Translating Light into Scent: An Exclusive Look Behind the Creation of Light of Bangkok

I think of light as something perceivable not only through the eyes. Its warmth can be felt on the skin and even deeper, as an energy that touches the soul, resurfacing memories and emotions. – Pissara Umavijani

Bangkok, the city where I grew up, has its special, ever-changing light. It is soft and gentle in the early morning, while the city is slowly waking up. By afternoon, it becomes vibrant and energetic, reflected on the Chao Phraya river and the golden temples. And in the evening, when the sun sets, the city is illuminated by a sensuous, ambery glow.

Most of my fondest childhood memories were formed under that light. Walking with my father by the river, watching the reflections dance on water, feeling that time almost stood still. These memories of love, peace, innocence, and discovery are an integral part of me. The light under which they were born was destined to become a fragrance.

When I began composing Light of Bangkok, a fragrance to mark the 150th anniversary of the legendary Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, my main goal was to translate that emotion-filled light into scent. To express the notion of light touching people and places, creating indelible memories.

Italian bergamot was the first note that came to my mind. Its brightness is incredibly pure. Whenever I smell bergamot essence, it instantly feels like the first ray of morning light entering a room. Its euphoric, refined energy brings luminosity and clarity to a composition.

Then came lemongrass, an ingredient deeply connected to Thai culture. In Thailand, you can find it everywhere: in kitchens, herbal drinks, traditional remedies, even in the steam of healing soups like tom yum. Its aroma is fresh, sparkling, and slightly spicy. When I added it in the formula, it immediately gave the perfume a living Thai soul—it felt like home.

At the heart of the fragrance, I used orris butter for its soulful elegance. This coveted raw material has many special qualities, among which is the soft halo effect it can create. Blended with jasmine and ylang-ylang, and combined with the bright top notes, Light of Bangkok began to shine. Jasmine, sensual and graceful, brought warmth and humanity, while ylang-ylang added tropical radiance to the fragrance. Embellished with the smooth iris, the floral notes feel like sunlight gently diffused through silk.

Finally, sandalwood was the raw material that anchored the composition. In Thailand, it has been used in temples and sacred rituals for centuries (the wood is often carved into incense or ground into powder). Its scent is woody and creamy, soothing and meditative. In Light of Bangkok, sandalwood helped the light to transition into dusk, aided by a touch of vetiver. It also brought a sense of tranquility, helping the perfume linger delicately on the skin.

Light of Bangkok is my tribute to the moments during which life feels quietly, yet profoundly, beautiful. When it becomes clear what matters and what does not. The moments we wish could last forever.

DISCOVER LIGHT OF BANGKOK

Pissara Umavijani, Parfums Dusita Founder & Perfumer