THE STORY OF PERFUME
Crafting Modern Heritage Luxury since 1918
As a classic designer, exceptional producer and a sensorial experience provider, Maison Ildela has been an embodiment of luxury since 1918. For a very long period of time Ildela remained a creator of luxury perfumes and fine fragrances catering to a very small client base, never for once imagining to offer them commercially. It is only now that the family realised the importance of sharing their craft at a larger platform.
Ildela has always looked at Kannauj for inspiration. Often referred to as the Grasse of the East, Kannauj is among the most historical places seeped in rich archaeological and cultural heritage. Called as Kanyakubja or Mahodya in the Indian scriptures of Balmiki Ramayana and Mahabharata, Kannauj is a true representation of Indian ethos. For a thousand years, the city of fragrances collected numerous contrasting ideologies and philosophies, until it found its true balance.
ALLURE OF FRENCH PERFUME
It would be a great injustice to the French perfumes for not mentioning their part in the evolution of global fragrance market. Beginning with Fragrance Revolution in the 17th century, France today is synonymous with Fine Fragrances. As much as one appreciates the perfumed Indian Heritage, the advancements made by French Perfumery are exemplary. Ildela has long been a pioneer at safeguarding the heritage perfumery techniques. By fusing the Perfumery Art of two great nations, we have managed to reach a delicate equilibrium characterised by cultural heritage and modernist allure.
THAT LEGENDARY BET
Ildu, a native of a distant village in Haryana, once got into a fierce discussion with a British army official. The topic of debate was how Indian oils cannot match the middle eastern creations on longevity. Vetiver or Khus being a known fragrance during those days, to settle the debate, Ildu agreed to create a vetiver-based scent in the heat of the moment. The winner was to take one mohur (equivalent of 15 rupees in British India times) as winnings.
With no prior knowledge of perfume-making, and lead by a confident sensitive nose, Ildu decided to travel to Kannauj. He spent months on in learning the art of perfumery from the best of the best. Being a fast learner, he quickly rose to become a valued perfumer. But before he could reach back with his exemplary creation, the British official was recalled from India for a different colonial assignment. Since he had already learnt the art of perfumery, Ildu began crafting perfumes in his village, but only to satisfy his creative mind. He also infused perfume into locally sourced leather at his home atelier.
This family tale (1918) has passed on from generation to generation in the family, aptly explaining their ever-existing fascination with perfumes and fragrances. The sixth-generation of the family, decided to revive their historical connection with the world of fragrances. Ildela as a luxury brand is a tribute to the family forefathers.