Looking for a new fragrance of the season? Choosing the perfect signature scent can be quite a challenge. From fruity to floral, musky to woody, the breadth of choice available can be overwhelming when testing them out at your favourite luxury perfume store.
But what is the key to finding your perfect fragrance? Finding something that is unique and expressive of your individuality and makes you stand out from the crowd.
With fragrances, the mantra ‘less is more’ couldn’t be truer; it’s about garnering interest with a subtle scent. Mainstream perfume stores are best avoided if you’re looking for something truly unique – so search for a luxury perfume house or boutique to find something a little different.
Lola Tillyaeva is a name that has been making waves in the fragrance world of late, with its up-and-coming maison de parfums, The Harmonist, having been recently nominated for two different accolades at the prestigious US Fragrance Foundation. Its magical Moon Glory scent was announced as a candidate in the category of ‘Fragrance of the Year, Women’s Luxury’, whilst the intriguing Sun Force has been listed as a finalist for ‘Fragrance of the Year, Men’s Luxury’.
Founded only five years ago, this recent recognition is testament to Lola’s determination and highest standards, which have been drawing more and more attention from those looking for a high-quality luxury fragrance.
At the awards, Moon Glory and Sun Force were competing with the likes of big-name brands including Chanel, Gucci and Armani.
“Being recognised by the Fragrance Foundation is an incredible honour,” said Lola. “Our team is passionate about creating unique, memorable scents that captivate the wearer and reflect the planet’s beauty and the wonders of nature, and will continue to innovate in the perfume industry. We are excited to announce that The Harmonist will release a new collection of scents in autumn 2021.”
To create her stunning range of scents, Lola leaves no stone unturned in search of the finest ingredients. Her passion for perfume is partly a result of a childhood spent immersed in the aromas of the Silk Road – and she knows first-hand how the sense of smell can trigger intense memories.
“Smells act like time capsules, and our childhood memories have a lasting impression staying with us throughout our life, affecting our perfume preferences,” she says.
One of the foundations of The Harmonist is the Eastern philosophy of Feng Shui – a world view that seeks harmony between the opposing forces of yin and yang. Beyond this, Lola has also brought in the very best European know-how in the form of Guillaume Flavigny – a Prix International du Jeune Parfumeur Créateur winner. Blending these diverse influences has resulted in a satisfying, yet intriguing range of fragrances designed to complement the unique energy of each customer.
“Creating a scent is very much like creating a piece of music – notes blend into chords, and the chords harmonize into a full-blown melody,” says Lola.
“Just like a good piece of music, a good fragrance encompasses a wide range of tonalities, the notes of different scents, if you will.”
Lola is also responsible for The Droplet; an interactive art installation designed to raise awareness about water scarcity. As Lola is very passionate about preserving the environment and advocates a more sustainable way of living, The Harmonist’s business model is designed to limit its ecological footprint. Lola has insisted on implementing sustainable practices such as utilising recyclable materials and refillable glass bottles.
Originally from Uzbekistan, Lola also founded Paris’s own Maison de l’Ouzbékistan gallery, which boasts an extensive collection of pieces celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the land of her birth. Inside Uzbekistan, Lola Tillyaeva and her husband Timur Tillyaev, operate several highly regarded philanthropic organisations such as, You Are Not Alone and The National Centre for the Social Adaptation of Children (NCSAC).
If you’re looking for a unique scent this summer, then it seems that The Harmonist might just be the place to go, and with Moon Glory and Sun Force receiving such acclaim, now is the time to claim your fragrance before the masses begin to take note.
