A Dip Into The Mediterranean Soul

Like a gentle wind, we sat down with the lovely Sara Carner, co-founder of Carner Barcelona, as she whisked us away to the Mediterranean and the cultural shift Carner wishes to make with their fragrances.

Carner Barcelona was inspired by the contemporary spirit and effortlessness of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Can you describe why you want to evoke this culture with your fragrance?

'I feel that Barcelona and its Mediterranean lifestyle are unique. The welcoming character of the city, its multicultural spirit, and the effortless way of living of its people invites visitors from all over the world to enjoy our sea, beaches and natural spaces and experience all the cultural, architectural and gastronomic offers that we have.

I wanted to capture though our perfumes all these different facets that our city transmit.'

Why is it important for your fragrance to be infused with the authentic culture of Spain and Spanish craftsmanship?

'Working with local suppliers and designers is the only way we can be true to and infuse the brand with the Mediterranean culture we stand for.

Also, I believe details make the difference and being able to work close on the design and manufacturing process is key to ensure the best quality.

Most suppliers have years and years of dedication in their work and we value and trust their expertise.'

What memories or experiences of nostalgia would you associate with your fragrance?

'The memories of my childhood have been a source of inspiration for the creation of many of Carner’s fragrances. “Cuirs” is inspired in the old leather ateliers; I grew up within a family of leather manufacturers and the smell of leather, tobacco, wood of “Cuirs” captures all that world.

Also, Tardes, a perfume that transmits the peace and harmony of a summer evening is inspired in my parent’s home in the countryside where we grew up. A scent that fuses different elements that we would find there like geranium, woods and almond trees.'

What is the feeling you want people to exude and convey when wearing Carner Barcelona?

'Perfume has the power of making you feel in many different ways depending on the type of perfume that you select. It is very personal, probably the most personal choice of any other accessory that we wear. You may want to feel fresh, clean, happy, optimistic…. or maybe you want to feel seductive, sensual, bold, empowered…or nostalgic of someone or someplace? Ultimately perfume needs to make you feel good with yourself and be faithful to who you are as it has a great power to affect how people see you or how they will remember you.

When wearing Carner Barcelona I would love to make people feel good and confident with themselves and of course, if at the same time we can make them feel the inspiration behind that perfume and get them a little closer to our Mediterranean culture it would be fantastic!'

Who is Carner Barcelona’s ultimate Spanish influence?

'The sea is the element that ultimately explains our way of life.'

What are your Mediterranean travel essentials?

'I would always travel with my miniature perfumes. They are 15ml size perfumes easy and very practical to carry around.'

What Carner Barcelona perfume would you recommend when travelling?

'If you go the beach I would recommend our latest launch Sal y Limon, salty and very refreshing.

If you visit a city I would go for D600, spicy and vibrant, inspired in the urban and cosmopolitan lifestyle of Barcelona

If you go to the mountains, Bo-Bo would be my choice, citric and energetic, perfect for your mountain walks.'

Tardes, if you go to the countryside, floral, powdery, and enveloping, with notes of geranium and almond, it transmits peace and harmony.'

Barcelona is one of the many great travel destinations in the Mediterranean, are there any other destinations that you would consider your favourite in this region?

'Formentera, a magical Balearic Island. If you have the chance to go don’t miss Ses Illetes and have a lunch and a fun after-dinner drink at “Beso Beach” until the sun goes down.

Cadaqués, one of the most charming villages on the Costa Brava. There, you can enjoy long boat days, visiting the most hidden coves and enjoying family time. Salvador Dalí’s house is located in Portlligat, next to Cadaqués, and it was the inspiration behind our perfume Fig Man.

Sant Salvador, a small village located on the Costa Dorada, a place to enjoy the time passing by, with no rushes and eat the best paellas!'

If Carner Barcelona were a hotel, which would it be and why?

'The hotel Villa Le Blanc in Menorca, which just opened this summer, for its white minimal look, its understated luxury feeling and the marine scent that surrounds the hotel mixed with the fresh green nature of its landscape.'

If you would like to request samples of the Carner Barcelona Hotel Collection, click here.

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