Written by Shathurth Kiritharan
Edited by CHIQIO
Keywords: London, scent, perfume, petrichor, parks, history, nature
Meta description: Discover the essence of London through a unique perfume inspired by the city’s iconic scents, from rainy parks to historic streets
As I reflect on the myriad of cities I’ve had the pleasure of exploring, London particularly stands out. This sprawling, historical yet modern city offers a sensory experience unlike any other. The scents of London are as complex as the city itself, varying from street to street and region to region, capturing all the different subcultures and environments that exist within this massive city.
The Scents of London
The air often carries a subtle dampness, a testament to the city’s infamous rain and fog. This underlying note of petrichor — the earthy scent of rain on dry ground — serves as a constant reminder of London’s showery weather.
Layered on top of this base is the rich aroma of history. As you wander through the winding alleys of the City, or stroll along the banks of the Thames, you can almost smell the centuries gone by the scent of hundred year old stones emanates from ancient buildings.
Green spaces, which are abundant in London, with trees outnumbering people, provide a calming scent of nature amongst the urban hustle. These parks often perfectly juxtapose the beauty of untouched nature with the awe-inspiring scale of the man-made. Some parks offer more refined botanical scents, echoing their royal history.
Designing a London-Inspired Perfume
If I were to design a perfume that captures the essence of London, I would love to primarily focus on this earthy, rainy park scent. This is because the green space in London is one of the things I love most about the city. The parks act as places for rest and relaxation during warm summer evenings, where you can observe many people laughing and spending time with their loved ones. During rainy nights they are atmospheric and almost create the sense that you are far out from the city and deep in nature.
Top Notes
I would choose crisp notes that reflect London’s energy and the freshness that follows its frequent rain showers. Bergamot would be a key component. I’d pair this with a hint of mint, reminiscent of the city’s many parks and gardens.
Middle Notes
The heart of the perfume would capture the city’s rich cultural tapestry and its blend of tradition and modernity. Rose would be central here, a nod to England’s national flower and the beautiful blooms found in London’s royal gardens. To complement the top notes I would include a tiny amount of petrichor — doing this in a way which is minimally detectable to the nose as humans are very sensitive to the smell.
Base Notes
Leather could invoke the historical nature of the city, as well as the many famous leatherworks and fashion houses which originated from the city. The scent is familiar and loved. Oak moss would add to the forest, nature smell.
The resulting fragrance would be sophisticated yet approachable, traditional yet surprising — much like London itself.
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