Mohanji Perfume
Designing and creating a perfume is never just about crafting a scent—it’s about telling a story, bridging inspiration with purpose, and capturing something timeless.Mohanji, a fragrance inspired by the teachings and universal mission of Mohanji, is far more than a luxury product; it is an experience as unique as the person wearing it. Much like Mohanji himself—who is often described as a mirror reflecting the essence of those who seek his guidance—this perfume interacts with the wearer’s own energy, revealing something deeply personal and individual. In this exclusive interview, we step into the minds of the visionaries who brought this extraordinary creation to life. This unique perfume, rich in meaning and vibration, is the collaborative triumph of three exceptional contributors: master perfumer Julie Lerendu, who captured the concept of reflection and individuality in fragrance; creative director Mark Wilkie, who merged art with spirituality; and concept architect Dominic Venton, who brought Mohanji’s divine essence into an olfactory form. Together, they have created a work that not only elevates the senses but also honors the timeless, transformative power of Mohanji’s presence.
Julie Lerendu, Perfumer
TAT: What was your creative inspiration for this project?
JL: My creative inspiration was to recreate the smell and feeling of being in a temple. I imagined a fresh breeze carrying the aroma of sandalwood and burnt incense, evoking the essence of a sacred space. The fragrance is rich and warm, much like the sanctity it represents.
TAT: Have you ever been involved in a project like this before?
JL: No, it’s a very unusual project, and I haven’t worked on anything similar before.
TAT: What sorts of materials did you use in the composition, and why? What is their significance to you?
JL: I used the most ethical and sustainable raw materials available in my palette, striving for a high percentage of natural ingredients. Being at Robertet, a leader in natural materials, gave me access to incredible resources. These materials, sourced globally, perfectly align with the fragrance’s concept. Sandalwood is the core sacred material in my formula, giving the fragrance its main character. I complemented it with sage officinale and incense to enhance its sacred essence.
TAT: Would you describe the fragrance as very natural?
JL: Yes, absolutely! It contains an unusually high level of natural ingredients.
TAT: How do you think this fragrance will make its wearers feel?
JL: I believe it will evoke feelings of uniqueness, warmth, elevation, confidence, balance, mindfulness, calm, and peace. I named this creation “Namaste” to reflect its serene and spiritual nature.
TAT: How was the process of working on the scent?
JL: The process was fascinating. Discussions with Dominic about his vision—what he liked, disliked and wanted to translate into the fragrance—were insightful. Despite this guidance, he gave me a lot of creative freedom.
TAT: Are you happy with the result?
JL: I’m extremely happy with the result and hope it brings serenity and peace to those who wear it.
Mark Wilkie, Creative Director, The Narrative Agency
TAT: What inspired the design of the Mohanji perfume packaging?
MW: The inspiration came from Mohanji’s life and teachings. I incorporated key moments from his journey, including the constellation at his birth, his pilgrimages to Kailash and Shirdi, and Sai Baba’s throne.
TAT: How did Vastu principles influence the structure, layers, and motifs of the packaging?
MW: Vastu principles, particularly those of structure, symmetry, and concentric squares, were fundamental. The packaging mirrors the architectural structure of a temple, guiding one through its layers to the inner sanctum where the perfume resides, symbolizing a pilgrimage to enlightenment.
TAT: What was the most difficult aspect of translating such an abstract concept into a tangible design?
MW: Deciding which elements to include was challenging, as there were so many meaningful aspects. Another challenge was rendering these elements into a three-dimensional design around a square structure.
TAT: How does the packaging complement the perfume’s concept?
MW: The packaging is both functional and symbolic. It protects the delicate glass bottle while adding a ceremonial aspect to unveiling the Shiva Lingam-shaped fragrance.
TAT: Could you walk us through the design process?
MW:The journey began with immersing myself in Mohanji’s teachings, followed by extensive research, moodboards, and sketches. Prototypes were created to test structures, and the final designs involved collaboration with paper engineers and specialist print houses. Months were spent refining every detail.
TAT: What key features were prioritized in the design?
MW: Sai Baba’s throne and Mohanji’s birth constellations were central. Drawing Mount Kailash was particularly intricate, as we aimed to capture the snowy feel using blues, whites, and silver foil.
TAT: What materials were chosen, and how do they align with the fragrance’s values?
MW: We used recyclable board and sustainably sourced paper, avoiding plastic or foam. This reflects the product’s ecological and ethical principles.
TAT: What emotions or sensory reactions did you aim to evoke through the packaging?
MW: The packaging elevates the perfume’s preciousness, creating excitement and intrigue. It mirrors the spiritual journey the fragrance represents.
TAT: Were there specific non-negotiables in the design process?
MW: Dominic emphasized key elements like the night sky at Mohanji’s birth, sacred symbols, the lotus flower, Sai Baba’s throne, and handwritten notes. Despite the complexity, we made it work.
TAT: Have you received feedback on the design?
MW: Yes, the feedback has been incredible. People appreciate the intricate details and the thoughtful layering.
TAT: How would you summarize your experience on this project?
MW: It has been a beautiful and fulfilling journey in every way.
Dominic Venton, Concept Creator
TAT: What do you think the wearer feels or experiences when using “The Essence of Mohanji”?
DV: Each person’s experience will be unique due to the high-grade natural materials used. Many have described feeling protected, while others are reminded of Mohanji. For me, it feels like the warm embrace of a cherished loved one.
TAT: Why were costly and rare ingredients chosen?
DV: We prioritized quality and performance over cost, selecting materials with rich histories like sandalwood, jasmine from Grasse, and Orris from Tuscany. This was a personal offering to my Guru, representing the finest craftsmanship and devotion.
TAT: What were the biggest challenges during production?
DV: The bespoke packaging was highly complex, and the natural fragrance oils required a long maturation process. Patience and faith were key.
TAT: What does this perfume symbolize for you?
DV: It transcends words—a manifestation of the divine and a tribute to Mohanji’s teachings.
TAT: How is the demand being managed for such an exclusive product?
DV: We’re collaborating with an experienced luxury fragrance distributor to ensure it’s available only in select outlets that respect its sacred nature.
TAT: Have you received feedback so far?
DV: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. One devotee described it as offering an aura of protection.
TAT: Is it long-lasting?
DV: Yes, it’s a ‘perfume’ with a high concentration of oils, lasting over 24 hours.
TAT: What’s next for the project?
DV: We’ve developed a 10ml travel spray, which will be available soon.
TAT: How can we purchase it?
DV: Visit www.mohanjifragrance.com.
