I Am Unstoppable: Meet Hermès Barénia

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by Alexandra Mansilla

I Am Unstoppable: Meet Hermès Barénia, the Maison’s First Chypre

23 Sept 2024

When Hermès releases something, it always grabs attention. And now, they have launched a chypre. Is this a sensation? Absolutely. Especially considering it is Hermès’ first chypre, dedicated to the unstoppable energy of women.

In Hermès Barénia, everything — I mean, absolutely every detail — has meaning. The fragrance, the name, and the bottle.

The scent of unstoppable women

The fragrance is crafted by Christine Nagel, Creative Director of Hermès Perfumes. She drew inspiration from women who believe in themselves and pursue their calling with bright eyes and unwavering determination.

Nagel spent years perfecting the scent (it took her a full decade). Why so long? Because the fragrance was built slowly, piece by piece, to achieve the perfect harmony of notes.

Photo: Anastasiia Duvallié

And now it is here: a captivating blend of butterfly lily, the unexpected miracle berry, warm oakwood notes, and the bold intensity of patchouli. This timeless combination melts into the skin, revealing a distinctive signature and leaving an unforgettable impression.

"The Hermès woman is unstoppable. A woman driven by curiosity and real vitality. She is guided by her instincts: her sidesteps are never missteps." — says Christine Nagel.

Butterfly Lily, Miracle berry, Oak wood. Photo: Katie Burnett

The name

Barénia is a natural heritage leather and a hallmark of Hermès. Now, it has become a metaphor for the Hermès chypre, which the skin absorbs and makes its own for eternity. It represents the harmony of body and soul, embodying the essence of an unstoppable woman.

Christine Nagel. Photo: Brigitte Lacombe

The bottle

When you look at the bottle, you immediately recognise the iconic Hermès Collier de Chien bracelet. Yes, you are not mistaken. How does this tie into the idea of unstoppable women? It is clear: this collar was literally unleashed and embraced by women in the Roaring Twenties as a symbol of their independence.

Photo: Anastasiia Duvallié

The bottle's designer, Philippe Mouquet, sought to create a vessel of crystal-clear curves and precious metal. Its elliptical shape, topped with a metal plate featuring four contoured studs with domed facets, mirrors the design of the bracelet. These heritage elements come together seamlessly, creating a powerful piece that symbolises a timeless signature fragrance.

by Alexandra Mansilla