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2 months ago - 07/31/2025
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A New Trio of Perfumes: The Gulf Collection by Gallivant

A New Trio of Perfumes: The Gulf Collection by Gallivant

Three places, three unisex fragrances: with "Souq Wāqif", "Dubai" and "Ar Riyād", the London-based label Gallivant is dedicated to the diversity and sensuality of the Arabian Gulf.

The fragrance trio forms the new Gulf Collection - a combination of classic perfumery and the personal travel impressions of brand founder Nick Stewart. He first traveled to the Gulf States in the late 1980s and was impressed by the atmosphere, culture and rich fragrance world of the region.

The Extraits de Parfum were developed in collaboration with perfumer Céline Perdriel and each contains a fragrance concentration of 36%. Each creation reflects different facets of the Arabian Gulf - from bustling markets to tranquil gardens and warm evenings - and tells of an interplay between tradition and modernity.

When I think of my visits, these images come to mind: dhows with their distinctive sails, golden interiors, shimmering skyscrapers, the tranquillity of courtyard gardens, the horizon of the desert. The air is full and heavy with scents. A feeling of splendor and grandeur. When traveling still felt glamorous, with the promise of new sights and impressions - before so many places felt the same. I remember my mother wearing Samsara by Guerlain. Those big, bold, memorable perfumes that defined that era.

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And all three places I want to explore and celebrate in this new collection are crossroads - ancient and hypermodern. I am drawn to melting pots where different histories, peoples and tastes meet.

Nick Stewart

Souq Wāqif (2025) - An evening in the souq of Doha

Imagine the spice stalls, the mashrabiyah - the wooden lattice windows typical of the region - the winding alleyways, the coolness of the shade, the sacks of nuts and luban (gum arabic): the hum, the buzz, the anticipation and the joy of exploring a traditional souq. And the rich aromas that accompany you wherever you go.  Nick Stewart

Souq Wāqif - Gallivant
Souq Wāqif - Gallivant

Named after one of Doha's oldest markets, "Souq Wāqif (2025)" - literally "standing market" - evokes the atmosphere of the historic quarter. Especially in the evening hours, a special atmosphere unfolds there: the babble of voices of the traders, the play of light and shadow, and above all the scent of spices, resins and smoke.

In the top note, the fruity freshness of blood orange meets leathery saffron and Ottoman incense. In the heart, African rose geranium, myrrh and patchouli combine to create a spicy, resinous accord. The base note rounds off the composition with the warm and balsamic aromas of Vietnamese oud, guaiac wood and labdanum.

Dubai (2025) - Tea in a jasmine-scented garden

Sipping tea and watching the sunset. The balmy evening air ... a hint of something nocturnal, the scent of jasmine and honeysuckle wafting through the air. The relaxed, quiet luxury of Dubai, far away from the shimmering glass and steel towers.

Nick Stewart

Dubai - Gallivant
Dubai - Gallivant

The second creation, "Dubai (2025)", is a tribute to the gentle, quiet side of a city that is primarily associated with glamor and luxury. The fragrance is inspired by moments beyond the skyline: warm evenings, tea in the shade and jasmine drifting through the air.

At the beginning, fruity-sweet notes of pear, neroli and spicy saffron unfold. In the center, jasmine sambac, honeysuckle, tea and cypriol blend into a floral, slightly green accord, which is rounded off by a warm base of amber, musk and fresh vetiver.

Ar Riyād (2025) - A shady garden infused with warmth and hospitality

This perfume evokes the languid heat of the late afternoon, a warm welcome to a hidden garden with the famous Saudi hospitality.

Nick Stewart

Ar Riyād - Gallivant
Ar Riyād - Gallivant

The name Ar Riyād  - Arabic for "gardens" - refers to the Saudi capital Riyadh, where Nick Stewart experienced a great deal of hospitality in courtyards and hidden gardens. The fragrance is characterized by this atmosphere: it is earthy, warm and infused with a gourmand note.

The top note of "Ar Riyād" combines fresh bergamot with bitter almond, verbena and ginger. The heart reveals spicy nuances of clove, cumin and nutmeg, softly framed by orange blossom and ylang-ylang. Vanilla, light tobacco, incense and patchouli form the warm, sensual base and lend depth to the fragrance.

The three fragrances are available in 100 ml bottles.

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