At AIRE Ancient Baths, the sensory experience extends beyond the spaces and water—it is also deeply connected to the fragrance that fills every corner. To explore the creative process behind this iconic scent, we interviewed Sebastien Lacouture, perfumer at Scentmate by dsm-firmenich, the mastermind behind Orange Garden, the aroma that encapsulates the essence of AIRE. In this interview, Lacouture shares how this unique fragrance came to life, designed to transport our visitors to a state of complete relaxation and serenity.
The Inspiration Process
The creation of the fragrance began with a search for ingredients that could evoke the spirit of AIRE: from its roots in the Andalusian courtyards of southern Spain to the ancient bathing rituals of Greek, Roman, and Ottoman civilizations. The goal was to craft a tailor-made fragrance that would reflect this rich historical heritage.
The selection of ingredients was closely tied to the Mediterranean, a region that has served as a source of inspiration since antiquity. Lacouture aimed to capture the essence of these ancient bathing traditions and interpret them through the lens of modern luxury perfumery.
Creating an Exclusive Fragrance
The next step was to infuse the fragrance with a luxurious structure, using high-quality ingredients typically reserved for fine fragrances from top-tier brands. The challenge was to merge tradition with modernity, blending age-old essential oil extraction techniques with the latest advancements in perfumery.
“I wanted to mix modernity—using current perfumery methods and ingredients—with the traditions of Mediterranean raw materials”, Lacouture explains. The result is a fragrance that harmoniously combines the best of both worlds, offering a rich and unique sensory experience.
Selecting the Olfactory Notes
Each note in this fragrance was carefully chosen to create a sensory journey that awakens, calms, and comforts.
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Top notes: The fragrance opens with a fresh and invigorating twist. Citrus notes like high-quality Italian bergamot, lemon, and mandarin bring a burst of energy, evoking the Mediterranean.
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Heart notes: The floral heart blends tranquility and elegance, with natural neroli, orange blossom, and a rich jasmine accord adding warmth and peaceful sophistication.
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Base notes: Modern musks provide a sense of serenity and sophistication. These musks lend depth and richness, helping the fragrance last longer and creating a smooth, warm undertone.
This harmonious composition is designed to evoke a sense of complete relaxation, perfectly aligned with the wellness philosophy of AIRE.
How the Fragrance Evokes Relaxation
The fragrance incorporates a patented technology called EMOTIONS, which has been proven to elicit specific feelings—in this case, relaxation. By using this innovative technology, the fragrance not only delights the senses but also enhances emotional well-being, allowing the wearer to experience deep relaxation with every breath.
What Makes This Fragrance Unique
What sets this fragrance apart is the seamless blend of traditional ingredients with modern innovations. Beyond the luxurious raw materials, the use of advanced fragrance technology like EMOTIONS elevates the experience, making this fragrance a true extension of AIRE’s philosophy of wellness and tranquility.
How the Fragrance Represents AIRE
The goal of this fragrance was to create a signature scent that would connect with AIRE’s brand story—its origins, rituals, environment, and overall experience. Lacouture aimed to develop a fragrance that, much like the “Proustian madeleine” effect, could instantly transport you to the world of AIRE through scent memory. The idea was to allow people to reconnect with the AIRE experience wherever they are, simply by inhaling this distinctive aroma.
A Fragrance in Lacouture’s Words
The fragrance, named "Orange Garden", is described as "a breath of fresh florals where the elegance of neroli meets the calming essence of tea leaves and the warmth of creamy sandalwood." It’s a fragrance crafted for those who seek both relaxation and sophistication, embodying the perfect balance of tranquility and luxury.
