Notes on Accords: Liberty LBTY.’s Ianthe Oud
Lose yourself in the rich storytelling of this velvety, floral oud, inspired by the elegant Ianthe print
Read more
Notes on Accords: Liberty LBTY.’s Ianthe Oud
Lose yourself in the rich storytelling of this velvety, floral oud, inspired by the elegant Ianthe print
Deep, woody and mysterious, Liberty LBTY.’s Ianthe Oud (£225 for 100ml) smells like a murmur of conversation in a dimly lit lounge. It’s the scent of a luxurious evening where the hours melt away, unencumbered by the plans or pressures of the following day. With its indulgent oud base note, Ianthe Oud carries the history of this ancient ingredient in every spritz. Oud has a longstanding association with ritual and royalty, but is also used to scent homes before a guest arrives. This gives it a unique blend of warmth and luxury; a gilded embrace that represents both ritual and hospitality.
Like all the fragrances in the Liberty LBTY. collection, Ianthe Oud is an interpretation of an archival Liberty print, in this case, the ‘Ianthe’ design. Originally devised as a wallpaper border by French artist René Beauclair in the early 20th Century, Ianthe was first printed in 1967 as part of the swinging 60s revival of ornate Art Nouveau styles. Characterised by its sinuous lines, the print evokes the curls of smoky oud that waft from the Ianthe Oud scent.
Like the print, the fragrance contrasts its history and elegance with a playful floral note. In the Ianthe design, this is represented by the stylised clusters of tiny flowers. In the oud fragrance, perfumer Nicholas Bonneville achieved this by using English violet and mimosa to contrast the robust base notes.
Here we learn more about the notes Nicholas used to transform the Ianthe print from fabric to fragrance.
“The iconic English Violet flower imparts an earthy green naturality and holds its own when contrasted with Oud wood which adds depth. Together, they create a harmony of deep, leathery sensuality.”
The Foundation
A complex and layered scent, Ianthe Oud opens with the powdery, honeyed note of mimosa, alongside bergamot, which has a citrusy floral profile. This sets the scene in a decorative entrance hall filled with fragrant bouquets from the lush garden outside.
The Heart
Once the top notes have welcomed you into the home, the fragrance begins to unfold. You make your way through the entrance hall and proceed to the heart of the house. Here, you begin to recognize notes of cedarwood and myrrh. Their warmth and woodiness encourages you to relax and stay awhile. In a vase on the windowsill, a bunch of freshly picked English violets add a rich splash of colour to the interior. Their delicate scent dances across the air.
The Flourish
Sinking deep into a plush leather sofa, the drydown of the fragrance unfolds into a captivating story of ancient traditions. Agarwood (oud), Olibanum (frankincense) and Guaiac wood (palo santo) conjure a history of religious rituals, healing and devotion. As with any great story, time begins to slip away - afternoon becomes evening, and the sky outside turns to inky darkness, scattered with twinkling stars.
Read More: Oud Alchemy: The Perfume Ingredient Loved For Millenia
Want to learn more about fragrance? Visit The Fragrance Lounge on the Lower Ground floor, where you can explore artisan perfumes from the likes of Creed, Matiere Premiere and D.S. and Durga. Make an appointment with the Fragrance Concierge to find a signature scent or book one of our unique fragrance experiences - for yourself, or as a gift.
