One had to mix two-three base notes, add two-three heart notes and then mix it with a choice of top notes. There was a variety of notes to choose from — ylang ylang, lavender oil, lemon oil, black pepper oil, cardamom oil and Iso E Super.
Check out their collection at www.bombayperfumery.com and at Bombaim on AJC Bose Road.
Indian fragrance brand, Bombay Perfumery, made its debut in Calcutta at The Space At 9/2 (54 Chowringhee) in April. t2 caught up with its founder-owner Manan Gandhi (below) to talk about fragrances....
How was Bombay Perfumery born?
My family is associated with the fragrance industry, we were sourcing ingredients and we were selling them to some big businesses. I was in France for the past five years and I felt like why there’s no contemporary Indian fragrance brand, especially when a lot of ingredients go abroad from India. So, about two years ago, I got some interesting perfumers on board. It took us hundreds of trials to reach the date that we launched in October. We have been in the market for six months.
When we think perfume, we think of international brands. Can a desi brand sustain itself?
Things are changing and that’s the reason I have to do this. Indian consumers, especially the young ones, are more than willing to give the home-grown brands a chance. I feel if you make an interesting product, people will be willing to support you.
The summer collection from label Shift was on display. We loved the cotton and silk fabrics and the conservative cuts that were totally on trend. Misho Designs brought giant hoops, mis-match earrings and cocktail finger rings. “We wanted to curate an event which is just not an exhibition but an experience. It was about connecting with the designers and their thoughts behind their creations,” said Anahita Kayan, creative director and curator of The Space At 9/2.
What are the Bombay Perfumery fragrances?
We have eight fragrances and some of them are lemon, woody, ginger, tuberose, jasmine, black pepper. The idea is to take traditional ingredients and put a contemporary spin on them, so when you smell it you feel like, oh I haven’t smelt anything like this before! So, distinctive is kind of a key word for us.
Where does the production happen?
We develop the fragrances in France; the bottling and packaging is done in India.
The label name has an old and vintage feel…
One of the companies my dad had started long ago was called Bombay Perfumery Products but it shut down. When I started this, I felt it’s the perfect way to tie our family history in. Also, I am from Bombay and it is my favourite city. I wanted that when people hear Bombay Perfumery, they realise it is an Indian brand.
What summer notes should one check out?
People should stick to fresh citrus notes, so even when the perfume wears out, it still smells fresh. We have a fragrance called 1020 which is based on ginger, citrus and wood. It’s very fresh and not heavy to give you a headache.
What type of fragrance should one wear when stepping out at night?
From our range, I would pick Moire that is based on tuberose. It is a sensual fragrance. I don’t think there is any guy who wouldn’t like to smell tuberose on a woman!
Pramita Ghosh
Pictures: Arnab Mondal
