Amouage is a luxury perfume house established in Oman in 1983 by the Sultan of Oman, who hoped to revive and redefine the ancient Omani art of perfumery. Amouage (the name is a mash-up of “amour” + an Arabic word meaning “waves”) uses the traditional materials of Middle Eastern perfumery, such as frankincense and myrrh, but the perfumes are developed by perfumers from the major Fragrance & Flavor companies and are geared towards an international clientele.
Their first fragrance, Amouage (now known as Amouage Gold), was developed by renowned nose Guy Robert, who referred to it as his symphony and the crowning touch of his career. Subsequent releases include Amouage Gold for men (1983), Ubar (1995, relaunch 2009), Dia (2002), Ciel (2003), Esprit d’Amouage (2004), Asana (2005, limited edition), Arcus (2005), Cirrus (2006), Reflection Man & Reflection Woman (2007).
In 2006-7, Amouage began a “complete makeover” intended to increase international brand awareness and strengthen the line’s luxury appeal. At that time the fragrance offerings were streamlined and the brand adopted a standard bottle design (see above).
Recent fragrance releases
Jubilation 25 for women & Jubilation XXV for men (2007), Homage (2008), Lyric Man & Lyric Woman (2008), Epic Man & Epic Woman (2009), Tribute (2009), Library Collection Opus I, II & III (2010), Memoir Man & Memoir Woman (2010), Library Collection Opus IV (2010), Library Collection Opus V (2011), Honour Man & Honour Woman (2011).
Where to buy
In the US, online at Aedes, Four Seasons, Luckyscent or Parfums Raffy.
In London, try Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Les Senteurs or the Amouage boutique; in Canada, The Perfume Shoppe, in Germany, First in Fragrance.
Website
Further reading
See all posts at Now Smell This tagged Amouage.
Christopher Chong, creative director of Amouage, talks about perfume and the Amouage brand in this series of videos.
