BREAKING BOUNDARIES - WITH PAUL GUERLAIN
WE SAT DOWN WITH PERFUMER PAUL GUERLAIN AND THE INSPIRATION BEHIND HIS LATEST SCENT, BOLD BLEND.
Published 38 days ago
10 min read
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND BOLD BLEND?
Bold Blend was inspired by the moment when resolve clicks into place; when you find the power to rise and move onwards and upwards. I wanted to capture that spark of determination and clarity, translating it into a fragrance that awakens the senses and sets the tone for triumph.
WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF 'BOLDNESS' TO YOU?
Boldness is clarity of intention and the courage to move forward. It’s not about being loud but about having a purposeful presence. Bold Blend stands out for its aromatic freshness and woody depth, embodying the spirit of facing challenges head-on.
POTIONS & REMEDIES IS ALL ABOUT SCENT WITH A PURPOSE. WHAT'S BOLD BLEND INTENDED EFFECT?
The fragrance is designed to sharpen focus and instill resilience. The opening of peppermint and black pepper delivers an invigorating blast, while clary sage and violet leaf provide strength and composure. The woody base grounds the wearer in confidence. The effect is purposeful: you feel composed, capable, and quietly unstoppable.
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE BOLD BLEND AS A 'MOOD IN A BOTTLE', WHAT WOULD THAT MOOD BE?
It’s the mood of clear-headed determination. A brisk morning breeze that energizes and promises new possibilities, evolving into calm, steady confidence as the day unfolds.
WHICH INGREDIENTS IN BOLD BLEND DO YOU CONSIDER ITS MOST POTENT? AND DID ANY BEHAVE RATHER BADLY IN THE LAB?
The pillars are mint, palo santo, and violet. Peppermint oil gives a crisp, green freshness; black pepper adds a spicy, sparkling edge. Clary sage and violet leaf lend aromatic depth and subtle floral greenness. The base, palo santo accord, cypress, and cypriol, brings warmth, creamy woodiness, and earthy mystery.
Pepper was the trickiest; it needed careful balancing to avoid overpowering the mint, but when calibrated, it amplifies the composition beautifully.
TELL US ABOUT THE BLENDING PROCESS. WAS THERE A PARTICULAR MOMENT WHEN THE FORMULA FINALLY CLICKED INTO PLACE?
The breakthrough came when peppermint and pepper found harmony with violet leaf’s green, watery facets. Adding palo santo accord and cypriol in the base gave the blend its creamy, woody signature, creating a seamless transition from vibrant top notes to a resolute, lingering drydown.
THE POTIONS & REMEDIES COLLECTION CHANNELS PENHALIGON'S APOTHECARY HERITAGE. HOW DID THAT INFLUENCE YOUR APPROACH?
I approached Bold Blend as both a scientist and a storyteller. Each ingredient was chosen for its olfactive personality and its effect on mood: clarity, strength, resilience. The process was precise, but there’s always a touch of magic in how the notes interact and evolve.
THERE'S OFTEN A DUALITY IN POTIONS: ALLURE AND DANGER, STRENGTH AND SWEETNESS. WHAT IS BOLD BLEND'S CONTRADICTION?
Bold Blend is a study in contrasts. The cool, invigorating brightness of peppermint and pepper is wrapped in the warm, creamy embrace of palo santo and cypriol. It’s both assertive and comforting, fresh yet deeply grounded.
HOW DO YOU HOPE THE WEARER FEELS WHEN THEY SPRAY BOLD BLEND?
I hope they feel aligned and empowered, ready to face challenges with clarity and composure. The scent is a quiet rally, a companion for moments when resolve is needed.
IS THERE A NATURAL ELEMENT (A FLOWER, SPICE OR WOOD) YOU PARTICULARLY LOVED WORKING WITHIN THIS BLEND?
Violet leaf stands out for its refined, leafy green character. Clary sage adds aromatic warmth and herbal complexity. Palo santo accord was a joy to work with, bringing creamy, spiritual woodiness that anchors the fragrance.
PENHALIGON'S FRAGRANCES ARE DEEPLY NARRATIVE. IF BOLD BLEND WERE A SCENE IN A NOVEL, WHAT MIGHT IT LOOK LIKE?
Picture dawn on a misty London street. A figure steps out, invigorated by the crisp air, ready to seize the day. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation and quiet confidence.
WHEN WORKING ON A FRAGRANCE, DO YOU START WITH INGREDIENTS OR WITH EMOTION?
Emotion leads the way. I begin with the desired effect. Here, tenacity and clarity, then select ingredients whose personalities deliver that mood. Peppermint and pepper ignite the senses; violet leaf and clary sage provide composure; palo santo, cypress, and cypriol ensure lasting determination.
IF BOLD BLEND WERE TO BE PAIRED WITH A RITUAL, A TIME OF DAY, OR A STATE OF MIND, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
It’s perfect for a morning ritual. One spray to awaken, one to steady, one to seal your intention for the day. Bold Blend thrives in those first hours when plans become action and determination is key. Finally, whenever you feel like you need an extra dose of bold, just spray Bold Blend again!
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