A travel journal by William Penhaligon himself was found in the archives. It contains a wonderful account of numerous journeys to distant lands, a list of exotic ingredients and inspirations for new fragrances to bring back and sell to the people of London. He sent a postcard with his olfactory, or sense of smell, discoveries home, first from Halfeti, then from Babylon and finally from Cairo.
Cairo is a shimmering golden monument to its past. A cradle of science, a centre of trade. Above, the skyline reflects mathematical magic, while below, the earth offers a wealth of fragrant riches that grow from the sacred soil. In this Mediterranean melting pot, there are a thousand minarets and a thousand fragrant gems. And so it is only natural that this atmospheric new fragrance from Penhaligon's – a story set in mystical, majestic Cairo – is impressive.
A melting pot of fragrant gems
Perfumer Christophe Raynaud understands that Cairo is both steeped in history and redefining itself in the modern world, drawing inspiration from both the present and the past; his recent trips to Egypt and the Louvre's collection of Egyptian antiquities were decisive factors in this.
To plan this new olfactory journey to the heart of this mystical city, the perfumer selected legendary ingredients from the ancient spice trade route: saffron and oud. The fragrance first awakens like the sun slowly rising over the ancient city, with a fascinating hint of spices, while saffron and burning incense reveal their provocative powers. With Damask rose, a thousand and one seductive facets create a full and fascinating heart, steeped in beauty and rich in promise. The balsamic scent of labdanum, aromatic cypriol and sweet vanilla conjures up the shimmering mirage of this timeless city. Finally, a triptych of expressive woods: sandalwood from Sri Lanka, Atlas cedarwood and patchouli reveal a softer, even more sensual fragrance.
Trade Routes
The collection comprises fragrances that are inspired by the luxurious and decadent commodities which were traded through London’s historic docks at the turn of the 19th Century. The rarest treasures from the far flung corners of the world piled up in abundance on the quays and every day more and more arrived. The warehouses were full with feathers, spices, silk, rare woods, tea, animal skins, fine porcelain, precious metals and gems. London was in a frenzy. London was the warehouse of the world. The preciousness and elegance of the goods that were traded on the London Docks inspired Penhaligon's to create their fragrance collection "Trade Routes".
