In 1981, the visionary Jeanne Toussaint, then creative director of Cartier, made a bold foray into the world of fragrance with the maison’s first perfume, Must de Cartier. Years later, in 2005, with acclaimed perfumer Mathilde Laurent joining the ranks, she brought a profound understanding of the olfactory experience, presenting new interpretations of Cartier’s luxurious identity. Today, the maison stands among only a select few brands with an in-house perfumer, reflecting its commitment to creating bespoke fragrances that resonate with its legacy.
In a move to further enhance the perfume experience, Cartier introduces Les Bases à Parfumer, a body care ritual collection, to Southeast Asia and Oceania for the first time. The new offering is an extension of Cartier’s high-end perfumes, brought to life by Laurent, ever the innovator.
Luxury carries an undeniable appeal when it is crafted through personalisation. With Les Bases à Parfumer, Cartier presents an opportunity to indulge in a collection entirely dedicated to customisation. This collection features two neutral bases—a nourishing oil and a moisturising cream—created from Peregrina oil, one that is known for its many virtues but, most importantly, its deeply moisturising properties. These bases act as the perfect canvases, ready to be infused with Cartier’s four bestselling scents: Pure Rose, L’Heure Diaphane, La Panthère, and Oud & Santal, allowing you to experiment with the different scents and their intensity. As opposed to conventional fragrances, the four scents in this collection are highly concentrated and alcohol-free—thus suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
Pure Rose is as evocative as its name. A soliflore, it highlights a single floral fragrant, allowing for the rose’s delicate fragrance to shine. What makes its purity even more exceptional is its versatility to also layer with other scents. Meanwhile, L’Heure Diaphane is Laurent’s interpretation of ethereal beauty. It captures the sweetness of life’s simplest pleasures, blending roses, peonies and lychees. La Panthère is quintessentially Cartier. It embodies the spirit of the Cartier woman, channelling the mysterious, feline allure of the emblematic panther. Finally, Oud & Santal is a masterful creation inspired by a gift of oud oil Laurent received. Oud, often referred to as ‘black gold’ in high perfumery, is prized for its rarity and value, and is said to be more coveted than gold. When combined with sandalwood, its intensity is softened, resulting in a warm, grounding scent that remains timeless.
For Cartier, perfume is pictured as a form of invisible jewellery, a concept that aligns with the maison’s role as a jeweller par excellence. At present, this collection is exclusively available at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, offering guests a privileged preview before its official launch in May.
