The Allure of Unconventional Journeys: Byredo’s Mumbai Noise

An excess of sensory stimuli characterizes Mumbai; from the moment you disembark the plane, it is evident that you are in a distinct environment.  A mood you can also embody — a nostalgia for the past and a desire for the new — encapsulated in a single bottle.

In 2008, Ben Gorham introduced a fragrance named Encens Chembur, evoking the locale of his mother's birth and upbringing. It felt warm and ethereal, akin to the final wisps of smoke emanating from incense at a shrine. Mumbai Noise, a perfume debuted in 2021, possesses a more intimate quality, with its name directly referencing India’s most populated metropolis, where physicians in lab coats walk alongside street vendors peddling their goods. The metropolis that venerates the traditional celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi also celebrates Christmas, with a vibrant community of "Mumbaikers" enjoying the excitement of both contemporary and traditional lifestyles.

How has Gorham encapsulated 514 years of history in Byredo Mumbai Noise? A history marked by the distinction of being the inaugural city to let the operation of India’s first train on its tracks, as well as the noteworthy fact that the Mumbai-Pune railway line was constructed by a woman. A noteworthy historical fact is that Mumbai serves as a geographical convergence for birding aficionados from October to March, equipped with lenses and binoculars to observe a migrating population of flamingos.

The response pertains to how Gorham simultaneously reflects on the past—his boyhood nostalgia for Mumbai—and envisions the multifaceted contemporary life in the city. The traditional elements, such as the smoky haze of incense and burning woods permeating the Mumbadevi temple, beside the aromatic coffee grounds from carts operated by elderly men, merge with contemporary influences, reflecting the vibrant energy of an impetuous metropolis.

In summary, we are discussing the aromatic, tea-like fragrance of Davana—an Indian herb still utilized today in various forms, such as garlands for significant events or in haute cuisine, where its vibrant green hues enliven dishes—and the contemporary essence of leather, characterized by a warm and subtle scent, with undertones of tobacco concealed within its depth.

“Since my infancy, I frequently traveled to India to visit my grandmother in Chembur, Mumbai. I possess deep childhood recollections of my experiences there; nevertheless, following her demise, I did not return until my twenties. Upon doing so, it appeared markedly distinct yet retained a profound sense of familiarity. Through Mumbai Noise, I aimed to convey the concept of exploring the contemporary city, grounded in my recollections of its history.

Byredo’s Mumbai Noise is available at escentials or on escentials.com where a bottle will cost $274.