London-based niche line Gallivant will launch Ta'if, a new fragrance created for Fortnum & Mason, this week.
Inspired by the beauty of Ta'if - the fabled City of Roses in Saudi Arabia. Cool crisp air, sand-coloured buildings, the raw splendour of the wadis and mountains of the Hijaz. A place where nature, history and culture join together in this gem of the Saudi Kingdom.
Founder, Nick Steward says: “Having studied Arabic myself and with an explorer’s spirit and curiosity, I was intrigued by the etymology, the origin of this particular city’s name: Taʾif (in Arabic: اَلطَّائِفُ), coming from the root ط و ف, which translates as ‘wanderer’ or ‘roamer’. That felt very apt for us here at GALLIVANT."
[...] “And in a nod to Fortnum & Mason’s mix of tradition and modernity, we wanted to marry these iconic roses, this floral perfume heritage from the region, with a contemporary twist of clean, sparkling modern musks ...”***
The scent consists of a spicy opening with saffron and pink pepper, which are married with a delicious date and honey accord. Heart notes celebrate the iconic Ta’if rose, cypriol, olibanum whilst the rich, opulent base is constructed around amber, gurjum, patchouli, and musks.
Gallivant Ta'if was developed by perfumer Angéline Leporini, and will be £185 for 100 ml Parfum.
(via press release from gallivant-perfumes)
True, gallivanting and roaming are pretty similar, but I am unlikely to be the only one here thinking, “…but Ormonde Jayne already has a Ta’if”
You’re not the only one. This one sounds quite similar, too — roses and dates and saffron on an ambery base.
I was thinking that too…Ormonde Jayne’s is a masterpiece, so creative using dates and saffron and the perfumer actually went to Ta’if..this looks like a poor copy, not even a “nod”