Varanasi

The authentic soul of India.

Varanasi is inspired by my trip to India in 2017, and tells the story of what remains of India in my heart, my mind, my soul, and my nose.

Varanasi is a sacred and profane place of smell, rich in contrasts and meanings. I composed this perfume, guided by the visceral emotion I felt the day I held the sacred water of the Ganges in my hands. I searched my olfactory memory and found the source from which everything was created. Varanasi is an olfactory mandala, where the aquatic and animalistic notes of Ambergris lull our soul. The ritual begins with the warm, red, spicy notes of Saffron, Nutmeg, and Cardamom. A dizzying approach to the floral heart, amulets of Rose and Jasmine, a powdery, woody core of Ambrette and Cypriol. Like a Sadhu draped in white ash, the ritual takes shape amidst the sacred notes of Spikenard, Incense, and Gurjum. The perfume becomes a magical, uncompromising experience. A swirling chant rises in the Varanasi night, the temple, the shadows walking around, OudVetiver and a mystical leather accord envelop our body. The sounds of unknown instruments. Dawn breaks on the slow-flowing river. Varanasi is the place where spirituality sublimates the human being. Where souls will seek refuge. Varanasi is a magnetic perfume.

[ Varanasi was conceived, created and arranged, listening in each of these phases to the album: Stockhausen & Mortazavi - Hamdelaneh ]

Olfactory family: ORIENTAL

Facet: LEATHER, SPICY, WOODY              

Composition: Oud, Leather accord, Ambergris, Gurjum, Saffron, Spikenard, Incense, Vetiver, Ambrette, Cypriol, Nutmeg, Cardamom, Jasmine, Rose.