The Harmonist, the Importance of Perfume for Lola Tillyaeva

 Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva has achieved something very special with the Prequel collection. Her maison de parfums, The Harmonist, prides itself on a small batch, artisan approach to crafting a fragrance. Lola’s attention to detail and uncompromising pursuit of excellence has not gone unnoticed. Harrods department store described their range as, “tantalising – an expertly composed complexity of scents…”  (https://www.harrods.com/en-es/shopping/the-harmonist-moon-glory-pure-perfume-50ml-15353654).

Fragrantica were also impressed. They gave the new fragrance a 9 out of ten, (https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/The-Harmonist/Moon-Glory-59475.html).

But what exactly is it that sets The Harmonist apart? Probably the most striking element of Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva’s approach to fragrance creation is that it was inspired by the ancient Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui. Even a cursory look at this venerable tradition reveals it to be a remarkably apt model for such an endeavour.

Feng Shui sees the world as composed of five universal elements and subject to the opposing yet complimentary forces of yin and yang – within this framework, Feng Shui seeks to achieve harmony. For example, Moon Glory was designed to reflect the feminine or yin energies associated with the moon. As Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva explains, “The Moon is directly linked to all water on our planet; the oceans pulsate in time with it, tides ebb and flow when the moon is full. And the Moon affects us too, as our bodies are composed of 70% water,” (https://www.lolakarimova.com/the-harmonist).

 

Beyond these esoteric underpinnings, The Harmonist’s success is also due to more practical factors. Lola Karimova will only accept the finest, most select ingredients. Hawaiian jasmine is used for its “unique blend of depth and sensuality.” Mexican passionflowers are also a must for their “sultry note and a pearly feel,” (https://www.lolakarimova.com/the-harmonist). Given such exquisite components Lola Karimova needed someone special to get the best out of them. Guillaume Flavigny was her choice. Winner of the Prix International du Jeune Parfumeur Créateur, Guillaume was quick to grasp what Lola was trying to achieve. The result is a range of subtle, well-balanced fragrances.

If there is one thing Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva will not sacrifice in her pursuit of excellence it’s her commitment to the environment. Across the entire range Lola Tillyaeva insists that, “recyclable materials at every possible touchpoint, from perfume bottles and deluxe packaging to the vegetal wax candles are used.” She has also ensured that refills are available.  (https://www.theharmonist.com/pages/philosophy). These are just two ways Lola Tillyaeva ensures that The Harmonist reduces its environmental impact. Some of her competitors have also been quick to institute similar practices.

In this way, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva and The Harmonist, shun the typical business model and mad scramble to maximize profit. Instead, they seek a sustainable business model that creates perfumes attuned to the unique energies of the individual. Or, as Lola Karimova puts it,

      “One of the main missions of our brand is to encourage and motivate our       clients to take an enlightening and rewarding journey into their inner self through exploring the world of scents. There is no such thing as a perfume that is ideal for everyone. Like clothes, it depends on the occasion and       character of the person. I’d say that perfume can certainly be perfect for a particular moment, occasion or for a particular mood,”      (www.lolakarimova.com/the-harmonist).