Journey to the Caribbean with Frangipani Freedom

Surely, there is no better ingredient, that could evoke the feeling of a tropical fantasy than Frangipani Freedom! Aromatically sweet, with a complex, yet lush and rich floral scent; the sheer beauty of these distinctive flowering trees truly does enough justice on the perfume that they radiate.

Most commonly recognised as the yellow and white flowers, they do range in other colours like reds, pinks, oranges, or better known as the colours of a sunset’s palette; becoming more colourful as they grow in areas closer to the equator. Widely hybridized for cultivation, each variety not only has a slightly different image, yet also a different scent for indulging your nose.

Upon smelling its captivating aroma, you’ll be hit with a scent that is exquisitely exotic and tropical. Soft, peachy, radiant, heady, creamy and fruity. It is a scent that is boldly used by perfumers in different renowned compositions, including ‘A chant for the Nymph’ by Gucci, ‘Magnolia’ by Fragonard, and ‘Paula’s Ibiza’ by Loewe.

So, join us in exploring all about this flower, and you will soon realise why the Frangipani MUST be in your next custom perfume creation at Maison 21G!

A Little History

Also known as the Plumeria, this relatively small tree, growing only to about 5-6m in height, is native to the Caribbean, South and Central America’s and Mexico; yet has spread to almost every warm corner of the globe! This even includes Australia and New Guinea, as well as several countries in Asia and Europe. In Laos, the frangipani is even regarded as the national tree, and is highly sacred, as every Buddhist temple has the tree planted in its courtyards!

Just as myths circulate of how the tree was dispersed to different points in our world, there are equally as many discussions on where the name actually derives from. Some say that the name Frangipani comes from the Italian nobleman, Marquis Frangipani, who had created a perfume, of a mix of orris, spices, civet musk, and wine (makes the scent longer-lasting). In the 16th century, this fragrance was used to scent gloves, which were known as the “Frangipani Gloves”.  As its popularity grew across the country, when a French colonist came upon a plant in the West Indies, the scent was vastly familiar, and reminiscent of the "Frangipani Gloves", that he named the Plumeria alba plant, the Frangipani!

On the contrary, others do follow the simpler story, which explains that the name roots from the French word ‘frangipanier’, a type of coagulated milk that Plumeria milk resembles.

The Wonders of Frangipani Freedom

A plant of endless wonders and magic: it releases its captivating fragrance at night, and the blossoms are almost impossible to set on fire, burning only in extreme temperatures at over 500 degrees!  

In modern Polynesian culture, Frangipani flowers are considered an adornment and can be worn by women to indicate their relationship status. If worn over the right ear, they are seeking a relationship, whilst when worn over the left, the woman is taken. Moreover, following the Chinese philosophy of feng shui, it is therefore not so surprising that these feminine flowers are associated with love.

Contrastingly, in India, the frangipani is a symbol of immortality, closely linked to its ability to produce flowering and leaves, even after it has been lifted from the soil. Therefore, it is common to see the trees planted near temples and graveyards, as the flowers fall and lie over the tombs.

Furthermore, many do believe in the plant’s medicinal properties too. In India, Mexico, and Central America, it is used as a treatment for fevers, itches, and other skin treatments. In Vietnam, the whole plant is exploited, as they use the bark for preventing skin inflammation, as well as treating indigestion, and high blood pressure. The white flowers are also being utilised in traditional medicine to cure high blood pressures, haemophilia, and coughs.

From Flower to Oil

Sweet, alluring, and magical; the oil of the Frangipani is one that you will surely not be able to resist…

Due to the delicate nature of the frangipani flowers, the oils cannot be extracted by distillation, and instead, the process of enfleurage must be adopted. It is a traditional method of extraction that was used from the 18^th to the early 20^th century. Not only is it labour intensive, but it also requires a large amount of plant material. To add on, it is rather expensive. This means that perfumers are, unfortunately, less willing to use the Abs Frangipani in their compositions.

Nevertheless, do not fret, as an alternative has been found, and is popularly used. Nowadays, perfumers use a reconstitution of frangipanis natural smell in their formulas, as they mix Jasmine Absolute and Ylang Ylang Absolute, in combination with a splash of ozonic notes for the top! The Ylang-Ylang creates the floral addiction, whilst equally retaining freshness, similar to natural Frangipani, and Jasmine brings the coconutty facets into the mix.

Our Recommended Mixes

Our first recommendation would be our FRANGIPANI FREEDOM perfume, with the scent of CEDAR CAVIAR. A fragrance that will combine the delightful, solar, and exotic blooming floral, with the contrasting, magnetic, and charismatic wood. A perfect mix for unisex perfumes that upon one spray, will be your new favourite compositions for the everyday!

If you prefer a fragrance that will exhale more vivid freshness, with a breeze reminiscent of the ocean… then the elixir of FRANGIPANI FREEDOM and our OCEAN ODYSSEY fragrance, is exactly what you need. Powerful, bold, fearless; this fragrance has a language of its own. A few sprays, and you will be prepared for a day of new achievements!

Contrastingly, for a more soothing, more sensual, and feminine perfume, we suggest FRANGIPANI FREEDOM with the scent of AMBER AFFAIR. Addictively warm, spicy, oriental, and powdery; wrapped in the refreshing accords of the white florals, that invigorate the sensual appeal and intoxication of the fragrance. Save it for your evenings, and we assure you, you will be thanking us later…

Lastly, a mix that will ‘light up your radar’, FRANGIPANI FREEDOM with our compelling HAVANA HARVEST perfume. Smokey, yet fresh, floral, yet spicy and sweet, and all in unison, as it is finalised with notes of aromatic woods and earthy accords at the back. This is yet another unisex mix, yet one that we suggest saving for the evenings, merely for its sensual force!

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