Bellua.

Bellua was unveiled in 2023 as a tribute to Bele Alua, the revered tree-guardian deity of Ghanaian lore. Perfumer Delphine Lebeau-Krowiakj, alongside Nelly Hachem-Ruiz, translated the myth into scent, drawing on the country's lush forests. The brief seeks to capture the guardian's vibrant spirit, mixing tropical fruit with native florals, while the amber-tinged base grounds the composition in earthy resilience.

The opening bursts with passion-fruit and crisp green-apple, brightened by bergamot's citrus spark and a dash of marigold that adds a sun-kissed gold hue. At the heart, magnolia's creamy petals mingle with African ginger's clean heat, frangipani's tropical cream, and the exotic duo of Madagascar ylang-ylang and Egyptian jasmine, creating a lush bouquet that feels both wild and refined. The base of amber, musk and white cedar anchors the perfume, letting the lively top linger just long enough before settling into a warm, woody finish.

The first fifteen minutes greet the skin with a juicy splash of passion-fruit that instantly lifts the mood, while green-apple adds a tart snap and bergamot supplies a crisp, sun-lit edge; marigold whispers a subtle golden warmth. As the initial zing fades, the heart emerges: magnolia spreads a soft, buttery veil, African ginger injects a clean, peppery zing, and frangipani offers a creamy, coconut-like depth, all wrapped by the heady perfume of ylang-ylang and Egyptian jasmine that bloom like tropical night flowers. By the half-hour mark the composition settles into its base, where amber glows amber-rich, musk adds a soft animalic skin, and white cedar provides a dry, slightly resinous trail that clings to clothing for the remainder of the day, delivering a moderate sillage that persists for roughly five hours before the scent becomes a quiet, comforting whisper.

Bellua taps into Ghanaian mythic symbolism, honoring the tree‑guardian deity Bele Alua. By weaving native botanicals like marigold and African ginger with universally appealing fruit notes, the fragrance bridges local heritage and global perfume trends. Its launch in 2023 sparked conversations about sustainable sourcing of West African ingredients, encouraging other houses to explore regional flora. The scent’s narrative of forest guardianship resonated on social media, inspiring artists to create visual tributes that highlight Ghana’s biodiversity and cultural storytelling, thereby reinforcing a sense of pride and modern identity within the community.