Kew's new scent

Press release, 2 December 2009

ORCHIDELERIUM SCENT – ‘0' Scent, created by Wild Mauritius Ltd, under license to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

This is an exotic and intoxicating floral based on the scent of orchids originating in the Indian Ocean, such as the rare Magdalena Agraceum. The scent of this orchid has been carefully recreated in the laboratory and blended with other sustainable plant extracts.

The orchid type found in 'O' Scent was discovered during a series of visits to Mauritius and the Mascerene Islands in 2007 and 2008. Sustainability advice has been gratefully received from the scientists at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

‘Orchidelerium' eau de parfum is a blend of perfumery, geography and science, into one ‘botanic alchemy'. Directly inspired by visits to the Mascarene Islands, the ‘O' Scent was created for Wild Mauritius Ltd by Aeosphere LLC and its Chief Perfumier, Christophe Laudamiel.

The orchids: Agraecum magdalena orchid (study), vanillas of Madagascar (usual and organic plantations), plus ylang-ylang (another typical blossom from the Southern Indian Ocean), sambac jasmine, white magnolia extract (Michaelia alba) + Mauritius-inspired scents. This finely blended scent has 91 ingredients in all!

The orchid reconstitution replicates the molecule families found in nature including oximes. Other molecules help to recreate the typical Mauritian atmosphere of the Indian Ocean; fresh water, sugar cane and the black lava bedrock in the background. The middle note is a natural green and white floral whilst the base note is seductive and intoxicating like an orchid bloom. The addition of a slight note of tropical fruit adds a finishing touch with a fresh mouth-watering fruity top note.

The ‘O' Scent is ideal for everyday wear, is light, fresh and contemporary, with a touch of exotic seduction… Orchidelerium evokes the emotions and memories of nature's ‘Garden of Eden' that is Mauritius ‘Wild Mauritius'!