Olympias

Labdanum, heliotrope, opium, laurel leaves, pear, a drop of red wine Olympias is a rich, complex fragrance that pairs a dark, resinous base of labdanum and opium with bright pear. Together, sandalwood and warm vanilla play up the sumptuousness of the creamy aspects of heliotrope. The laurel leaf lingers in the background but adds an herbal sweetness to the fragrance, recalling the laurel garlands worn in ancient Greece to symbolize success and victory. The red wine is vibrant and jammy, fit for Dionysus himself. The wine and opium notes are a nod to Olympias' active participation in the Cult of Dionysus. Opium is approximated from an accord of floral, earthy, and resinous components, likened to a spiced and heady tobacco. Contrasting with its bad rap in modern times, opium poppy was widely used in ancient Greece in small quantities for medicinal purposes and even incorporated into their cuisine. It was chosen specifically for this fragrance since it was also used for its mild psychoactive effects in spiritual practices.