Luxury fragrance house, The Merchant of Venice, have launched the latest in their collection of scents.
Blue Tea, a fragrance which is delicate and wonderfully sweet, is a welcome addition to the brand’s long line of perfumes.
The Merchant of Venice began distributing in the UK in 2014, after a long and successful running in Italy. They pride themselves on using raw ingredients which have never been used in perfume before, and their latest addition is no exception.
Founder Marco Vidal, who still plays a very hands on role in the fragrance production, told us: “We want to maintain a certain uniqueness, and we are very lucky because this is the second fragrance with something unique in it.”
Of course, it is increasingly difficult to come up with new ideas in an industry where many of the creations overlap.
Vidal continued: “Uniqueness is very important, especially in perfumery where you have so many copies and so many things where one is close to the other.
It is very difficult to find new, raw materials.”
Do you take inspiration from other fragrance houses, we asked? “Only in marketing and distribution”, Vidal said. “I don’t look into trends and I prefer to continue in our own way.
Of course we have some brands that we like, but we do only admire how they distribute and how they display the products.”
After sipping on the brand’s own prosecco, it was time to sample the scent for the first time.
Much lighter than expected, it has top notes of blue tea leaves and nutmeg with heart notes of rose and magnolia. The musky base creates a fullness to the scent, rounding it all together into something which is quite simply poetic.
As with many Merchant of Venice products, the inspiration came from an interesting relationship, but of course Vidal finds inspiration everywhere.
“Many of my ideas come from my knowledge of the history of Venice. Also from curiosity over raw materials and the relationships which characterise the brand.”
Vidal continued: “The origin of Blue Tea comes from a special relationship with one of our clients. She owned a plantation of this blue tea, and she bought it to me and invited me to try it.
We learnt that this specific flower was interesting for its smell, which is why we developed the perfume.”
How to Experience a Merchant of Venice Fragrance?
The Merchant of Venice rewards a slower approach than a quick spray at the counter. Apply a small amount to clean skin, then give the fragrance time to settle before deciding how it wears on you. The opening may feel brighter and lighter, while the heart and base emerge gradually as the scent warms. Testing it this way helps you notice the full progression rather than judging Blue Tea only by its first impression.
Give Blue Tea Time to Develop
If you are considering Blue Tea for your own collection, wear it through an ordinary afternoon before committing. Temperature, skin chemistry and even the pace of your day can influence how a fragrance develops. Avoid rubbing your wrists together after spraying, as it can disturb the way the scent unfolds. Instead, let it dry naturally and check back after an hour or two. A fragrance that still feels distinctive later is more likely to earn regular wear.
The bottle of this stunning fragrance takes inspiration from the home of the blue tea leaf. It is reminiscent of Chinese glass, which is similar in appearance to Porcelain. It is adorned with a navy blue oriental design, a red lid and red tassel, and is the perfect addition to any dressing table.
All in all, Marco Vidal’s new fragrance is one not to be missing this season. Find Blue Tea in Harrods soon, £180, and look out for another new Merchant of Venice fragrance, launching at the end of the year.
