The Cognoscenti

From trends and techniques to how to layer scents for better sillage, and notable fragrance accents for the year, let the nose lead the way.

- PHILIPPINE COURTIERE

GIORGIO ARMANI “A perfume is more than an extract; it is a presence in abstraction.  A perfume, for me, is a mystique.”

Myth in a bottle or magic in a potion, perfumes add the lyricism of self-expression to one’s personality. So what is it that makes a scent morph into perfume; and an essence, a statement of individuality? Although, the fragrance industry is not as sensitive to trends as the fashion world, there are notable drifts, and trending ingredients that hold sway. The theme for global perfume trends though, are rather broad-based this year. First and foremost, the fragrance industry, like most other segments of luxury, is smitten by sustainability. Consumers are increasingly aware of climate change and to meet their expectations for environmental protection, many brands are beginning to transform their way of production. In India, a profound connection with nature is a cultural thing and, therefore, this mindset is an interesting purveyor in the domestic industry. On the whole, natural claims, impacts more than half the consumers on purchase decisions in India. Thus it’s easy to understand the importance of nature and its extractions for the Indian people.

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