If the Birkin bag were a fragrance, it would smell something like this

Hermès just introduced its new women’s fragrance, and the French luxury house named it after one of its heritage calf leathers used in its prized handbags—smooth and soft to the touch, but ages gracefully, and so sturdy it’s also used for saddles. A fitting metaphor for the free-spirited woman it’s created for.

I must admit, I thought I would not like Hermès Barenia at all, having read early descriptions of its floral accords, and I’m no fan of floral fragrances. But once it touches the warmth of your skin, that floral note—a vibrant burst of butterfly lily in this case—is quickly tempered by the earthy richness of patchouli, a cornerstone of the chypre family, lending depth and complexity to the composition.

As Barenia develops, the woody notes of oak begin to assert themselves, adding a touch of warmth and sophistication—now we’re talking. Woody scents are more my jam.

The fragrance becomes increasingly enveloping, creating a comforting cocoon that surrounds you. The inclusion of miracle berry, a rare and exotic fruit, adds a surprising twist, lending a touch of sweetness and a hint of effervescence to the overall composition.

This is why you must never rely only on what you smell on the perfume blotter. It must touch your skin; allow it to develop with your unique body chemistry.

Barenia has wonderful sillage and longevity, and I absolutely adore the dry down, almost like a mix of leather and spun sugar. It smells, well, polished.

Barenia’s debut in the Philippines is perfectly timed, as there’s a marked surge in demand for luxury fragrances, with perfumes no longer sold just in the beauty section of department stores but also at new freestanding perfume boutiques at major malls. Fragrance enthusiasts don’t even blink at the five-figure prices.

According to Statista, the fragrance market in the Philippines is expected to generate $0.79 billion in revenue for 2024.

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First women’s chypre

Barenia is a fragrance that was 10 years in the making, crafted by esteemed in-house perfumer Christine Nagel—her first exploration for Hermès of the chypre genre, her favored category. It is the first chypre fragrance for women at Hermès, though it has a famous one for men, the classic and beloved Terre d’Hermes.

Chypre (pronounced ship-ruh) is a sophisticated fragrance genre that combines citrus top notes, a floral heart and woody-mossy notes. The name comes from the French translation of Cyprus, known for its aromatic plants and ancient perfume trade.

The bottle of Barenia, inspired by the iconic Hermès Collier de Chien bracelet, is a work of art in its own right. Its sleek, minimalist design is both elegant and understated, reflecting the refined nature of the fragrance within. The weighty glass bottle and the luxurious silver cap surrounded by Medor studs contribute to the overall sense of opulence and luxury.

Whether you are a seasoned fragrance enthusiast or simply seeking a new olfactory adventure, Barenia is sure to leave a lasting impression.