CAREER OF LINDA PILKINGTON, BORN AND BROWNED IN SOUTH AFRICA, BEGAN FROM CREATING A “PERFECT PERFUMED CANDLE” FOR ONE OF THE FAMOUS LUXURY BRANDS. THE WORK ON SEARCHING A UNIQUE AROMA SO LIKED LINDA THAT IN 2001, SHE BASED ITS OWN BRAND AND NAME IT "ORMONDE JAYNE".
Linda Pilkington, perfumer
Since then, Ormonde Jayne compositions have stood out from the general range of perfumes in the niche perfumery market: almost every of these fragrances uses rare, precious, natural ingredients. Linda recently unveiled its products at Harvey Nichols Dubai. Ms. Pilkington herself told us how it all began and where it goes.
Linda, please tell us how you were able to win the hearts of seasoned perfumers and admirers of extraordinary perfumes?
You know, at first they laughed at me when I applied a note of Canadian Tsugi (black hemlock) in one of my first fragrances. This woody-resinous accord was not previously used in perfumery. That is why I decided to include it in the composition of perfumes, since it is slightly different from the traditional notes of spruce, pine, cypress or juniper.
Another component that I used for Ormonde Man is the aloe tree, and it cannot be called popular either. Although from ancient times, it was used by the Japanese, Arabs, and Chinese to fumigate clothes and as an offering to deities. This peculiar, woody, balsamic aroma with a medical note is unusual for Europeans, its rarity and high price previously did not allow its use on an industrial scale. However, in my spirits I managed to brighten up the specific medical note of this ingredient, beat its bitter woody and delightful stamina. The aroma turned out to be festive, with sweet initial notes - pepper, cardamom, coriander. The notes of juniper and tsugi completely repeat the smell of a Christmas tree, in the plume of wood even more - it is warm, transparent, saturated. The durability of the fragrance is amazing, its aura envelops the owner, like an amulet of a druid or forest elf. There is something fabulous in it, flickering with calm light.
How do you manage to create unique aromas, each of which is worthy of becoming the only one, loved for life?
It seems to me that I am able to convey all my emotions and impressions that I collect during my many trips to the countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America. It gives me indescribable pleasure to search for unusual plants, as well as compiling "bouquets" of the most exotic extracts.
Is it true that Ormonde Jayne is a private company and you don’t want to go “under the wing” of major market players?
Yes true. Despite the numerous offers of investing in my business or its purchases, I decided to keep the company behind me. The scale of a small private company is quite suitable for me - because I can follow all stages of production myself and guarantee high quality handmade work. I prefer fast glory to slow and steady gradual growth. If you are in London, be sure to visit my company store on Old Bond Street.
What Ormonde Jayne fragrances can I buy in Dubai?
Today it is women's and men's perfumes: Osmanthus, Frangipani, Sampaquita, Champaca, Ta'if, Tolu, Tiare, Orris Noir, Ormonde Woman, Ormonde Man, Isfarkand and Zizan, as well as related products - shower gels, body lotions, enriched vitamin C and shea butter and, of course, candles. Bouquets of roses and magnolias bloom in them, notes of tangerines and exotic fruits sparkle, the warmth of spices and oriental incense is guessed. Prices for all Ormonde Jayne perfumes are quite high, as are all exclusive hand-made items. But if you find your fragrance in my collection, you are unlikely to want to exchange it for something else.
Linda, what fragrance do you consider “yours”?
Frangipani is probably the closest to my character, but I rarely use perfumes so as not to lose the freshness of the perception of the smells surrounding me.
Thank you, Linda, for the opportunity to plunge into the unique world of luxury and fragrance.
