
Unlocking Fragrant Memories: Ormaie Makes a Grand Splash in Singapore
2025-05-08
Author: Yu
A Journey from Paris to Singapore
In 1985, a young model named Madam Marie-Lise Jonak embarked on an unforgettable journey when she met a dashing French diver in Paris, destined for a life-changing adventure in Singapore. Fast forward to May 8 of this year, and Madam Jonak, now co-founder of Ormaie with her son Baptiste Bouygues, is celebrating a significant milestone: the launch of their luxurious fragrance line at Escentials, Singapore.
From Shy Model to Fragrance Mogul
Reflecting on her past, Madam Jonak reminisces about her arrival in Singapore, where she encountered a vibrant city filled with trailblazing women who broke societal norms—a stark contrast to her life in France. Her experiences in Asia not only shaped her perspective but also built her confidence, leading her to a career in fragrances that she never initially envisioned.
The Nose Behind the Fragrance
Returning to Paris years later, she took a leap of faith and transitioned from a junior administrative role at Colgate-Palmolive to pursue her passion for scents. With no formal training but a keen sense of smell honed in Singapore, she blossomed into an accomplished perfumer, crafting fragrances for renowned brands like Guerlain and Nina Ricci before launching Ormaie in 2018.
Family Ties and Fragrant Foundations
For Baptiste Bouygues, fragrance creation was almost a foregone conclusion, having spent countless nights in his mother’s lab during his childhood. Wearing his nostalgia like a badge of honor, he partners with Madam Jonak, sharing olfactory memories that only family ties can forge. Their unique experience forms the backbone of Ormaie’s 12 gender-free scents, bridging personal stories with artistry.
A Symphony of Scents
Each fragrance tells a story: from Yvonne’s rose-patchouli blend honoring family to Tablaeu Parisien, inspired by the effortless chic of Parisian women. The scents evoke profound memories, like the longing captured in Le Passant's smoky lavender or 28°, which celebrates cherished summers in Asia and France. Ormaie encapsulates these narratives in elegantly crafted bottles, each a work of art crafted to symbolize the perfume-making process.
Innovative and Iconic
The best-selling scent, Tableau Parisien, is a fragrant homage to Paris, intertwining spicy notes of clove and cinnamon with the floral essence of tuberose. Baptiste describes it as a blend of sensuality and elegance, setting a new standard in the fragrance industry.
Where to Experience Ormaie
Ormaie's exquisite collection, priced between $165 to $540, is available at Escentials stores in Paragon and Ion Orchard, along with online at escentials.com. Immerse yourself in a world of scent where every bottle is a gateway to cherished memories.