Asubuhi: meaning “morning” in Swahili and echoing in languages like Arabic, Urdu, Farsi and Malay—is a fragrance born from deep nostalgia and a desire to honour cherished memories. We chose this name to pay homage to Mombasa, the city that inspired it, and to shed light on a part of the Islamic world that has played a vital yet often overlooked role in our shared history.
In the 14th century, the Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta visited Mombasa, a bustling port city adorned with clean streets and coral stone buildings. He found a community rich in hospitality and generosity, where the mingling scents of spices, exotic goods, and ocean breezes filled the air, a testament to its significance as a key hub in the Indian Ocean trade network. Inspired by his accounts and my own childhood memories, I sought to capture the morning sensations of past days: the scent of rain-kissed grass warmed by the rising sun, blending with the spices from breakfasts prepared by the city.
To embody Mombasa’s vibrant spirit, we carefully selected ingredients that represent the city’s essence. Notes of tuberose, ylang-ylang, and chamomile reflect the lush flora, while exotic spices and galbanum symbolize its historical role in the spice trade. Creating Asubuhi was a deeply personal journey, weaving together cherished memories with the historical beauty of Mombasa. I hope this fragrance resonates deeply with you, evoking treasured memories and a universal longing for moments that have slipped through our fingers, while paying homage to a city whose legacy continues to inspire across time and distance.
