Referred to as Tomorrow’s Fragrance on its website, Hermetica is a collection of molecular fragrances inspired by the ancient practice of alchemy, which sought to transform basic metals into precious materials and to find the elusive ultimate elixir of life. An ancient pipe dream maybe but it creates an alluring image that fuels an appetite to discover more.
Lucky for the beauty media, we received a nose-on introduction to the brand by Michael Marzano – National Education Manager, Agence de Parfum, the Australian distributor for the brand. Venue – Becker Minty in Potts Point, the Sydney-exclusive retail partner. Hermetica will be available in Melbourne at Libertine in Myer, Bourke Street.
Combining a luxury look with environmental ethics, Hermetica is based on the belief that finding the perfect perfume relies on the chemical connection between the molecules within a fragrance and one’s skin.
In their quest for the ultimate perfume elixir, Hermetica founders John and Clara Molloy decided to take a fresh approach to perfume creation by not choosing between natural ingredients or synthetic molecules but using a combination of the two.
This hybrid formula, uses patented technology. The alcohol-free formula reveals immediately the heart of the fragrance – there’s not top, middle and heart notes.
The result of this modern-day alchemy is four collections of long-lasting and powerful perfumes plus, Source1 – a unique scent that can be found in all of the fragrances. Michael explained that each fragrance has an optimum time to breathe in for the first appreciation of the aroma. With Source1 it is “spray and wait 5 seconds”. As you work into the collection it is recommended to let it settle for up to 25 seconds – then breathe in and fall in love.
Perfumers are the esteemed noses (or alchemists, as Molloy refers to them) Aliénor Massenet and Philippe Paparella.
Each Hermetica scent is presented in an emerald green lacquered bottle with a golden metallic cap debossed with the Hermetica logo. The bottle is housed inside a golden perforated cylinder reminiscent of the molecule that carries the perfume to your nose. All recyclable.
The bottles are refillable at attractive savings: Source1 is $329 with refills at $279 and the rest of the collection is priced at $299 with refills at $229 (all 100ml).
Becker Minty’s co-founded, Jason Minty was in attendance at the launch, telling esprit: “What I especially love about Hermetica’s approach is that it takes us back to an old world of layering, and mindfully choosing and wearing the fragrances”. The niche fragrance customer is discerning and devours the journey of discovering their favourite fragrances, says Mr Minty.