Since 2004, Giorgio Armani has translated the essence of his haute couture collections into unique perfumes with precious, finely crafted ingredients.
The Italian designer also explores nature and culture in creating unexpected olfactory journeys through the Armani/Privé fragrances, which encompass four collections -- Les Eaux, La Collection, Les Terres Précieuses and Les Mille et Une Nuits.
The latest addition to Les Eaux pays tribute to China. The new SANTAL DAN SHA is a sensual yet sparkling scent evoking the serenity of Chinese imperial palaces and their contemplative gardens.
The campaign is fronted by Jackson Wang, Giorgio Armani fragrance ambassador for Asia-Pacific.
SANTAL DAN SHA conjures a refreshing yet gentle summertime breeze at dusk, inspired by the gardens' aromatic trees and vegetation, and the tranquil freshness of the lakes.
Crafted by master perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin, it opens with sparkling bergamot from Calabria, Italy; warm, peppery cardamom from Guatemala; and is accented with a violet leaf accord.
At the scent's heart is elemi, a resin extracted from tropical trees, complemented by incense extract and musks, the latter lending a lingering effect.
The fragrance's signature sandalwood is at its base, which also includes Virginia cedar essence and Dreamwood.
The sandalwood is sourced from the South Pacific island of New Caledonia. It is actually extracted from the deciduous sandalwood tree, which matures over 80 years, while a water vapour distillation process renders its creamy, sensual effect.
Sandalwood's rich, cinnabar-toned colour is known in China as dan sha, which is implied in the fragrance's name. Its rich red hue also echoes the magnificent façades of the imperial palaces.
The intense ochre juice of SANTAL DAN SHA is displayed through the transparent Armani/Privé Les Eaux square bottle topped by a shiny black lacquered cap.
