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Modern Meets History in Shanghai Tang Silk Road Fragrance Collection

It might no longer be news, but in case you haven’t heard of Shanghai Tang’s Silk Road Fragrance collection, you’ll find out all about it here in this post!

Launched mid May 2015, I was invited to the launch in Singapore last August. Media guests were welcomed with purple orchid blooms and the fragrances from the collection. The focus and highlight of the launch is the purple coloured fragrance, Orchid Bloom which was also very apt for our SG50 celebrations.
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Shanghai Tang’s Silk Road Fragrance Collection conjures the spirit of adventure through a sensory journey from the East to the West – reflecting the essence of the brand which fuses Chinese with Western elements. Inspired by the exotic landscapes, rich colors and sense of adventure of the Silk Road, Master Parfumier, Carlos Benaim, has created a captivating collection of precious fragrances infused with all the mystery and sensuality of the Silk Road. Handcrafted using 100 percent natural ingredients, this collection embodies a genuine respect for the ancient craft of perfumery, and mirrors the essence of Shanghai Tang – lux quality and superb craftsmanship.

A celebration of attention to detail, exquisite handcrafting and luxurious materials, each fragrance is housed in precious bottle that prominently features SHÒU. This Chinese symbol of longevity is cited as one of the Five Blessings: longevity, wealth, health, love and virtue. The women’s bottle features the SHÒU symbol meticulously engraved in enamel and a gold leaf on the cap, serving as centerpiece of the design that forms the pattern of the lucky number 8. The tall and statuesque men’s bottle features clean beautiful lines and glass cap handcrafted by skilled artisan, also featuring the SHÒU symbol in a solid metallic piece.

The fragrances’ starting point was the fabled Silk Road, created during the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). This 4,000-mile network gave ancient merchants, pilgrims and soldiers a direct passage from China through India and beyond, to the Mediterranean and throughout Europe. Precious jewels, spices, jade, and ivory treasures were transported, but it was famed for the exquisite Chinese silk which delighted wealthy Westerners.

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Women’s Collection – Oriental Pearl (Grey)
This sensual amber accord is magnified with Rose Absolute, Patchouli Heart, benzoin, and vanilla, creating an exotic, rich and decadent essence

Women’s Collection – Spring Jasmine (Green)
The iconic Jasmine Absolute – the symbol of luxury and delicate femininity – is enhanced by violet accents, creamy sandalwood, and sheer musk for a heightened impression of sensuality

Women’s Collection – Rose Silk (Pink)
Accents of rose petals and Narcissus Absolute are combined with cassis, cardamom, vetiver, and musk to create an exquisite pink silk accord

Women’s Collection – Orchid Bloom (Purple)
A magnified close-up of the unique beauty and complexity of the iconic flower, the single floral bouquet is accented with rose, enhanced with berries on top of a background of musk and patchouli

Women’s Collection – Gold Lily (Off White)
The precious Lily flower is wrapped with accents of jasmine, orange flower, patchouli and musk to create a mysterious and sensual composition

My personal favourites are Gold Lily and Rose Silk, which are floral fruity in nature and more suitable for daily wear. Orchid Bloom is a sensuous fragrance perfect for night outs.

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Men’s Collection – Jade Dragon (Green)
The freshness of Vetiver Heart is accented with juicy bergamot, bright tea leaves, and lush Jasmine creating an earthy masculine scent

Men’s Collection – L’Orient (Black)
Textured Cedarwood Oil is enriched with hints of pink pepper, elemi, vetiver, and Leatherwood to create a bold and masculine eau de cologne

Men’s Collection – Mandarin Tea (Red)
Vibrant mandarin and crisp bergamot combined with lush neroli and mate leaves creates a fresh and comforting tea note
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The range will be launched with an advertising campaign bringing together fashion photographer Mario Testino and Chinese supermodel Du Juan as the face of the new fragrance collection.

Du Juan exudes an aura of Eastern mystery under through the lens of the master photographer. ”

You can really feel his passion when you work with him,” she says. “He’s incredibly creative and original: a truly amazing photographer.”

Shanghai Tang chairman Raphael Le Masne de Chermont describes the collaboration between Mario Testino and Du Juan as a perfect union of East and West.

Watch the video collaboration of Du Juan and Mario Testino here:

Thank you Shanghai Tang Singapore and Luxasia for the media event invitation. If you’re based in Hong Kong or visiting soon, you can even get a personalized engraving on the fragrance bottle for 88HKD. For more information on the fragrance collection, visit the official page here.