Neela Vermeire Creations

India's beginnings are shrouded in the mists of antiquity, and its earliest history is known only through legend. Yet modern India pulses with youthful energy, and every encounter with the country's rich cultural heritage leaves you breathless and longing for more. This diversity inspired Neela Vermeire to create and dedicate the first fragrance trilogy from her brand Neela Vermeire Creations to India, her homeland, while living and working in Paris, her adopted capital and, in her eyes, the capital of the world. From childhood in India to adulthood in Paris: Neela's education in social sciences and legal training may have little direct connection to perfumery, but her formative and early years in India had a profound and lasting influence on her "fragrance design development." Naturally, Neela's main sources of inspiration are memories of her childhood in India and her many trips there to visit her family. Neela herself is proof that although one can travel far and live in very different places, the magic of India, of home, can never be left behind. Neela's love of art and fragrances was nurtured by her family in her early years. The Neela Vermeire Creations project stems from an intimate understanding of India's three great historical periods, gained over the course of a lifetime. Each fragrance, like each period, is unique yet inextricably connected. Each one pays homage to its own distinctive inspiration, drawn from many sources, including Indian spirituality and history, the stunning landscape, the tranquil Himalayas, trips to hill stations and seaports, the arts, diverse architecture, amazing food, music, cinema and India's vivid colors. To develop her India-inspired fragrances, Neela was delighted to work with French perfumer and renowned admirer of India Bertrand Duchaufour. Bertrand is a true artisan, a master perfumer who seamlessly combines the finest natural and synthetic raw materials to create a sublime sensory experience. Many consider him the greatest contemporary perfumer. Bertrand began his perfumery career in 1985, working for the Florasynth group in Grasse. His creative process is guided by two basic principles: first, he believes balance is achieved when opposites attract, like yin and yang. Second, he maintains that nothing is lost or created; everything is transformed. He distorts and deconstructs nature, playing with contrasts such as plant and animal notes. The renowned Pierre Dinand designed the special bottle for the brand in 2012. The bottle features distinctive ridges and reflects the brand's distinctive metal logo embossed on the cap. The Neela Vermeire Creations collection includes eight fragrances, with the earliest release created in 2012 and the latest in 2018. The newest fragrance is Niral, from 2018, created for both men and women. The name means unique, calm and peaceful. The fragrance was inspired by British expert Sir Thomas Wardle (1831-1909) and celebrates his immense contribution to promoting the trade in Indian wild silk from Bengal and Cashmere to Europe. Wardle's contribution may have been forgotten, but he collaborated and worked closely with some of the greatest textile artists and silk printers of his generation. Wardle perfected the technique of naturally dyeing silk, achieving stunning jewel tones. His wife, Lady Elizabeth Wardle, founded the Leek Embroidery Society, which worked on artistic embroidery projects using tussar silk. The fragrance opens with notes of iris, tea and liqueur, woven together with notes and spices reminiscent of the texture of a piece of tussar silk, symbolizing the unique relationship between England and India.