Barénia: a new Fragrance by Hermès

It took Christine Nagel, Hermès’s creative director of perfumes, almost 10 years to compose Barénia, the very first chypre fragrance of the Maison. What was the biggest challenge? Well, it’s not that easy to create the perfect balance between woody base accord and floral or fruity top notes essential for a chypre fragrance. So from day one, when she took over the prestigious job at Hermès, Nagel dreamed of creating this type of fragrance, and a decade later it’s finally here.

Here is everything you need to know about the new eau de parfum.

Why Barénia?

Everything in Hermès comes with a story. This time, the name of the fragrance is inspired by the prized and very soft Barénia leather, used for the House’s saddles and handbags, which only gets more handsome with time. Nagel explains that the fragrance almost “melts” into the skin shifting over time, just like the patina on the prestigious leather, that she calls her very favourite at Hermès.  

What’s inside?

Sensual, timeless and endlessly elegant, Barénia blends butterfly lily from Madagascar (it’s the first time it’s been used in the perfumery, it’s a delicate replica of a well-known white lily) with the miracle berry, that makes everything sour and bitter taste sweet (if you have never heard about this berry, no worries, it’s a new extract that Nagel created for the fragrance). What else is in the magic formula? Oakwood that comes from the roasted side of the tree and an intense duo of patchouli, crafted from a traditional patchouli extract and a synthetic one, called Akigalawood and obtained through biotechnology.

Signature bottle

It’s all about details at Hermès. The bottle designed by Philip Mouquet, is inspired by Hermès bestseller Collier de Chien leather necklace, adorned with pyramid studs, and first released in the 20s. But that’s not all: this bottle comes in three sizes - 30 ml, 60 ml and 100 ml - and is refillable, so you can use it tirelessly.

Barénia, Eau de Parfum, 159 €, 100 ml.

Courtesy: Hermes

Text: Lidia Ageeva