Fields of Gold: The Story Behind The Inspiration of Les Bases à Parfumer by Cartier
A world-first, the French luxury house has created beauty essentials derived from the Moringa Peregrina tree which grows in the AlUla region of Saudi Arabia…
The artists that took part in this year’s Desert X exhibition in AlUla were posed a singular question: “What cannot be seen?” The organisers wanted them to dig deep; mine their creative reservoirs; express the inexpressible… Many walked away from the project reeling. Unsure what they’d seen, let alone what they hadn’t, such is the extraordinary beauty of AlUla.
Situated in north west Saudi Arabia, its main city (of the same name) lies on the original pilgrimage route to Mecca and provided a waystation for weary incense traders journeying from southern Arabia to the Mediterranean in centuries past.
Today, with its winding alleyways and honeycomb of mudbrick buildings dating back to the 12th century, AlUla Old Town (the apt location for Bazaar Arabia’s photoshoot) remains remarkably preserved. It’s easy to lose hours, if not days, wafting from one coffee shop to another admiring the architecture and inhaling the spice-filled air – not to mention browsing the handicrafts on every corner. But beyond the city, where sandstone canyons meet palm-filled plains, even greater riches await.
Spend a night in the desert and you’ll discover the true essence of AlUla. It’s there in the soft glow of dawn, as the ochre landscape lights up like gold. Distilling this essence was the inspiration behind Les Bases à Parfumer by Cartier, one of the most highly anticipated beauty launches of the year. Comprising a body oil, body cream and four perfume-oil tinctures, each product contains a generous measure of Peregrina oil which is native to AlUla.
Derived from the white-blooming Moringa Peregrina tree – of which more than 90,000 grow in the region – the nourishing oil has been used in traditional medicine since the time of the Nabatean people. On top of its rich moisturising qualities, the oil has an anti-inflammatory effect (soothes irritation and redness) and a high vitamin E content, which aids in the renewal of skin cells. Cartier’s new range is designed to be mixed and matched as part of a daily ritual. The body oil is neutral and can be used on the hair, body or face. The scented oils can be added to the body oil or to the cream – or, for purists, a single drop applied directly to the skin.
Inspired by the cradle of ancient whispers, Les Bases à Parfumer has come at just the right moment, serving as a reminder that beauty goes beyond what can or cannot be seen.
Special thanks to Dar Tantora The House Hotel, Old Town, AlUla
Photography & Creative Direction by Marne Schwartz and Dané Stojanovic
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s March 2024 issue