Kathleen Baird-Murray unveils debut fragrance under new brand La Pyae Apothecary
British journalist and Vogue Beauty Editor Kathleen Baird-Murray has launched a new fragrance, marking the first product under her debut brand, La Pyae Apothecary.
From golden temples, dusty roads and sandalwood prayer beads to neon plastic stools outside crowded tea-shops and delicate strings of jasmine worn in the hair, Baird-Murray takes inspiration from her mother's Myanmar heritage.
She worked with perfumer Frank Voelkl to create the scent, first starting the development around nine years ago.
With Voelkl working from New York and Baird-Murray based in London and Shropshire, they began a series of regular calls where they talked about the olfactory notes.
Baird-Murray sent him a box with sandalwood prayer beads, old family photographs, a childhood memoir, and a book of brightly coloured pictures she’d taken while visiting Myanmar, allowing Voelkl to conjure up the scent.
Several iterations later, the final fragrance is described as "a modern classic that is raw at the edges", encapsulating the unique qualities of the people and country of Myanmar.
The fragrance boasts top notes of bergamot zest, cardamom pods, neroli and green leaves, heart notes of jasmine sambac, freesia, ambrette and iris, and bottom notes of upcycled cedarwood, sandalwood, and white musk.
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"In 1994, just as I was starting out as a Journalist, I visited Myanmar. I wanted to reconnect with my mother’s family, after a separation of over 50 years. My relatives were over the moon to be back in touch, as was I," explains Baird-Murray.
"So I began a quest to create a beauty brand that was infused with the magic, joy and all those other inspiring ingredients from a country that is in my blood, despite my otherwise very conventional English upbringing.
"La Pyae Apothecary draws on 30 years of my experience writing about beauty; capturing all the knowledge I’ve gleaned and the lessons I’ve learned, backed by the latest in technology, the best experts in the world, and always with beautiful design and storytelling. It will shine a light on a country that is so beautiful, but often forgotten."
Looking ahead, Baird-Murray confirmed that her brand will utilise the knowledge she's learnt from 30 years of writing about beauty into a new line of skincare.
"I want everything we make to bring joy, a sense of craftsmanship and knowledge," she adds.
Priced at £185 for 50ml, the new 'Catch Me If I Fall' Eau de Parfum is available online at La Pyae Apothecary.
Image credit: Metz + Racine
