Put it in your mouth, but don't eat it, advises Christine Nagel, indicating a shriveled fruit the size of an M&M the table. In my previous passes at on exploring perfume ingredients, I've never been asked to taste them, but I'm game, trusting in the process of Hermès' in-house perfumer. I detect no flavor initially, just dried skin, but this blossoms into a full, floral sweetness after I suck on a slice of lemon.
The fruit is the miracle berry, native to West Africa and renowned for its ability to transform sour flavours into sweet. The berry has been a grail for Nagel since she became a perfumer three decades ago.
"The miracle berry is associated with the early part of my life," says Nagel. "When I was young, I used to love reading tales from Asia, Europe, Greece and Africa. I remember a story of a little African magician who lived in a baobab tree. The magician was adored and worshipped by the villagers because he could make sweet everything that was sour, even people's character.
"I've always thought about that story since I became a perfumer. I've always looked for that miraculous fruit." She found it five years ago and wove it into Barénia, Hermès' latest fragrance and Nagel's "treasure" that has taken a decade to be realised.
We are sitting in Nagel's workshop in Hermès' headquarters in Paris. She's relaxed in shaded spectacles, black leather jacket, and dark jeans and boots. With its floor to ceiling windows, the workshop is flooded with light. In one corner, there's a yellow Hermès surfboard depicting African fauna and flora, a gift from Hermès Horizons after she made a perfume wax for the house's bespoke department, a pair of rollerblades - "I love rollerblading!" - and a Hermès dog bed for her pet, Twilly. The art on the wall is personal.
Denne historien er fra September 2024-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.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 2024-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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
ABSOLUMENT FAB
France's premier fair for fine-art and antiques returns for its third edition inside its new home in the Grand Palais.
Through the Director's Lens
Filmmaker JIA ZHANGKE and his protégé RAFAEL MANUEL share their perspectives on life, cinema and their current projects.
SAILING INTO A DREAM
Scenes from the fantasy feature Game of Thrones come to life in the otherworldly landscapes of the Arctic Circle.
THE CUTTING EDGE
Having long played quiet supporting roles in the gem industry, gem cutters are finally having their day in the sun. Four acclaimed independent master gem cutters share more about their love of the craft and the creation of their best pieces.
Spheres of Power
Following up on the gold- and titanium-focused Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams launch collection, the superstar now turns to pearls for a softer, but no less striking, second act.
Horological Masterpieces Reimagined
Beyond the wrist, these timekeepers transcend all traditional boundaries.
WILD IMAGINATION
Cartier's latest category-spanning Panthère de Cartier novelties showcase the endless ways in which the panther continues to inspire.
READY FOR ACTION
The latest watch to come from the celebrated Richard Mille and McLaren partnership looks set to be another trailblazing timepiece.
THE RIGHT ANGLES
Twenty-five years after the launch of its last new collection, Twenty-4, Patek Philippe introduces the Cubitus range.
IN THE MIX
What we enjoy about fine jewellery by established luxury houses is that their relatively minimalist designs and cohesive codes make them ideal for stacking and mixing in various ways.