spots. Here are four that offer flavours from the region and beyond.
THE X FACTOR
Geely’s Zeekr X is an all-electric poweiimes of a compact SUV that packs plenty of Scandinavian charm into a sumptuous cabin.
MISSION TO ENGAGE
Filmmaker HE SHUMING crafts his stories of human connection with the aim of sparking the magic of cinema.
PORT OF DELIGHT
The Douro Valley, the home of port wine, offers more than just exceptional vintages. Here, visitors are immersed in centuries-old winemaking traditions, luxurious retreats and awe-inspiring landscapes.
ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA
The Paraiba tourmaline has become the gemstone du jour, a stunning showcase of electric blue and green capturing the hearts of their wearers. But what exactly is it about these vibrant gems that has caught the world's attention?
A House of Enchantment
Van Cleef & Arpels' Asia Pacific president JULIE CLODY MEDINA sheds light on the enduring popularity of the classic Alhambra, and why the jewellery maison is on a mission to share its savoir-faire with the widest possible audience.
Wonder in Every Moment
From a Santos-Dumont that tells the time backwards to the Reflections bracelet watch that mirrors a dial using a polished surface, Cartier's latest timepieces revolve around the theme of magic. Cartier image, style and heritage director PIERRE RAINERO shares more.
IN PERFECT HARMONY
breathes fresh life into one of its oldest watch families inspired by a classical design principle.
HEAVENLY HOST
Capella Hotel group president CRISTIANO RINALDI reveals what the World's Best Hotel Brand has in store.