The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
II by NSHQ was created by Nouf Al Qahtani and released in 2019. Its idea is simple in the best way: a floral fragrance built around a clear point of view. Jasmine leads with a bright, green-floral lift, while lilac takes command at the center, adding a softer, cooler texture that gives the composition its white-flower character. Vanilla rounds the sweetness, and musk follows through with a gentle, close finish. Together, the notes create a polished floral impression, moving from fresh brightness to a softer blend of lilac, sweet vanilla and clean musk without needing an elaborate backstory to explain it.
The striking part is the contrast between jasmine and lilac. Jasmine brings a clean floral brightness, while lilac gives the middle a cooler, almost powdery character. Vanilla and musk then pull both notes into a softer, more intimate register. The result is less like a bouquet held at arm’s length and more like silk pressed against skin.
The evolution
II starts with jasmine’s bright floral lift, clean and immediately present. Lilac follows with a softer, cooler texture, turning the opening into a composed white-floral mood rather than a single-note bouquet. As the scent settles, vanilla adds a rounded sweetness that rounds out the floral sharpness, while musk keeps the finish close and gentle. The floral character remains present throughout, but it becomes quieter as jasmine gives way to the softer pairing of lilac and vanilla. Over time, the impression settles into a subtle trace of white flowers, sweet warmth and musk, with the different notes moving from a fresh opening into a calmer, more intimate finish.
Cultural impact
II presents a floral fragrance built around jasmine, lilac, vanilla and musk. Jasmine supplies the bright opening, while lilac introduces a softer, cooler floral texture that shapes the center of the composition. Vanilla brings rounded sweetness, and musk leaves a gentle close. The result is a clear white-floral profile that can be explored through the contrast between its fresh opening notes and its softer base. II extends naturally beyond a single audience, while the fragrance remains focused on the interaction of jasmine and lilac with the warmer sweetness of vanilla and the clean softness of musk.
The House
NSHQNSHQ is a Saudi Arabian perfume design house that emerged in 2005 under the direction of Nouf Al Qahtani, who is frequently cited as the kingdom’s first female perfume creator. The brand offers a compact yet diverse catalogue that includes releases such as Nora (2018), Nile Sprite (2019), Summer Snow (2019), Patchouli Concert (2019), Autumn Leaves (2019), Black Honey (2019), Night In Tuscany (2019) and the earlier NSHQ Spray (2010). Each scent is presented as a personal narrative, aiming to capture moments that range from the quiet of a desert night to the vibrancy of a summer garden. Though the house remains modest in size, its focus on story‑driven compositions has earned it a niche following among collectors who value regional perspective blended with contemporary olfactory techniques.
The Creator
Nouf Al QahtaniAl Qahtani favors a forceful, material-rich palette centered on oud, sandalwood, and allied woody accords. El Santal points toward her preference for creamy sandalwood structures, while De Feu reveals a more confrontational register built around animalic oud.
