Making Scents with LOEWE
Resident nose, Núria Cruelles, takes us on an olfactory tour of the brand’s hometown via five of its beloved Un Paseo Por Madrid fragrances
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Making Scents with LOEWE
Resident nose, Núria Cruelles, takes us on an olfactory tour of the brand’s hometown via five of its beloved Un Paseo Por Madrid fragrances
By: Shannon PeterBe it the time-honed skill of the ceramicist, the olfactive acrobatics of the perfumer or the intricate musings of master goldsmiths: as our 150th anniversary dawns, Liberty has joined forces with celebrated editor, stylist and creative director, Leith Clark to shine a light on artisanal craftsmanship unbound. Delve into Liberty’s legacy as Leith curates a selection of 150 pieces from Liberty’s past and present, each with their own unique story to tell.
As those who have visited Madrid can attest, it’s hard to sum up the energy of this city. Vibrant, eclectic, fervent, full of spirit. See – words just seem to fall short. Scent, however, does a far better job of capturing its magic. Or at least LOEWE’s Un Paseo Por Madrid collection certainly does. A series of nine fragrances each crafted to bottle a specific element of the brand’s historic and spiritual home, expect to be whisked away on an olfactory journey through the chaos and culture of Madrid, starting with La Bella Cibeles, the scent chosen by Leith Clark for Liberty's 150th Anniversary edit.
It was something of a once-in-a-lifetime project for LOEWE’s in-house nose, Núria Cruelles, to work on. “[This collection] is incredibly important to me personally, as well as to the brand story, because it embodies the essence of LOEWE’s heritage and the vibrant culture of Madrid,” she explains. “It’s inspired by the city’s multi-layered lifestyle and each fragrance evokes unique experiences, spaces, and moments in time, showcasing the depth and richness of Spanish culture.”
Every bit as unexpected as they are understated, the new collection is reflective of the LOEWE creative philosophy. “Working to craft perfumes that translate feelings, concepts, and the essence of the entire LOEWE universe into scents is both surprising and challenging,” Cruelles admits. “Turning my passion for perfumes into a way of life has been a rewarding journey, allowing me to explore endless creative possibilities.”
Here, playing something of an olfactory tour guide, Cruelles takes us on a whistlestop tour of Madrid’s greatest sights and smells…
La Bella Cibeles
“To create LOEWE Un Paseo por Madrid La Bella Cibeles, we were inspired by the sculptural fountain at Madrid’s Plaza de Cibeles. This iconic symbol of the city, known for its elegance and grandeur, became the heart of our inspiration. We wanted to reflect the delicate, sparkling quality of the fountain through fragrance. With notes of rose, iris, vanilla, and musk, the fragrance evokes a sense of freshness and refinement. The rose represents the floral delicacy, while the iris adds sophistication. The vanilla and musk balance the composition with warmth and depth, creating a fragrance that embodies both elegance and the radiant charm of Madrid.”
Shop NowÓpera
“LOEWE Un Paseo por Madrid Ópera was inspired by the dramatic performances at Madrid’s Teatro Real opera house, a place where emotion and art collide. We sought to capture the intensity and singularity of an opera performance. To achieve this, we chose powdery, woody notes that evoke the richness of the theatre. Jasmine petals bring a delicate floral touch, while sandalwood adds warmth and depth. The vanilla brings a soft, creamy sweetness, balancing the boldness of the other notes. Together, these elements create a fragrance that mirrors the emotive power of a live performance, dramatic yet intimate.”
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Prado
“Inspired by the iconic Prado Museum, LOEWE Un Paseo por Madrid Prado pays tribute to Spain’s rich artistic heritage. The fragrance captures the essence of classical European art and the beauty of nature through a combination of floral, aromatic, and woody notes. Patchouli provides an earthy, grounding element, while vanilla adds warmth and sweetness. This fragrance was designed to evoke a timeless elegance, similar to the masterpieces housed in the museum’s galleries. Together, these notes create a compelling, evocative scent that mirrors the artistic soul of Madrid.”
Shop NowDoré
“LOEWE Un Paseo por Madrid Doré takes inspiration from the modernist Doré cinema, a space that has long been dedicated to cinematic art. We wanted this fragrance to evoke the allure of the cinema’s archive screenings and the cinematic landscapes that accompany them. The scent features aromatic, woody, and ambery notes, with chamomile and clary sage offering a fresh, herbal start. Cassis and lychee bring a fruity contrast, while the woody, resinous base adds a sense of depth and sophistication. Together, these notes convey an evocative, cinematic journey, much like a film that takes you to another world.”
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Rosaleda
“LOEWE Un Paseo por Madrid Rosaleda is inspired by the serene rose gardens of Madrid’s El Retiro park, a place of calm beauty and natural harmony. We wanted the fragrance to embody the tranquility of the rose garden, capturing its peaceful and floral atmosphere. The rose, as a central note, represents the harmony and grace of the garden, while musk adds a soft, comforting depth. This fragrance is both floral and harmonious, designed to evoke the serene elegance of one of Madrid’s most beloved spots. We aimed to create a fragrance that feels like a moment of stillness amidst the bustle of the city.”
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