‘You are your own heroine.’
Lady Blanche's sister, Constance, could not have a more contrasting view of social order. When it comes to the roles of women, husbands and children, Constance seems a little more progressive than her sister – and that's putting it mildly. Convinced that a woman can play a more important role in society than just being an accessory on a walk – however pleasant that may be – she despises her sister's leisurely and carefree lifestyle.
She strives for work, plays an active role in society, wants to take on responsibility and even wears trousers. Despite all this, men fall at her feet, children love her and she is treated specially by the staff. Actions speak louder than words.
Her demeanour allows her to overcome all traditions. A spicy wind of change announces her presence: cooling cardamom and modern hot allspice leaves stir up the room. Much to her sister's horror. She ignores convention, storms into the room and shocks London high society with a lively androgynous cashmere: woody, fresh and as spicy as her rebellious personality. Feminist and feminine, like the sensual addiction to salted butter caramel she enjoyed as a child.
In a word, she is courageous and beautiful on the inside. Or is it the warm and sexy smell of smoke that attracts attention? As she leaves the room, she leaves behind a warm and masculine scent of tobacco, because of course she smokes.
Once upon a time...
Even if no one is quite sure when it all happened. Somewhere in the rolling hills of the English countryside, surrounded by majestic oak trees, the sun rises gently over a stately country estate whose foundations were laid shortly after the arrival of William the Conqueror. At least, that's the story.
Unburdened by politics and war, two or three domestic servants laboriously set about their work. They open the curtains, draw baths, beat carpets and light the stoves. Everything to prepare for the morning gathering of the family they serve. The preparations for breakfast are no more elaborate than for the other meals of the day. But the time available for all the work from dawn onwards is simply insufficient. The tension is enormous.
The family ...
Lord George and his family greet each other warmly and effusively in the morning. There is great joy at the first meeting of the day. What really lies behind the good manners of the British? Aristocracy? Perhaps it's time to find out. Incidentally, not all of the characters presented here sit down at the breakfast table on time. Some of them are late because the affairs of the night have kept them up... others would be better off not showing up at this formal breakfast at all. That would be highly inappropriate. But it's all about appearances.
By the way: none of this is true. But even if the characters are fictional, their relevance is not far-fetched. And their scent, their perfume – the scent of scandal – brightens up the rooms.
Portraits
What are the secrets of the British aristocracy?
Are its members really as well-mannered, polite and courteous as they seem? The portraits are a tribute to typical Englishness – somewhere between the establishment, humour and provocation. Discover the secrets of the British aristocracy in an eccentric collection of extraordinary fragrances.
The revolutionary bottle depicts each portrait by means of an animal head adorning the cap, representing the personality of the respective character. For the packaging of the portraits, artist Kristjana S Williams combined fragments of Victorian paintings with contemporary illustrations and colours.
The result is magical landscapes full of exotic creatures. The Icelandic artist graduated from the renowned Central Saint Martins in London. Her illustrations have won numerous awards and enjoy great popularity.
