Designer fragrance is big business overseas, with recent offerings from Tory Burch and Marni, but few local brands have branched into the potentially lucrative area. Trelise Cooper launched a perfume in 2009, while knitwear designer Kylee Davis released various scents with her previous brand Stitch Ministry. The latest is from Auckland-based designer Ingrid Starnes, with a boutique, crafted approach that reflects that of her label.
Developed over two years with perfumer Yves Dombrowsky, the all-natural scent has elements of heady Java vetyver and fresh bergamot, housed in a chic square bottle with a wooden lid sourced from France.
The haunting campaign for the perfume, shown here exclusively first, was photographed at Ayrlies Garden in Whitford at the weekend, referencing Sir John Everett Millais' famous painting Ophelia.
"We love the image of Ophelia, its serene sadness, heartbreak, how botanical it is and the muddy mortality. Our Ophelia fared a bit better!" explains Starnes, who was inspired to create the fragrance having always given and received fragrance with her partner, Simon. They say the images are a great representation of the perfume: "that is a bit botanical, green and dark".
The fragrance, and scented soap made with organic manuka honey from local honey producer J Friend and Co, organic goat's milk and shea butter, is available from The Dressing Room in Takapuna's The Department Store, the Ingrid Starnes boutique in Newmarket and selected stockists. $160 for a 50ml bottle.
