Foundation:Scent Intensified

A reminder of our power and inner strength, seen in the poem Invictus is a convincing argument for cherishing self-control and perseverance and is just as relevant today as it was when initially written in 1888. Referenced in the speeches of Winston Churchill, quoted by C.S. Lewis and recited in Casablanca, the poem has become a touchstone of British character. Perseverance, as realised by William Ernest Henley, is a way to be in control of your own fate and stay undefeated. It has been so popular due to its ability to appropriate to any situation and with its simple form and tone, it has been an inspiration to many, in different situations.

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.

Olympéa on the other hand, deriving from Olympia the home of Greek gods, is a magnetic and sensual icon inspired by the tantalising beauty of Cleopatra. It is a fictional goddess and icon and represents a female figure who is able to be beautiful and intelligent at the same time. She is a leader with a strong will, an ability to seduce with her charm and an almost magical allure.

And what do these have in common you ask? A French Fashion Icon of course. Designer Paco Rabanne named two of his fragrances after these iconic names. The scents Olympéa and Invictus are known for their fierceness and strength have gotten a revamp and are now back even more intense than before. Deeper, darker, bolder, the scents are a force to be reckoned with. Inspired by Greek Gods, Paco Rabanne has created fictitious characters to act as icons for modern day men and women. Invictus by Paco Rabanne, the invincible perfume comes back with an even more fierce twist. An invigorating duality now strengthens the scent known for the dynamic tension between the down to earth woody tones and beach freshness. More regal and mighty, the meaning of Invictus comes off stronger.

The highly referenced poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley draws on themes of perseverance and control which is precisely the feelings that the scent evokes. The message of the poem is clear; whatever the obstacle or circumstance, I will stay headstrong and undefeated. Being in control of yourself and holding onto your dignity, that is the soul of Invictus. These themes come through with the rivalry of the fresh orange blossom contrasted by black pepper, salty-amber to enliven it with a mighty woody warmth to top it up. Mental images of a Greek goddess appear when first introduced to the Olympéa Intense perfume, filled with sensual salty-vanilla, fired up by the heat of amber, wrapped up in cashmere wood. The scent is magnetic and a genuine crash of a nonchalant floral blossom and powerful warmth. The bottle reinforces the feminine strength of the perfume and takes the combination of ancient myth and contemporary allure to a new level. The scent is crafted by master perfumers Loc Dong, Anne Flipo and Dominique Ropion. Dominique is recognised by some as the most skilled perfumer today, and his open-mindedness lends well to the intricate nature of the Paco Rabanne perfumes. As Dominique has previously collaborated with Anne Flipo having worked on the Alexander McQueen, Burberry and Giorgio Armani perfumes together, their teamwork skills have been perfected, and the results are marvellous. Paco Rabanne was a game changer in fashion back in the 60s, and his perfumes still carry on that legacy. Strength and freedom are at the core of his philosophy for scents, and with the expertise of such masters as Dominique Ropion, Paco Rabanne was once again able to achieve greatness through the intensified perfumes. The brand has always had its eyes set on the future, and the revamp of the fierce perfumes uses familiar scents combined into an altogether fresh olfactory experience.