Ruth Mastenbroek looks to Oxford for inspiration

Published: 7-May-2015

British perfumer launches third fragrance


Oxford is the name of the new edp from British perfumer Ruth Mastenbroek. The unisex fragrance is Mastenbroek's third after her signature fragrance Chypre, launched in 2010 and 2012 scent Amorosa, a white flower bouquet inspired by Tuscany.

Oxford channels the perfumer's own experience as a first year chemistry student at Oxford, a period where Mastenbroek felt on the verge of “an awakening” and the “beginning an adventure”. It derives olfactory inspiration from the “rough, exotic and chic” French cigarette brand Gitanes – smoked at that time by many of the most sophisticated students. “Anybody can have a moment where they can discover more about themselves and discover that they are capable of so much more,” explained Mastenbroek to Cosmetics Business.

The fragrance opens with bergamot, one of Mastenbroek's favourite notes, with “refreshing” green notes of galbanum and basil. The heart, meanwhile, features jasmine in combination with clary sage and rosemary, while the dry down has notes of amber, vanilla, patchouli, vetivert and a touch of oud.

Oxford launches in July in Fenwick Bond Street, and will then roll out into a range of independent retailers including Les Senteurs and Burgins of York.

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