Campos de Ibiza – Interview with Aurélie Kahn

01/10/08 22:13:59

When thinking about a rich tradition, quality natural components and scents of Mediterranean in only one bottle of perfume, then we can find all of that in the fragrances of the niche house Campos de Ibiza. The aim of this house is to find the breezes of Ibica that caress the Island, villages, blooming gardens, figs and almond trees, and rich aromas that capture the colorful seaside, sun and nature in each drop of their fragrances.

Capturing the ancient culture, architecture and traditions of the Island, the fragrances are with special care and love designed to pass on the spirit of Ibiza and people there outside its borders.

Campos de Ibiza house was founded in 1980 and so far it has launched several fragrances named after their central components, rose, jasmine, cedar wood, mandarin...the best quality components are captured in elegant transparent bottles, accompanied with matching soap collections and fragrant candles.

We have a great pleasure to present Aurélie Kahn, the daughter of the founder of the house, which today is leading Campos de Ibiza. In this interview she reveals us more about the Campos de Ibiza house, its development and future plans.

Fragrantica: Many perfumers and perfume creators get an inspiration for creation of a new fragrance when going to various exotic parts of the world where they become overwhelmed by the spirit of its history, traditions, and sights.
Campos de Ibiza house is located in one of them. For some years now Ibiza is a fusion of ancient and modern and inspiration, I believe, is endless. How do you choose the fragrant notes and what inspires you?

Aurélie Kahn: Campos de Ibiza means Ibiza's countryside so I find my inspiration in the gardens of the island, especially our gardens, we have since decades an old farm called ‘finca’ in Spanish, and there I can find my inspiration as the land there is very rich with fig trees, almond trees, flowers, etc....all our fragrances are linked to Ibiza land and history.

Fragrantica: Who is the founder of Campos de Ibiza perfume house? It is an excellent idea to establish a manufacture in a place such as Ibiza. Who are the people involved in the perfume production process?

Aurélie Kahn: The founder of Campos de Ibiza is my mother, she is half Ibicenca half Parisian. She decided to quit a job in international fashion in order to develop something from the land she likes. My mother wanted to make other people understand the Ibiza lifestyle mixed with the refine Parisian taste. People are involved in the production are myself (I am her daughter and I decided two years ago to promote our products outside the island). I work with a famous Spanish nose Agusti Vidal.

Fragrantica: Your house is renowned by the choice and quality of the components used in your fragrances. Who is the person behind the Campos de Ibiza fragrance creations?

Aurélie Kahn: It is I and our team in Ibiza behind Campos de Ibica fragrances. We work all together in order to introduce and spread the spirit of the island.

Fragrantica: The fragrances that you have created are named after the central components in the compositions. Could you tell us the stories behind each of your fragrances?

Aurélie Kahn: Mandarina and Cedro are among the first fragrances of Campos de Ibiza. They exist since the very beginning of our work and were always very successful. Mandarina is fresh, and we wanted to present something with citrus as the island has so many of them, it is aimed at women from 20 on...It is, actually, suitable for all women regardless of age.
Cedro is for men and speaks about the history of Phoenicians in Ibiza who used to sell Cedar oil to Egyptians. Through this fragrance we wanted to capture and present the rich history of the island.

Rosa and Jazmin are florals. Rosa, because it is so present in the Mediterranean. This is it not a pure rose however, it is a rose in the garden, so there are plenty of other flowers in this fragrance. Jazmin, because I wanted to add a white flower fragrance to our collection, and also to remind of the oriental link that Spain has with Middle East....

Fig (fragrance Higo) and Almond are typical for the Island and can be seen all over. We wanted to make something original with those two fragrances.

Fragrantica: Would you describe your fragrances as 'summer time and optimistic' having in mind the location of the house, or you would recommend some of the fragrances as suitable for colder weather?

Aurélie Kahn: Yes, you are right, they are more summer-time and happy fragrances but Fig, Jazmin and Rose are sweet and can therefore be used in winter as well.

Fragrantica: Apart from the fragrances your house produces soaps and fragrant candles as well. Are you planning to expand your assortment by introducing other kinds of fragrant cosmetics?

Aurélie Kahn: Due to the success that we achieved with our line of fragrances, we have many requests for many other products. We want to take our time as the most important for us is to make and present products of the best quality. In March we are planning to launch soft body creams and shower gels, and we are also thinking of many other products but at the moment it is too soon to speak about it.....

Fragrantica: Are you planning to introduce new fragrances and new fragrant notes?

Aurélie Kahn: Yes but I cannot tell you yet as it is still not finalized.

Fragrantica: The New Year's Eve is behind us. Nevertheless, which of your fragrances would you recommend for such an occasion? And for the St. Valentine's Day?

Aurélie Kahn: Rose is perfect for Valentine’s.....

Fragrantica: Is there any distributor that imports Campos de Ibiza fragrances to any of the countries of former Yugoslavia (Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Macedonia)? In which other countries in the world your fragrances can be found?

Aurélie Kahn: Unfortunately not, our fragrances are available only in Russia, the United States, Germany, Italy, Japan, etc.

Fragrantica: Where else Campos de Ibiza fragrances can be purchased apart from your store in Ibiza? If they are possible to be purchased on-line, could you provide us with links of some reliable on-line stores at which our members and visitors can purchase your fragrances?