Scents have a unique influence on our lives, transcendental from birth. From the first moments, when we are welcomed into maternal arms, the mother's scent becomes an integral part of our sensory experience, establishing an essential emotional bond and providing a sense of serenity.
Nowadays, more than ever, perfumes are not just a luxury, but a basic need for many in contemporary society. The search for the perfect fragrance is not just about vanity, but about satisfying a fundamental human need for expression and identity. It is a way of adorning yourself with an invisible aura, which transcends the physical and connects directly to the inner self.
In different cultures, this need is met in different ways. Whether through aromatic oils in India, scented incense in Japan, or sophisticated lotions in the West, the search for the ideal fragrance is a constant everywhere in the world. This diversity reflects not only the variety of tastes and preferences, but also the richness of the human experience in its entirety.
Understanding the History of fragrance is to understand the role of perfumes, not only as a sensory indulgence, but also recognizing the importance of small daily rituals that connect us with our own being and with the perception of ourselves and others around us. Within the universe of fragrances, there is a mysterious connection that transcends the senses, uniting smells, memories, tastes, and even sounds. A belief rooted in centuries ago suggests that certain fragrances are intrinsically linked to different musical tones, an olfactory symphony that has echoed since ancient times.
Dating back 150 years ago, the perfumer G.W. Septimus Piesse, in 1867, highlighted this fusion between aromas and music, proclaiming that “there is, as it were, an octave of smells like an octave in music”. For Piesse, understanding and appreciating both music and fragrances are similar, echoing harmonically in our perceptions.
Still in the history of perfumes, the French immortalized the term “parfum” to describe the aromas exuded by burning incense. Surprisingly, the first form of perfume dates back to the Mesopotamians, around 4000 years ago, when incense was manufactured and used in religious ceremonies. Ancient cultures used a range of resins and woods, incinerating them in their rituals. Egypt, known for its cultural richness and sophistication, saw the arrival of incense around 3000 BC, but it was only during the Golden Age that perfumes were democratized, abandoning their exclusivity initially reserved for priests.
As ordinary Egyptians began to enjoy the lush scents, they adopted elaborate beauty rituals, immersing themselves in perfumed baths and invigorating their skin with aromatic oils, thus enhancing sensory pleasures.
The 19th century, marked by an era of innovation and progress, witnessed profound transformations in the perfume industry. Changes in tastes and advances in chemistry paved the way for modern perfumery. If before perfumes were extracted exclusively from a flower, today they have become a complex symphony of notes, a harmonious blend of natural and synthetic chemicals that give identity and depth to contemporary fragrances. But even though technology is present, tradition in luxury perfumery has become a differentiating factor.
LES EAUX RÊVÉES, EAU RÊVÉE D'HUBERT BY SISLEY PARIS
The fragrance collection Les Eaux Rêvées Disembark in Brazil with the perfume Eau Rêvée d'Hubert. Dream Waters, in a free translation, contains six fragrances inspired by family members (four fragrances are named after D'Ornano's grandchildren). In particular, the most recent of the fragrances is called “L'Eau Rêvée d'Hubert”, which pays homage to Hubert's love for the fragrance and bears the signature of his wife Isabelle d'Ornano and perfumer Alexis Dadier.
Isabelle designed this fragrance with the intention of capturing the distinctive and vigorous essence of geranium, giving it a powerful and original opening. The intrinsic relationship between the brand and the history of the D'ornano family is fundamental to understanding this fragrance. Since its founding in 1976, Sisley Paris has been a French family business, started by Hubert and Isabelle d'Ornano. Today, his legacy is perpetuated by his son Philippe d'Ornano and his daughter Christine d'Ornano, representing three generations of dedication and excellence in the beauty sector. With an unwavering commitment to French savoir-faire, all skincare products are meticulously manufactured in France, reflecting the family's passion and pride in the artisanal tradition.
The olfactory journey of L'Eau Rêvée d'Hubert begins with a refreshing, green explosion, evoking the feeling of a blossoming garden. As it melts with the skin, it reveals layers of notes that gradually warm up. With vibrant top notes of Mint, Agathosma and Shiso, followed by a seductive heart of Geranium, Papyrus and Cedar, this fragrance is an ode to nature and timeless elegance. Its base, enriched with Oak Moss, Patchouli and Ambroxa, provides lasting depth.
A fragrant tribute to the harmony between past and present, this is an essence that transcends time, capturing a story of love and French elegance.
