SCENT OF AFRICA, A Matrimony of Perfumery and Patriotism
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Ghandour Cosmetics Limited released a line of fine fragrances that is infused with African ingredients in an effort to put Africa on the map.
Perfumery is a complex process which involves collecting ingredients, extracting oils, blending, aging and quality control where absolute focus and time is spent to creating fragrant perfumes for the masses. The word ‘perfume’ is derived from the French word ‘parfum’ and Italian word ‘parfumare’ which translates ‘to smoke through’ and the art of perfume-making has long existed dating back to Mesopotamian times, Indus Valley and many historians believe to be Ancient China. The methods and techniques of yesteryear has since then been perfected by scientists and professionals but is ultimately fascinating as to how such an art was introduced to the world centuries ago that is heavily used by the modern people of today.
In Ghana lies Ghandour Cosmetics Limited, a fine fragrance house that is helmed by Founder - Tanal Ghandour who produces local perfumes that are infused with alluring African ingredients in an effort to put Africa on the map. Introducing SCENT OF AFRICA’s Eternal Legends Collection where it pays homage to the continent with the sketch of the map on the bottle cap.
It also drew inspiration from fabled legends of African mythology which represents a contemporary interpretation of these traditions. Being proud of one’s country and incorporating it into your line of work is incredibly uplifting that would be appreciated by the locals and international users!
The act of incorporating the continent on the bottle cap is to also present Africa in a modern light represents an architectural totem that further accentuates the uniqueness of luxury to the international market. The structure is purely avant-garde centric positioning itself into a sculpture, one to marvel at. When towering over the perfume bottle, the map of Africa can be visible to one’s eyes as if it is projected above the sphere of the earth (represented by the bottle’s body) is truly a beautiful sight! The amount of attention to detail is immense and beautifully executed as they managed to produce African perfume while also focusing on the mechanism of the spray and the visual aspect of the bottle. The spray mechanism is hidden in the bottle’s neck and the stem and invisible with credit to a patented innovation.
The brand’s elemental value is “Who I am is where I come from”, spells a heart-warming story of being connecting to one’s roots and the brand wholly embraces its country’s art, mythology and values and packaged all three into a bottle, making it almost a national treasure, one that would be favored among the locals for its uniqueness and value to the country. It would encourage the nation to take pleasure in being associated and being a proud civilian of the country by using local products. The logo on the bottle is inspired by the Sankofa symbol, one that features a bird turning its head towards its tail which signifies ‘going back to your roots’ in the Ghanaian language, Akan. The matrimony of patriotism and perfumery is executed flawlessly in Ghandour Cosmetics Limited’s SCENT OF AFRICA collection that will blossom in the hearts of the Ghanaian citizens which consequently won an award in the 2023 NY Product Design Awards under the category of Body, Health & Beauty – Perfumes and Fragrances.
Credits
Entry Title: Scent of Africa
Entrant Company: Ghandour Cosmetics Limited
Winning Category: Body, Health & Beauty – Perfume and Fragrances
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