In perfumery, ‘Oriental’ refers to perfumes which contain ingredients originating in the East [i.e. in the Orient], including spices, vanilla, tea, incense, amber resin, musk and precious woods. Oriental compositions are often associated with exotic floral, sweet and spicy scents.

Oriental perfumes conjure a journey down the old Silk Road. Heavy, sweet and balsamic. Common Oriental subcategories include Floriental (oriental and floral), woody oriental, oriental fougere and even gourmand oriental.

In recent years the term ‘Oriental’ has come under pressure as being antiquated, colonial and derisive to Asians. It is likely to be renamed to ‘Amber’.

Remix Oriental your own way! Try extra notes of Vanilla (Va), Spice (Sp) and Amber (Am)

Orientals you may know or own already:
Replica Collection: Jazz Club, Martin Margiela
L'Heure Bleue Guerlain (1912), FlowerbyKenzo, Kenzo, Soleil Blanc Tom Ford, Replica Collection: Beach Walk, Martin Margiela