The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Anh Ngo, the perfumer behind Princess of China, conceived this fragrance as d'Annam's tribute to Chinese imperial femininity. The fragrance belongs to Chapter 3 of d'Annam's collection, where heritage and modernity intersect. Rather than building a conventional structure with opening, heart, and base notes, Anh Ngo chose to present the heart as the entire experience, allowing peony and white lotus to speak without introduction or conclusion. This approach mirrors the composed confidence of noblewomen who required no dramatic entrance to command attention.
The choice to center the composition around silk reflects the material's profound significance in Chinese court culture. Anh Ngo translated this cultural weight into olfactory terms by creating a fragrance that feels smooth, polished, and refined in its structure. Peony provides the floral language while white lotus adds contemplative depth. The pairing of pear and lychee creates an unexpected freshness that prevents the composition from settling into mere prettiness.
The evolution
Pear arrives first within the heart phase, its crisp sweetness blending seamlessly with lychee before peony takes full command. White lotus provides an aquatic, serene counterpoint to the peony's lush petals. Silk, present from the start, evolves from a subtle presence to the defining texture of the later wearing experience. The fragrance does not transition but rather reveals its layers gradually within a single, coherent phase.
Cultural impact
Princess of China offers a distinctive take on feminine florals, steering away from the category's sweet, fruity conventions. Rather than relying on jasmine or tuberose, this fragrance centers on peony and white lotus, both underused materials that bring something more nuanced than straightforward sweetness. The silk accord introduces a texture-forward dimension, adding a tactile quality that distinguishes it from conventional fruity-floral compositions. It's positioned for everyday luxury: gentle enough for the office, pretty enough for a dinner, and refined enough to reward close attention.
