Ilha Formosa, meaning ‘Beautiful Island’, was the original 16th-century Portuguese explorers’ name for Taiwan. Formosa is now a new fragrance that extols the beauty and harmony of this South China Sea verdant island. A special place to escape to and Formosa is ‘the fragrance that takes you there’.
Taiwan’s indigenous flowers, fruits and spices have been blended into a unique, sensuous fragrance created by one of the World’s top master perfumers, Honorine Blanc from Firmenich. An experiential journey for the senses, Formosa is a fragrance for today’s woman. Wear it and live the dream.
Formosa’s Asian evocation bottle has been created by Marc Rosen, an award-winning designer. It features a faux carved green jade ball closure atop a bottle that is a sleek crystal clear half-moon slice of heavy glass. It combines the charm and authenticity of Formosa with the modern dynamism of the island of Taiwan. Marc says, “ This is not just another perfume launch. There’s much more to this story. Fragrances have been named after cities, but I don’t think there has ever been a fragrance where the ingredients are indigenous to a country, and the fragrance is dedicated to that country. It’s unique”.
The inspiration behind Formosa is the founder and philanthropist, Shining Sung. She was born in Taiwan and grew up there for 18 years before moving to Japan. “Taiwan is always on my mind, and I take any opportunity to put it on the map,” she says. Shining’s family own the Chi Mei Museum in Taiwan, founded by her uncle, Shi Wen-long. This museum contains an extraordinary collection of Western fine art, antiquities and musical instruments. A portion of the profit from sales of Formosa will provide arts education programmes with a focus on Taiwanese culture and heritage.
Formosa Fragrance Notes:
- Florals – Plum Blossom, White Peony, Rose Petals, Jasmine Sambac, Lily, Tiger Orchid
- Nectars – Blackcurrant, Sweet Mandarin, Candied Lemons
- Background – Labdanum, Patchouli, Musks, Cedar, Sheer Amber
Formosa Fragrance is now available exclusively at Fenwick, Bond Street and online at fenwick.co.uk
