Ingredient Spotlight: Vanilla
With its warm, sweet, and comforting aroma, Vanilla has long been a favorable ingredient in perfumery. At Grace de Monaco, this captivating note lends its timeless appeal to Promenade Sur Le Rocher. Here, we delve into the rich history of vanilla, its botanical connection to orchids, and its unique role in crafting Grace de Monaco’s exquisite premier fragrance.
What it is
Vanilla has been used in fragrance and flavoring for centuries. Native to Mexico and derived from the pods of the vanilla orchid, it was first cultivated by the Totonac people before being discovered by the Aztecs, who drank "hot chocolate" with a dash of vanilla. When Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, they were enchanted by this exotic spice and brought it back to Europe, where it quickly gained popularity.
Vanilla's entry into perfumery began in the 19th century when French perfumers recognized its potential. Its creamy, sweet aroma became a beloved note in many classic perfumes, symbolizing luxury and sensuality. Vanilla continues to thrive as a versatile and essential component in modern perfumery.
How it smells
Vanilla possesses a rich sweetness that is both comforting and enthralling. Its aroma is warm and velvety, with subtle hints of caramel, a whisper of spice, and a slight woodiness. Its decadent aroma exudes indulgent sophistication.
Its role in a fragrance
Vanilla's versatility makes it an invaluable ingredient in fragrance creation. As a top note, vanilla imparts an immediate, enticing sweetness that draws you into the fragrance. In the heart, it adds depth and warmth to the composition. As a base note, vanilla provides a long-lasting, sensual foundation that lingers on the skin.
How we’ve used it
In our signature scent, Promenade Sur Le Rocher, we used vanilla's multifaceted character to create a balanced and harmonious composition. Vanilla complements the floral notes of jasmine and rose de mai, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding some soft warmth. In combination with the wood, amber, and musk notes found in the fragrance’s foundation, vanilla adds creamy, voluptuous undertones. Vanilla’s ability to blend seamlessly with other notes made it a natural choice to include in our bold floral amber fragrance.
The orchid connection
The orchid is a central symbol of the Grace de Monaco brand. Representing beauty, love, luxury, and strength - qualities that Princess Grace possessed –, it is also a tribute to her love of flowers. The connection is particularly meaningful as world leaders and luminaries from all over sent thousands of orchids to the palace to celebrate the birth of Prince Albert II. Orchids are thoughtfully embossed on the Promenade Sur Le Rocher parfum packaging and sculpted into the ceramic vessel of our scented candles.
Its enduring appeal
In Promenade Sur Le Rocher, vanilla’s presence evokes a sense of timeless elegance and understated luxury, while the orchid flower is a defining element that embodies the essence of Grace de Monaco.
Shop Grace de Monaco and immerse yourself in the sophisticated scent of Promenade Sur Le Rocher. Find this iconic scent in our luxurious parfum, eau de parfum, scented candles, diffuser oil, and featured in our exclusive discovery sets, La Rêverie and Les Trois Lumières.
