The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Delma takes its name from Dalma Island, an island in the Arabian Gulf. This is Widian's softest and sweetest composition in the Velvet Collection, built around a core of powdery florals and oriental warmth. The fragrance opens with gentle sweetness, rolling into a velvety floral heart that feels both intimate and refined. The oriental base adds depth without heaviness, creating a warmth that lingers close to the skin. It's a composition that whispers rather than announces, making it ideal for moments when you want to leave a subtle impression. The powdery florals create a tactile sensation, almost like the feeling of soft fabric, while the oriental elements provide a gentle glow that evolves throughout the wear.
The leather-marshmallow pairing is the defining tension here. Marshmallow is sweetness in its softest form, it doesn't announce itself, it envelops. Leather, on the other hand, brings quiet authority. Together they create a fragrance that feels warm without being heavy. Saffron, used in restraint, acts as a bridge, it adds oriental warmth without tipping into spice overload. The nutmeg in the heart brings a subtle complexity that keeps the florals from reading as purely sweet. It's a composition built for people who want warmth and softness without sacrificing depth.
The evolution
The opening is luminous, with peach and heliotrope complemented by mandarin orange and bergamot, creating a sweet-but-crisp introduction that feels almost edible. Within thirty minutes, jasmine and freesia arrive, adding a powdery quality that deepens the sweetness. The geranium keeps things green enough to prevent the composition from becoming cloying. Then the leather arrives, not aggressive, but undeniably present. It takes its time, settling in slowly as the florals fade. By the third hour, marshmallow and patchouli dominate the drydown. The saffron stays in the background, warming everything without announcing itself. This is a fragrance that stays close to the skin but lingers. The next morning, a faint warmth remains on fabric.
Cultural impact
Delma occupies a unique space in the oriental-floral category, softer and sweeter than many comparable releases, accessible to a wide audience without sacrificing character. The leather-marshmallow combination in the drydown sets it apart from more conventional powdery florals. The fragrance offers warmth and softness without loudness, an intimate presence rather than a statement. Its powdery floral heart creates a sense of closeness, while the oriental warmth adds a subtle glow that feels both comforting and refined. This is a fragrance for someone who wants to be noticed without being announced.
The House
WIDIANWidian is a niche perfume house that emerged from Abu Dhabi in 2014. Founded by Ali Al Jaberi, the brand translates the scent of the Arabian desert into modern compositions that travel beyond regional borders. Each release, from the 2014 debut VII to the 2024 Black II hair mist, carries a clear sense of place while speaking a contemporary language. The house works with French laboratories to blend traditional ingredients such as Omani agarwood and Bulgarian rose with Western aromatic structures, creating fragrances that feel both rooted and current.
The Creator
Philippine CourtièreCourtière favors a crystalline top that sparks curiosity, followed by a heart built on fruit-laden florals and a base of warm woods or amber. She often layers Turkish rose with subtle hints of lychee, then anchors the blend with sandalwood or cedar from sustainable sources.
