The smell of luxury
When Amouage launched its first Gold perfume for men and women in 1983, it stunned the world with unheard of prices ranging from US$200 to US$500 (RM600 to RM1,500).
Today, the prices for the new Honour Man and Woman scents sold at Isetan, Suria KLCC are between RM865 and RM915, which are not that different, but back then, such numbers were swoon-inducing.
Created by French master parfumier Guy Roberts who declared Gold Amouage was the apex of his career, the 24K gold lavished bottles were designed by Asprey of London. The Gold for Mens bottle was shaped like the handle of the Omani dagger called khanjar while Gold for Women flaunted a dome inspired by Omans Ruwi mosque.
In a single perfume, over 120 base notes were used, allowing Gold to release layer after layer of Oriental notes that bedazzle the senses, beguile the mind and bankrupt your budget unless you were a sheikh. Among the most flaunted ingredients were frankincense, myrrh, rose and resin once used by the Queen of Sheeba. The Three Wise Men started their blessed journey from Oman carrying such precious gifts for Baby Jesus when He was born in Bethlehem.
