In the lead up to the Holy month of Ramadan, French Haute Parfumerie Henry Jacques gives centre-stage to four of its Oud fragrances – both as an ode to the region and as a nod to the maison’s deep-rooted ties in the Arab world.
For almost half a century, Henry Jacques has been crafting some of the world’s finest essences by virtue of its unique savoir-faire, respect for traditional values, and constant innovation. With beginnings as a ‘bespoke’ house, the maison has created an endless array of fragrances over the years.
Oud, an integral part of Middle Eastern culture for centuries, has an aroma that is rich and soothing. This rare delicacy, which becomes a staple during Ramadan, forms the centrepiece of several fragrances in Henry Jacques’ repertoire.
Three of Henry Jacques’ Ouds – Dar Abu Dhabi, Mandala and Deep Forest – are exclusive to the Dubai boutique. Handcrafted to adorn both men and women, like all Henry Jacques fragrances, these scents are created as pure Essences only, available in both 15ml and 30ml flacons. Correspondance, more feminine, is available in both Essence and Brumes (spray) versions.
Dar Abu Dhabi is crafted from the finest Oud and carefully selected ingredients from Henry Jacques’ library. It evokes a pure connection with local traditions. This woody-floral fragrance opens with saffron, iris and geranium, followed by Egyptian jasmine, Dehen el Oud and Peruvian balsam at its core. At the tail end, we have amber, Bourbon vanilla and cedarwood for a woody touch.
Mandala combines leather, Dehen el Oud and incense, a perfect blend for a night in a Cigar lounge or a cosy evening with friends with Bukhoor swinging in the air. Sweet leathery notes take charge at the opening, along with lavender and clove. It turns warm and woody with Oud and incense, followed by the trio of cedarwood, sandalwood and labdanum – adding a magical impression to the whole olfactory journey.
Deep Forest begins with a beautiful marriage of Saffron and Rose. Following closely behind in the procession are Dehen el Oud, white musk and cedarwood. Finally, we feel the presence of sandalwood, patchouli leaf and amber. This fragrance is a memorable procession where the well-rounded combination of ingredients come into play one by one.
Correspondance is “a love letter to the spirit of travel in the Orient,” where romanticism is conjured with precious flowers and woods. Correspondance opens with a combination of three floral fragrances – hyacinth, Damascenia rose and Iris. At its heart are rose de Mai, apricot and patchouli. In this fragrance, Dehen el Oud makes its presence felt in the latter stage along with ambergris and vanilla. This fragrance invokes the region’s elegance with a traditional European touch.
