In a double first, DFS Group has unveiled a 250sq m fragrance boutique at Abu Dhabi International Airport “on an unparalleled scale” while also launching its inaugural Masters Of Fragrances showcase featuring one-of-a-kind and world exclusive fragrances.

 

Masters of Fragrances, held at the Manarat Al Saadiyat Gallery, a modern art and culture centre in Abu Dhabi, opens this evening with a gala at which TRBusiness is in attendance.

 

The showcase features a finely curated display of 26 distinctive fragrances from 22 of the world’s most legendary fragrance maisons and boutique artisan brands.

 

Masters of Fragrances is said to be the first event of its kind with many of the fragrances displayed, and their bottles, created exclusively for the showcase – plus global firsts.

 

At the gala, fragrances take centre stage as attendees explored the world of exclusive perfumery and engaged with the experts from distinguished brands. Masters of Fragrances transfers to Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal 1 from tomorrow where it will reside until 12 June, offering travellers the opportunity to enjoy the creative presentations and shop the exclusive collection.

 

A long list of brands are being showcased including Dior, Guerlain, Amouage, Bvlgari, Salvatore Ferragamo, Armani Privé and Estée Lauder – many scents created especially for the event.

 

Highlights include Guerlain’s Le Secret de la Reine, a rock crystal and platinum bottle fashioned in the form of a bee with 14 carat of diamonds (left); Bvlgari’s Opera Prima made from Italian Venini glass adorned with diamonds and citrine, and Amouage’s rock crystal bottles hand sculpted using 18th century techniques.

 

SCENT EXPERTS ON HAND

As well as experts from each attending brand, three masters in the world of fragrances are also present to add a further dimension to the experience; Michael Edwards, author of the seminal perfume book Perfume Legends and a researcher who has tracked luxury limited editions for more than 20 years; Mark Colle, the Antwerp-based international florist known for his innovative artistry within the fashion world, and Tala Samman, the Dubai-based lifestyle editor and award-winning blogger.

 

Philippe Schaus (right), Chairman & CEO, DFS Group, says: “Masters of Fragrances is designed to excite, inspire and delight our guests and we intend to build it into one of the most prestigious retail events of its kind. Through this stunning showcase, we aim to introduce travellers to the Middle East to a new and unique experience in luxury retail and help them discover the depth of the innovation and creativity behind some of the world’s best and most sophisticated fragrance brands.”

 

Harold Brooks, President, Global Merchandising, DFS Group, adds: “We are delighted to be working with so many wonderful fragrance houses for this inaugural showcase and are very excited to be able to introduce these spectacular products, many of which are truly works of art, to our clients and world travellers.”

 

Masters of Fragrances launches the DFS 2014 Masters Collection of global events, with prestigious events to follow in Singapore and Macau.

 

Full list of attending brands at Masters of Fragrances

Ajmal

Amouage

Armani Privé

Bond No. 9

Bottega Veneta

Bvlgari

Dior

Estée Lauder

Fendi

Giorgio Armani

Givenchy

Guerlain

Lancôme

Loewe

Penhaligon’s of London

Roberto Cavalli

Salvatore Ferragamo

The Different Company

Thierry Mugler

Viktor & Rolf

Xerjoff

Yves Saint Laurent

 

FRAGRANCES BY DFS

Meanwhile, the new luxury boutique in Terminal 3 called Fragrances by DFS features 65 brands and is claimed to herald a new approach to beauty shopping by offering a multi-sensory immersive experience and a number of brands and fragrances that are completely new to duty free and travel retail.

 

Brands that are exclusive to DFS worldwide in DF&TR and new for the Middle Eastern region, include Diptyque, Xerjoff and the Different Company (see the full list below).

 

Brands exclusively available at the DFS Fragrance Boutique

 

Middle East Exclusives

• The Different Company
• Penhaligons
• Xerjoff

Worldwide Exclusives

• Bond #9
• Byredo
• By Kilian
• Diptyque
• The Fragrance Kitchen