Latest news with #Frankincense
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Matalan is selling a £9 dupe of Diptyque's £168 super-size candle – it burns for 105 hours & there's matching diffusers
Read on for more high-end candle dupes MAKES SCENTS Matalan is selling a £9 dupe of Diptyque's £168 super-size candle – it burns for 105 hours & there's matching diffusers Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you love high-end scents but hate forking out for them, then you're in luck. Matalan has launched a range of candles to give Diptyque a run for its money. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Matalan's new candles are giving Diptyque but for a fraction of the price Credit: Matalan 3 The super-sized candles will last over 105 hours Credit: Diptique 3 They look exactly like the designer version Credit: diptyque These supermarket scents come in super-sized candles as well as diffusers to make your whole house smell luxurious on a budget. The candles come with three wicks to ensure they burn evenly and come with 850g of product to give you 105 hours of burn time for just £9 each. It's a massive difference from the designer version which costs an eye-watering £79 for 300g. The diffusers on the other hand, come with one litre of fragrance and cost £18 a pop. Matalan has launched the new range in four stunning scents so that there is something for everyone. First is Ebony Flame, which has a sophisticated scent with notes of Frankincense, Pink pepper, Cypress, Violet, Raspberry, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Guaiac wood, Amber and Vanilla. Also available is Red Desire, with notes of Saffron, Jasmine blossom, Spun sugar, Cedarwood, Sheer white flowers, Amber, Golden musk and Oakmos. There's also the candle called 'Fun & Fabulous' featuring Jasmine, Herbal accord, Vetiver, Amber, Cedarwood, Leather, Musk and Frankincense notes. Last but not least is Velvet Petal & Oud with Rose, Sweet quince paste, Peony, Saffron, Agarwood Sandalwood, Patchouli, Arab wood, Dry amber, Musks and a touch of vanilla. Impressively, the glass jars look very similar to Diptyque's with a similar oval logo on the front. Shoppers are 'sprinting' to Tesco to nab £3.75 buy that makes your house smell 'incredible' but so much cheaper than £35 The White company scent The new collection is limited edition so if you want to get your hands on them you best head to their website or your local Matalan store now. But it's not the only deal shoppers are going wild for in Matalan. The White Butterfly Duvet Cover, normally priced at £21, is available for less than £1 when new customers sign up to Top Cashback. The deal is available online across the UK and applies to the double size set, which includes the duvet cover and matching pillowcases, both featuring a delicate embossed butterfly pattern. New Top Cashback members can get the set for just 50p after claiming a £2 cashback bonus, while existing members can still enjoy a hefty saving, picking it up for £15.50 with the same bonus. Offers are also available on the single and king sizes. One happy customer wrote: "Outstanding in quality and style. Even more stunning than I was expecting. So reasonably priced in fact I will be purchasing a second set. I would 100 per cent recommend this product."
Muscat Daily
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Amouage exhibits Oman collection of Gaetano Pesce
Milan, Italy – Creativity knows no boundaries. Even worlds that seem distant can merge in synergy, crafting an authentic dialogue that shifts perspectives. During this year's Milan Design Week, the result of one such encounter takes place: Gaetano Pesce's Oman Collection is showcased as part of the exhibition titled: 'Gaetano Pesce. Una festa per l'architettura. Modelli, pensieri e disegni.', in collaboration with Amouage, the renowned Omani High Perfumery House. Creative synergy The creative saga between Gaetano Pesce and Amouage arose when Amouage's chief creative officer Renaud Salmon sent a package of Omani Frankincense resin to the Italian design pioneer. He asked whether this resin could serve as the starting point for a new creative endeavour. Intrigued, Pesce began to experiment, giving form to the concept that would eventually evolve in the Oman Collection, showcased in this exhibition. In spring 2023, Salmon invited Pesce to what would become a revelatory trip to the enchanting Frankincense trees valley of Wadi Dawkah UNESCO World Heritage site in Oman. This protected, almost mystical sanctuary is home to thousands of Boswellia sacra trees. Humans have known and harvested these ancient trees for millennia, extracting a milky resin that, when distilled, becomes one of the key ingredients in High Perfumery. The two visionaries continued this multi-disciplinary journey, during which Gaetano Pesce also created the visual identity for Wadi Dawkah, one that embraces both its history and its philosophy. The Wadi Dawkah logo, unique and recognisable, takes the form of a Frankincense resin drop containing its source, the tree. The cheerful smile and eye, an iconic signature of Pesce, embodies the site's sustainable and ethical vision: happy trees and happy human beings. Gaetano Pesce's homage to Oman The exhibition blends architectural design and the art of perfumery through an iconic ingredient: resin. Three select objects of Gaetano Pesce's Oman collection are displayed, which seamlessly embody the dialogue between nature and plasticity. While conceiving the Oman Collection, Gaetano Pesce experimented for the first time, during the casting, the combination of two polyurethanes: a resin and a gum. His aim was to find the right balance between rigidity and elasticity. The first piece, the ' Oman Chair' is infused with the stylised silhouette of a Frankincense tree: the chairback's supporting structure is a bold reference to the tree's gnarled branches. The second piece, titled ' Oman Chair with Frankincense ' pushes the concept further, with the addition of another resin, this time a natural one: Frankincense. In this piece, inspiration goes beyond design. The material itself carries Wadi Dawkah's resinous soul: Frankincense is now part of the chair's existence. The third and final piece, the ' Oman Throne ', is Pesce's homage to the majestic presence of the Frankincense tree. Though this object does not incorporate Frankincense resin, it translates the tree's imposing form into plasticity. Pesce used his signature colour palette, which made him famous worldwide, blending primary colours and bringing complementary nuances to life with complete transparency. In this collection, he pushed the vibrancy even further, creating an almost playful, saturated visual effect. Through inspiration, experimentation, and Pesce's characteristic audacity, the three pieces of the Oman Collection stand as distinct elements, each embodying a different phase of the creative process. And yet, together, they constitute a touching, harmonious whole: one of Gaetano's last gifts to design, to perfumery, and to the synergy born from diversity. An extraordinary encounter requires an extraordinary venue. The exclusive exhibition is hosted at the renowned Gallery Antonia Jannone Disegni di Architettura, joining forces with Studio Gaetano Pesce and Contemplazioni, a company specialising in the production of art exhibitions and known for multiple collaborations with the design master. This landmark exhibition follows its debut at Art Basel Miami 2023, where objects like the ' Oman Cabinet' were first presented. The ' Oman Throne ' and other items were exhibited in Gaetano's posthumous show at the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana in 2024. Come and visit the exhibition from April 8 – 13 and immerse yourself in the world of the design pioneer and his late-life homage to Oman.
Observer
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Milan Design Week celebrates Oman through Gaetano Pesce's Oman Collection
In an enchanting tale of creativity and cross-cultural synergy, celebrated Italian designer and architect Gaetano Pesce received a gift that would lead to a transformative exploration: a package of precious Omani frankincense. This aromatic resin, steeped in history and tradition, kindled Pesce's imagination and prompted a spirited journey of experimentation that culminated in the extraordinary Oman Collection, now on display at Milan Design Week from April 8 to 13. Born in 1939 in La Spezia, Gaetano Pesce has long been a trailblazer in the worlds of design and architecture, with a career that spans over sixty years. He studied architecture at Venice University, where he championed a manifesto advocating for incoherence in art, arguing for the necessity of change and unique self-expression. Pesce has carved a name for himself through a rich tapestry of projects and teachings, having imparted his wisdom to students at prestigious educational institutions worldwide, including Carnegie Mellon and Cooper Union. Pesce's works defy conventional boundaries, transcending traditional distinctions between art and design. Each creation serves as a response to the zeitgeist, reflecting a deep sensitivity to the needs of contemporary life. To date, he has received numerous accolades, including the esteemed Chrysler Award for Innovation and Design, as his distinctive style continues to captivate audiences in exhibitions globally. Through his innovative collaborations with renowned brands such as Cassina and B&B Italia, Pesce has left an indelible mark on the design landscape. Notably, his striking installation for Bottega Veneta in 2022 captured imaginations with its poured resin floor and uniquely crafted chairs, showcasing his relentless pursuit of creativity. The Oman Collection: Nature and Design Intertwined The Oman Collection exemplifies the remarkable blend of architectural artistry and the alluring world of perfumery. At the heart of this showcase are three iconic pieces, each born from Pesce's adventurous spirit and fascination with the potent beauty of the Frankincense tree. While conceptualising the Oman Collection, Pesce pushed the boundaries of design. He forayed into uncharted territories, experimenting with a pioneering fusion of polyurethanes that allowed for a balance between strength and flexibility. The "Oman Chair," with its elegant form inspired by the gnarled silhouette of the Frankincense tree, sets a striking precedent. The second piece, the "Oman Chair with Frankincense," takes this creative endeavour a step further by integrating the aromatic resin itself—a material that encapsulates the essence of Wadi Dawkah's resin-rich environment. Finally, the "Oman Throne" stands as a tribute to the majestic presence of the Frankincense tree, elegantly translating its grandeur into an inviting plastic form. Pesce's characteristic use of vibrant colours breathes life into these pieces, infusing them with a playful spirit that captivates the eye and invites curiosity. Each work not only reflects his ingenious creativity but also embodies the rich cultural heritage of Oman. Hosted in the prestigious Gallery Antonia Jannone Disegni di Architettura, the exhibition is a collaboration between Studio Gaetano Pesce and Contemplazioni—an artistic company dedicated to the creation of immersive exhibitions. Following its successful debut at Art Basel Miami 2023, this presentation at Milan Design Week marks an essential moment in Pesce's ongoing artistic dialogue, where each piece resonates with profound meaning and a heartfelt homage to the beauty of Oman. The genesis of the Oman Collection can be traced back to the mutual admiration shared between Gaetano Pesce and Amouage's chief creative officer, Renaud Salmon. Salmon's thoughtful gift of Omani frankincense was merely the first step in what would blossom into an extraordinary creative collaboration. In spring 2023, the duo ventured to the stunning Wadi Dawkah, a UNESCO World Heritage site marked by its ancient Boswellia sacra trees, where thousands of years of tradition infuse the air. During this immersive journey, Pesce found inspiration not only in the natural beauty of the landscape but also in the sustainable and ethical philosophy of the valley. The fruit of this collaboration extended beyond the Oman Collection, as Pesce crafted a visual identity for the site, capturing its essence with a logo that mirrors the unique drop of Frankincense resin. As Milan Design Week gears up, the exhibition promises to be a highlight, offering a rare glimpse into Pesce's imaginative process and his ability to connect deeply with materials. Visitors can immerse themselves in the thought-provoking dialogue between man-made forms and the natural world, where innovation flourishes in tandem with tradition. The Oman Collection, through its playful designs and aromatic undertones, highlights Pesce's belief that art transcends static beauty; it must evoke emotion and engage the senses. Each piece tells a story—of ancient trees that have been revered and harvested for millennia—and invites viewers to breathe in the fragrant histories that have shaped the art of perfumery in Oman.
Muscat Daily
27-03-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Amouage reopens flagship SABCO boutique
Paying Tribute to Tradition, Craftsmanship, and Artistic Expression Muscat – In the presence of family and friends of the brand, Amouage, the Omani High Perfumery House reopened the doors of its flagship boutique at SABCO Centre in Muscat after 18 months of extensive renovations. Designed by Héroïne Paris as an ode to the House's storied legacy, the iconic new space now presents a two-floor-high crystalline glass façade that is home to a breathtaking artistic depiction of a majestic Frankincense tree in the Omani desert. The flagship comes on the heels of strong global growth and the opening of several Amouage locations around the world, including the US, China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. A legacy reimagined A place of origin, reimagined for a new olfactive era, the Amouage SABCO boutique is a cornerstone of the House's legacy. First opened in 1985, the boutique has long been a beacon of Amouage's vision, a space where craftsmanship and artistic expression have come together for four decades. 'This boutique holds profound significance not only to Amouage but to my family and to many people in Oman,' said Sayyid Khalid bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Chairman of the Board of Amouage. 'It was here at SABCO Centre that we launched Amouage's first boutique ever 40 years ago, and it was here that we built the first modern shopping mall in Oman in 1985, inaugurating a new era of shopping experience in Muscat. And today, the relaunch of the Amouage boutique is a tribute to our past and a testament to how far we have come. While the space has been completely transformed, its essence remains unchanged; a place where our passion for the art of perfumery will continue to thrive for generations to come.' Perfumery architecture elevated to the level of art The initiatory journey to the heart of Amouage begins right from the store's façade where transparent glass and monumental cream travertine slabs wrap the outside, juxtaposing with hand carved raw greige sandstone. At the epicenter of the space, the tranquil serene palette is abruptly interrupted by the geometric monumentalism of a seven-metre-high wooden tree, a contemporary sculpture custom-commissioned by Salmon: 'I was inspired by my numerous trips to Wadi Dawkah, as well as the rugged grandeur of the project. I enjoyed the idea of a totemic representation of a Frankincense tree, bringing a strong atmosphere, emotion, and visual gravitas through its uncompromising shape and size. We were conscious that it would be challenging to get rid of most of the non-structural elements of the building to open up the space for the giant tree to go through two floors but decided to be mindless to what is problematic… and we made it happen.' The tree, which was commissioned by Renaud Salmon, Chief Creative Officer of Amouage, was designed by Héroïne Paris and hand-produced and engineered by Ouvrage Paris. It is part of the Amouage Art Project, which has seen the House partner with several Omani and international artists to commission or acquire art pieces around the world. The boutique is finished with luxe materials, including dark oak, polished black stainless steel, brass, and gold leaf touches, together in a refined twenty-first-century brutalist patchwork. Custom furniture by French designer and Bettencourt Prize winner Dimitry Hlinka completes the venue. The Majlis: A place for rituals and reflection Within the boutique lies the contemporary elegance of the Majlis; an intimate space where Omani hospitality unfolds, offering a setting for meaningful encounters and bespoke perfume rituals. Here, amidst dark wood panelling, curated objects, and luxurious seating, perfume connoisseurs are invited to discover the artistry behind each scent. Whether through one-to-one consultations, interactive masterclasses, or exclusive gatherings, the space explores deeper connections with the House's exquisite fragrances, transforming each visit into a personal and evocative experience. Fast-Forward The modern new space carries Amouage's full range of Eaux de Parfum, Extraits de Parfum, Essences, and Attars in addition to luxury body products. Visitors also have the opportunity to curate their very own Gift of Kings selection, choosing from hundreds of fragrances and leather case options. 'This reopening is a tribute to our origins and a bold step into the future,' expressed Renaud Salmon. With its SABCO flagship boutique once again open, Amouage continues to shape the future of High Perfumery. Across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, its boutiques have evolved into architectural interpretations of the House's ethos – each one a carefully curated space where fragrance, design, and craftsmanship intertwine.
