Soap may seem like an everyday staple. We find its story particularly remarkable. With roots stretching back thousands of years, soap has served as so much more than a mere tool for cleanliness. It symbolized luxury, art, and culture. From ancient Babylon to modern Paris, soap can do more for you than washing. It connects to the past, indulges in beauty, and transforms a daily ritual into something functional and profound. Read on to look at how this modest bar has evolved into something truly everlasting.

Ancient wisdom: soap’s beginnings and enduring methods

Has hygiene become an obsession in modern times? Quite the contrary. Soap-making spans nearly 5,000 years, connecting us to a rich historical tradition. Archaeologists have found traces of soap in ancient Babylonian clay artifacts, complete with recipes etched into the surface. In Aleppo, artisans crafted their version by blending olive oil, laurel berry oil, and lye and cooling it underground into avocado-green sheets. Remarkably, we still use this method today, a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient wisdom.

Legend even links Cleopatra to the legacy of Aleppo soap, with stories of the Egyptian queen bathing in milk and using the olive oil blend to nourish her skin. Fast-forward to 13^th-century Florence, where Santa Maria Novella, the world’s oldest pharmacy, began as a convent where Dominican monks hand-crafted remedies and soaps using natural ingredients. They produced creations like buttery milk soaps, a tradition that continues today. Infused with patchouli, verbena, or left neutral, these luxurious bars combine ancient monastic craftsmanship with timeless elegance. Experience the legacy of Santa Maria Novella at boutiques in Seoul, Sydney, Miami, or Bangkok, or order online to enjoy this Florentine heritage at home. Their luxurious creations also make perfect gifts for any occasion!

Nostalgia and luxury: soap in the 20th century 

The mid-20^th century brought soap into the cultural spotlight in surprising ways, sparking nostalgia and appreciation for its influence. Brands like Pears and Cussons sponsored radio and TV programs, giving rise to the term “soap operas.” Even the world of high fashion took note—when photographer Cecil Beaton was asked to define elegance, he replied without hesitation: “Soap and water!” It’s easy to imagine Beaton’s muses—Maria Callas, Barbra Streisand, or Baroness Fiona Thyssen-Bornemisza—relaxing after a long day with a rose-scented Dior soap bar. Dior continues this legacy today with its Prestige Le Savon line, a reimagined nod to mid-century luxury.

Around the same time, Diptyque began elevating soap to an art form. Their smooth, glossy bars, embossed with elegant typography, look almost too beautiful to use. Watching the lettering fade with each wash feels bittersweet and poetic—a reminder of life’s fleeting beauty.

Meanwhile, Yardley of London emerged as a quintessential symbol of British refinement. Famous for their lavender soap, Yardley became synonymous with sophistication, gracing the vanities of post-war households. The brand’s floral-scented bars and elegant packaging reflected an enduring charm that bridged nostalgia and modernity. 

Modern artistry: design and functionality in soap 

In recent years, soap has seen a renaissance as a functional product and a design statement, intriguing and appreciative of its versatility. Even artists have explored its potential. In Thomas Barnthaler’s 2015 book Do It Yourself: 50 Projects by Designers and Artists, John Baldessari provided instructions on soap carving in a work titled A Large Piece of Soap Becomes a Small Piece of Soap Eventually. His playful approach reflects the ephemeral nature of soap while elevating it to an art form.

At Salone del Mobile 2024 in Milan, architect Nicolas Schuybroek collaborated with Aesop to create an installation called Form Follows Formulation. Using Aesop’s cleansing slabs as building blocks, Schuybroek crafted a monolithic structure that celebrated simplicity and elegance.

Fashion brands have also embraced soap’s artistic side. Loewe’s Scent of Marihuana bar, for instance, pairs exfoliating red algae with a soothing sativa aroma, complete with a linen rope for decorative display. Meanwhile, French brand Provendi has reimagined wall-mounted soaps as rotating sculptures, combining charm with practicality.

From ancient traditions to modern reinvention, soap transcends serving as a mere cleanser. We marvel at it as a piece of history, a canvas for artistry, and a small luxury that enriches daily life. Symrise, too, drives innovation in the soap category—explore the latest breakthroughs here. Next time you lather up, pause to appreciate its journey, craftsmanship, and the simple joy it brings. While soap may vanish with each use, its allure and impact remain timeless.

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Fashion, fragrance, food and more!

Are you feeling passionate about art? Then you’ve likely heard of Art Basel—the renowned art fair that’s captivated audiences since the 1970s. Art Basel Switzerland kicked off in June with over 250 premier galleries worldwide this year. And the excitement went on from there. In November, Art Week Tokyo joined forces with Art Basel to spotlight Tokyo’s unique creativity and cultural diversity.

And now, the countdown runs for the 22nd annual Art Basel Miami Beach, which will take place from December 6 through 8. Get ready for an extraordinary showcase featuring top galleries from five continents, displaying works from iconic Modern and contemporary masters alongside promising emerging talents. 

While Art Basel celebrates art across all media, expect to see an emphasis on grand-scale installations. The fair also pushes boundaries with tech-driven art, integrating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to captivate a younger, tech-savvy audience. Art Basel Miami Beach has meanwhile gone far beyond an art fair. Art converges with luxury, fashion, fragrance, gourmet experiences, and more. Discover the event’s partners and dive into the exclusive activities and initiatives planned for this year!

Style & scents to watch

Art Basel offers more than art. It presents a a style spectacle where luxury fashion takes center stage. Iconic brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci have joined Art Basel, offering exclusive collections and immersive experiences. Dior and Prada, with boutiques in Miami’s Design District, host private events that draw A-listers, blending high fashion with high art. Attendees dress to impress, often inspired by the art around them, and even Art Basel staff uniforms are stylish, thanks to partner GOAT—a brand that’s grown from a sneaker marketplace to a global source for trendsetting fashion.

Fragrance brands are also seizing the Art Basel spotlight. At October’s Paris edition, Guerlain launched a gender-neutral fragrance with artist Julie Beaufils, capturing her abstract landscapes in amber, floral, and wood notes. Creed Fragrances teamed up with artist Shawn Kolodny for Miami installations and holiday boutique displays. With many collaborations under wraps, keep an eye out for surprises this December at Art Basel Miami Beach!

Celebrity-fueled events & food

Art Basel’s Global Patrons Council consists of 181 leading private collectors from across the world, allowing Art Basel to plan unique events to connect with that network.  For example, for Miami, Dom Pérignon will host a night to remember with Creative Director Lenny Kravitz at hotelier Alan Faena’s Penthouse. The event will celebrate the release of Kravitz’s limited-edition Dom Pérignon collection. One can also book luxury experiences such as this yacht charter for a mere £4,000 per person! In addition, Miami will attract visitors and art fans to a vibrant cuisine scene. With the Miami Beach Convention Center event, restauranteurs from LIRA Beirut Eatery to Rosetta Bakery will be offering snacks to sit-down meals. 

Sustainable thinking

At the heart of the Miami event (and Art Basel in general) are sustainably minded practices. With Sodexo Live! as the official catering service, key initiatives have focused on boosting plant-based meals, responsible and local sourcing, and waste reduction. They are also supporting communities and transitioning to biodegradable and compostable products.

Symrise drives cultural synergy forward by innovating with sustainable, creative exhibitions at top art events. Planning to attend Art Basel? Share your favorite way to join the momentum in the comments below!

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Mexico – A Fiesta for Creative Souls

The Mexican fiesta paints a colorful picture in our heads once we pronounce the word. Dancing people, colorful cloths, tasty food … This source of inspiration might elevate your creativity in design, food, and beauty in just seconds. Teeming with cultural richness and creative diversity, destinations like Mexico City, Tulum, Guadalajara, and Oaxaca will surely awaken your senses and spark your imagination. In Mexico City, the contemporary art scene and design district provides an array of galleries, boutiques, and studios. On the other hand, Tulum’s bohemian beach vibe and burgeoning food scene attract foodies and designers alike. Guadalajara’s blend of modern architecture and traditional craftsmanship offers designers a rich source of inspiration. Finally, Oaxaca’s ancient ruins and artisan community provide a glimpse into Mexico’s rich heritage and artisanal traditions. Read on to learn more about the country’s impressive, inspirational design, food, and beauty offerings.

Evolving tradition with design 

Mexico’s artisanal culture and design scene are booming, blending ancient techniques with cutting-edge innovation to produce stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces. A new generation of designers is taking inspiration from the country’s rich history, using locally sourced materials, and collaborating with skilled artisans to create works seamlessly merging craftsmanship and contemporary design.

Txt.ure pays homage to pre-Hispanic techniques while infusing them with a modern twist. Their pieces blend old and new, incorporating woven textiles and natural dyes. Rrres highlights an Oaxaca-based project evolving traditional wool rug making. In addition, they experiment with unconventional materials like red clay ceramics, palm weaving, and carrizo, resulting in unique designs.

Michelle Gratacós-Arill of Mexico City’s FGTC design studio is transforming the design landscape with her visions. Mexican architecture and heritage inspire her iron-made accessories for plants and outdoor furniture. Her space, form, and color use encourage people to play and experiment with their environment.

Local foods with a twist 

Mexico’s food scene is teeming with innovation, creativity, and mouth-watering surprises that will leave foodies wanting more. From the famous street tacos to the emerging haute cuisine, Mexican food is breaking boundaries, taking inspiration from the country’s rich heritage, and merging it with global influences.

In the heart of Mexico City, you’ll find restaurants like Ignacia Guest House, Pujol, and Molino El Pujol, innovating and gaining recognition for themselves with their gastronomic evolution. Molino El Pujol’s tasting menu is enterprising—spotlighting traditional Mexican ingredients in unexpected and imaginative ways. At the same time, Manzanilla, in Baja California, focuses on local seafood-driven cuisine that has gained worldwide recognition.

More than just the fine dining scene is gaining momentum—Mexican street food culture is expanding too with food trucks, pop-ups, and small restaurants emerging on every corner. Innovative culinarians are taking classic dishes and giving them new twists, like La Panga del Impostor, where you’ll find combinations of octopus and prensado (pig skin deep fried and topped with gravy). And if you have a sweet tooth, Piloncillo & Vainilla offers an array of traditional and experimental sweets, like the famous donut-shaped churros filled with ice cream.

In the Yucatán peninsula, cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) and papadzules (tortillas filled with boiled eggs and pumpkin seed sauce) represent staples you must try, while in Oaxaca, mole reigns the menu, with dozens of variations found throughout the region.

Environmentally-friendly beauty 

New brands are revolutionizing the industry by blending ancestral wisdom with cutting-edge tech and science-backed innovation to create high-performance, sustainable products that pay homage to the country’s roots. This makes it obvious that Mexico belongs to the world’s top ten markets for cosmetics and personal care products – the projected market value is set to skyrocket to US$19.48bn by 2028, thanks to a growing labor market and rising disposable income. On the other sid, the pandemic and global cost of living crisis have got shoppers thinking twice about where they’re spending their hard-earned cash. So, savvy consumers seek skin-minimalist-led solutions that streamline their beauty routines and won’t break the bank.

Enter Gen Z and Millennials, who shop based on their values and principles. These cohorts focus on ethical and sustainable beauty solutions, and Mexico is leading the way. Check out Rayito de Luna, a B Corp-certified personal care brand that uses the finest Mexican raw materials, supplies, and skills to create top-notch products. They are focusing on sustainability and ethical production, making them a fan favorite for consumers who want safe, effective, and planet-friendly beauty products. Another brand with a similar ethos—Ahal. Founded by a chemical engineer, the brand blends traditional Mexican herbalism with science to create cosmetics free from excessive ingredients and kind to your skin. The natural ingredients are biodegradable and packed with antioxidants and vitamins that tackle common skin issues. 

With its vibrant and dynamic culture, rich history, and diverse landscapes, Mexico as a destination will provide creative and innovative inspiration to anyone looking to explore new horizons and expand their artistic and cultural horizons. So, what are you waiting on? Pack your bags and comment below to let us know when you’re booking your flight!

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The beauty of bottles

When you remember yourself as a child: Did you ever awe at your mother’s collection of artsy perfume bottles or your father’s cool, sleek bottles of cologne? The classic bottles glistened in the sun like gems – wearing crowns in whimsical shapes. These bottles hold precious ingredients and also display as an objet d’art that captures the story of the fragrance. To achieve this packaging designers are drawing inspiration from art and architecture. They adapt to our emotional and wellness wishes inspiring fragrance compositions. We observe exciting trends for you that define a new generation of these “gems.”

Collectible through collaboration

The recent collaborations between fragrance brands and musicians, fine artists and designers have given birth to limited editions and miniature works of art. Byredo’s founder Ben Gorham and Mumbai-based photographer Ashish Shah showcased the work of local artists to decorate a limited edition of Mumbai Noise – reminiscent of the founder’s childhood in Mumbai and highlights the vibrant counterculture of the city. Gucci joined forces with Korean tattoo artist and illustrator Miki Kim to create limited-edition artwork for the brand’s Flora Gorgeous Gardenia fragrance. Lastly, Korean brand Tamburins, collaborated with ceramicist Bae Sejin on Object Collection Candle. Each container evokes the reflective calm generated by the scent.

Fragrance, bottle it sustainable

Wellness and sustainability continue to influence fragrance creation. Brands experiment with novel approaches to perfume design by also caring for the bottle’s afterlife. While we may not judge a book by the cover, we do frequently judge a perfume by the bottle. For example, the refillable bottles help many fragrance brands achieve their sustainability goals as consumers want to unite luxury and planet-conscious packaging. So how can brands care for the environment and keep designs luxurious and fun? Kenzo knows the answer! With their special Flower by Kenzo bottle design. You may refill the wooden Japanese-inspired kokeshi doll and also keep it as a collectible item. Another Brand – Dries Van Noten introduced a new fragrance collection featuring ten whimsical and collectible flacons. Each refillable flacon surprises with a unique design encompassing upcycled materials. To pronounce their exclusiveness they also give you a matching key to unlock the cap to funnel for dispensing.

Caps lock

Caps crown the unique look of a bottle like Dries Van Noten’s perfumes. Or they figuratively define the perfume impression by transforming a generically shaped bottle. France-based Atelier Materi crafts tactile caps for its fragrances, each unique through hand-painted gold swirls. Off-White’s first fragrance launch, Paperwork, references industrial design with a dramatic crimson-dripped, grip control spout cap atop a minimalist bottle. While Guerlain’s L’Art & la Matière collection allows individuals to personalize designs from a matrix of cap plates, assorted cords, colors and custom bottle engraving.

As fragrance becomes more personal and emotional, designers and brands make sure to reflect this sentiment in the bottle’s design. What bottle has wholly grabbed your attention? Do you collect perfume bottles? Do you follow these three trends when shopping for fragrances? What other trends are you seeing? Share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment below!

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