The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Zimaya launched in 2023 as a UAE-based offshoot of Afnan Perfumes, built on the idea that Arabic perfumery heritage, oud, musk, amber, does not need to mean inaccessible or heavy-handed. The brand designs for everyday luxury: formulations that compete with premium niche houses while remaining approachable. Zukhruf Cherry arrived in 2024 as an argument that cherry deserves better. Not a fruity frag, not a safe bet, a full commitment to the idea that a single ingredient can carry a composition when it is built with intention. The name itself means adornment, ornamentation. The brief: take cherry, build it properly, let it breathe without drowning in sugar or synthetics.
The note selection in Zukhruf Cherry reflects a philosophy of intentionality. Black cherry was chosen for its depth, capable of standing alone without needing artificial amplification. Almond in the opening provides contrast, demonstrating that cherry does not require sweetness alone to make an impression. Plum in the heart extends the fruity narrative while adding body. Jasmine bridges the gap between fruit and florals, preventing the composition from feeling one-dimensional. The drydown anchors everything in woody warmth through sandalwood and cedarwood, while vanilla and tonka bean offer the creamy finish that makes the fragrance memorable.
The evolution
Zukhruf Cherry begins its life on skin with black cherry leading the charge, unapologetic and immediate. Almond follows close behind, threading a subtle nuttiness through the opening that prevents the cherry from reading as simply sweet. This initial phase lasts roughly fifteen minutes before the heart begins to assert itself. Plum enters the composition, adding weight and a deeper fruity quality that rounds out the sharper edges of the black cherry. Jasmine arrives with its characteristic indolic warmth, grounding the fruit notes and introducing a floral dimension that elevates the heart beyond simple sweetness. As the heart peaks and begins to fade, the drydown takes over with sandalwood and cedarwood forming a structured woody base. Vanilla and tonka bean complete the picture, wrapping the composition in creaminess that lingers close to the skin for hours. The cherry note never fully disappears, remaining a thread that connects the opening to the final moments of the wear.
Cultural impact
Zukhruf Cherry lands in a crowded cherry field but gets noticed for two reasons: the Tom Ford Lost Cherry parallel is immediate and favorable, and the bottle makes an impression before you even spray it. Reviewers consistently flag the 100 ml heavy flacon as genuinely impressive for the price, glass weight, substantial cap, premium appearance that reads well above its cost. In the community, the conversation revolves around that Lost Cherry comparison: most say the performance is comparable, some say it lasts longer, others note the slightly different almond character sets them apart. The fragrance is respected by enthusiasts who appreciate the balance between ambition and accessibility.
