Heritage
A house, in its own words
The story of Our Modern Lives begins with a small group of fragrance enthusiasts who sought to translate the language of colour into scent. In 2017 they released a debut collection of nine single‑note fragrances, each tied to a specific colour and emotional intent. The launch was announced on the brand’s own shop page, which notes that the line was created to be used quietly in yoga classes and meditation sessions. Early adopters were independent yoga studios in North America, where instructors reported that the scents helped participants settle into practice. By 2018 the collection had expanded its presence to a handful of wellness‑focused retailers, and the brand began offering refillable glass bottles to reduce waste. In 2019 the line introduced two variations, OML α and OML β, described as “evolutionary extensions” of the original palette, allowing users to layer scents for a more personalized experience. The following year, a partnership with a mindfulness‑app developer enabled the brand to embed scent recommendations into guided meditation playlists, reinforcing the link between aroma and mental focus. Throughout its first five years the brand maintained a low‑key marketing approach, relying on word‑of‑mouth within the yoga community and occasional features in niche lifestyle blogs. In 2022 the company celebrated its fifth anniversary with a limited‑edition release of pastel‑tinted bottles, each hand‑labelled with the corresponding colour code. The brand’s trajectory reflects a deliberate, steady growth model that prioritises functional relevance over broad commercial expansion.
Our Modern Lives frames fragrance as a tool for modern well‑being rather than a statement of status. The creators articulate a belief that scent can act as a subtle cue to guide attention, echoing research that links olfactory stimuli to emotional regulation. Each fragrance is paired with a colour that, according to the brand’s own description, evokes a particular mental state—Green for calm, Red for energy, Indigo for introspection, and so on. The line’s guiding principle is to keep the olfactory experience unobtrusive, allowing it to blend into daily routines without demanding spotlight. This philosophy aligns with a broader movement in contemporary perfumery that favours functional aromatherapy over theatrical storytelling. The brand also emphasizes sustainability, noting that its bottles are made from recyclable glass and that the formulas balance synthetic aromachemicals with responsibly sourced natural extracts. By positioning scent as a quiet ally in mindfulness practice, the brand seeks to serve people who value simplicity, intention and a sensory backdrop that supports rather than distracts.