The Story
Why it exists.
Twist was conceived in Emper’s Dubai studio as a tribute to the city’s restless energy, where desert heat meets glittering skyscrapers. The perfumer wanted a scent that captured the sudden burst of market‑fresh fruit on a bustling street, then softened into the warm, woody calm of an evening lounge. Drawing on the brand’s habit of mixing bold spices with delicate florals, the fragrance reflects both the bright day and the sultry night of the metropolis.
If this were a song
Community picks
Dreams
Fleetwood Mac
The Beginning
Twist was conceived in Emper’s Dubai studio as a tribute to the city’s restless energy, where desert heat meets glittering skyscrapers. The perfumer wanted a scent that captured the sudden burst of market‑fresh fruit on a bustling street, then softened into the warm, woody calm of an evening lounge. Drawing on the brand’s habit of mixing bold spices with delicate florals, the fragrance reflects both the bright day and the sultry night of the metropolis.
What makes Twist stand out is the daring combination of cassia’s sharp bite with the sweet juiciness of mango and pineapple, a pairing rarely heard in traditional Arabian blends. The heart leans on lychee and white tea, lending a crisp, almost watery lift that balances the dense rose‑violet bouquet. Finally, the base anchors the composition with teak, tobacco and tonka, giving it a lingering, slightly creamy warmth that feels like a sunset over the Gulf.
The Evolution
At first spray, the opening erupts with a bright splash of mango, pineapple and peach, instantly brightened by a peppery pink pepper and a whisper of cassia, while black currant and bergamot add a crisp edge. Within ten minutes the fruit softens, giving way to a lush heart where jasmine intertwines with lychee, rose and violet, underscored by white tea and a whisper of white musk that adds a clean, airy sheen. As the fragrance settles after half an hour, the base emerges: sandalwood and teakwood lay a smooth wooden foundation, tobacco introduces a subtle smoky sweetness, and tonka bean rounds it with a creamy vanilla‑like warmth. The drydown lingers for about four to six hours, leaving a soft, woody‑sweet trail that feels like the memory of a tropical night drifting into a quiet, amber‑glow lounge.
Cultural Impact
Since its 2020 launch, Twist has resonated with a youthful, cosmopolitan audience seeking a scent that bridges Middle‑Eastern opulence with tropical vibrancy. The fragrance’s bright mango and pineapple top notes evoke the fast‑growing leisure culture of Gulf cities, while its warm sandalwood and tobacco base nod to traditional Arabian perfumery. Social media buzz highlighted its suitability for brunches and rooftop gatherings, reinforcing Emper’s strategy to blend modern lifestyle themes with heritage craftsmanship. This cross‑cultural appeal has sparked collaborations with fashion influencers and inspired limited‑edition packaging that celebrates both desert dunes and tropical sunsets.
The House
United Arab Emirates · Est. 2006
Emper is a Dubai‑based fragrance house that translates the city’s cosmopolitan pulse into aromatic collections. Since its launch in 2006, the brand has built a catalogue that includes the urban‑inspired Ranger, the tool‑box series and a suite of New York‑themed scents such as Places of New York. Emper’s offerings travel beyond the Middle East, reaching retailers in more than a hundred countries while keeping a focus on distinctive scent stories and striking bottle design.
If this were a song
Community picks
Twist feels like a sunrise market stroll turning into a smoky lounge at dusk; the playlist mirrors that shift from bright, rhythmic beats to mellow, warm grooves.
Dreams
Fleetwood Mac




















