Ten years ago, I stumbled upon Molton Brown luxuries while browsing through the stunning beauty racks of homegrown label, Good Earth. Tucked amidst curios like Claus Porto soaps and oils from the Orient, were fragrant formulations from Molton Brown. Even then, these were unforgettable bottles of goodness, distinguished in their packaging. Soon, just like they came in – unassumingly – they disappeared off racks. In 2018, the label has once again appeared, this time at its flagship store at DLF Emporio Mall in Delhi. And with it has arrived a whole new world of opulent, tantalising bath and body products, fragrances made with exotic ingredients, and beautiful gifting options.
From the time they opened their first store in London’s upmarket Mayfair in 1973, eventually opening outposts in some of the world’s most luxurious destinations, Molton Brown has been known for its innovative, memorable scents; they even created Britain’s first luxury fine liquid hand wash. Molton Brown also holds a Royal Warrant for the supply of toiletries by appointment to Her Majesty the Queen.
The brand’s exclusive partnership this time around is with Berkeley Beauty Brands Pvt. Ltd led by Gaganmeet Singh. We spoke with Emily Delehanty, senior manager and brand management at Molton Brown, to know more about its British heritage and quality fragrances.
What makes India appealing to you for the launch of Molton Brown?
India is a market with huge potential – buyers are very millennial in their mindset and are open to trying new and different products, particularly fragrances.
What makes Molton Brown’s entry into India special?
The newly opened store will stock our signature fine fragrances, bath and shower gels, home and hand care luxuries, and invites customers to enjoy indulgent in-store services such as pampering your hands, arm massages and bespoke gifting. The Molton Brown team will be on hand to help shoppers create personal and memorable gifts, before wrapping them in layers of luxury as part of the signature Molton Brown experience.
How does Molton Brown stay relevant year after year?
At the core of our strategy is an emphasis on our heritage in fragrance, our knowledge and experience in creating impactful and evocative scents. And what makes this possible is our closeness to the perfumers we work with, many of whom have been working with us for generations.
Molton Brown is for the discerning beauty lover – what makes the label so iconic?
From our beginnings on South Molton Street, London, in 1973, pure, natural ingredients from the finest provenances has been at the heart of what we do. And today, we are still searching for beautiful, unique ingredients that set trends and lead rather than follow the crowd.
What are the best products suited for India?
Many have really resonated with our Oudh Accord & Gold blend that allows customers a complete fragrance ritual, for body, hand and home. This opulent fragrance contains real 24-carat gold flakes so you really can enjoy a luxury bathing experience; complemented by the body oil, body oil and eau de toilette.
Which products are the best sellers at Molton Brown that you think will be popular in India too?
Our iconic Re-charge Black Pepper fragrance is proving to be very popular. Inspired by the heated sands of Madagascar, we wanted to capture a true sense of adventure, on a journey off the beaten track. The result is an invigorating, spicy blend, warm and rich in colour like the black peppercorns that form its namesake.
Which one is the cult product from the company that you recommend?
Our EDT collection contains something for everyone. Each fragrance has been created in collaboration with a master perfumer who shares our illimitable passion for unique fragrances. From citrus to woody, celebrate your individuality with fragrances for all ages, genders, cultures and moods.
What are the future plans for India with the brand?
Molton Brown prefers to be at the forefront of trends rather than following them. We like to make our own rules so look out for our 2019 launches – they’re going to be amazing. We are also working closely with Berkeley Beauty Brands Pvt. Ltd to expand our international store openings across the market.
Address: Molton Brown, DLF Emporio – 4, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, Delhi 110070
All images: Molton Brown
Latha Sunadh
Deputy Editor
When she's not trying on a new serum, researching on yet another classic fragrance and sharing lip balms with her 5-year old daughter, Latha Sunadh keeps it reined in with a nice song and a good book. Special skills include obsessing over handmade, home-made and handcrafted luxuries.
