In ancient Greece, Sparta was the capital of Laconia, a region from which the words “laconic” and “spartan” derive. A region of strong men, sparse with words. The strong and silent type. The man of your dreams. Think Lawrence of Arabia crossing the desert: the iconoclastic dreamer.
Or think of the concept behind the fourth fragrance from New York haberdasher Odin. Inspired by the Jordanian desert and the shifting sands of history, Odin 04 Petrana explores the mesmerizing allure of travel with this multi-layered fragrance. You’re on camel back – and a light floral breeze washes over you: deep purple cassis and coriander, infused with the sharpness of pink pepper. Oasis? Omar? Mirage?
With Odin 04 Petrana, perfumer Jean Claude Delville (the man behind Banana Republic Classic (1995), Clinique Happy (1997), Marc Jacobs Gardenia Splash (2008), and numerous other well-loved fragrances), has created an evocative desertscape that beautifully captures the allure and mystery of the desert: its endless expanse punctuated by flowers of mesmerizing beauty.
The middle note of Odin 04 Petrana is a hypnotic twining of black iris and violet leaf absolute, suffused with garden heliotrope – and it is in this heart note that Petrana beats loudest. Its admonition: breathe deeply and fill your lungs – with life.
Later, when you have arrived at your destination and the desert sun has set, wild orris root takes over with the lingering earthiness of vetiver and white musk. The desert night is cool and your mind is a swirl of sensations. You read Herodotus by the light of an oil lamp.
Tempus fugit – and Odin 04 Petrana reminds you to inhale the moment.
