Puig and Ellena capture the Mediterranean essence in a new perfume collection that celebrates the Catalan beauty giant’s heritage.
The collaboration between third-generation executive Manuel Puig and legendary French perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena has produced Colonias Absolutas Puig, a collection of four colognes that reinterpret historical creations and introduce a new Mediterranean scent.
Puig and Ellena Collaborate on Heritage Project
The project originated from a simple question Manuel Puig asked himself when preparing a gift for Spanish royalty.
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“What do you give a king?” he wondered during the inauguration of the new Puig Tower in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. Consequently, he realised the 111-year-old family business lacked something representing its Mediterranean roots. Therefore, he approached Ellena, the master perfumer behind iconic scents for Hermès, Cartier and Bulgari.
Ellena, renowned for his minimalist and poetic style, accepted the challenge. “Anyone in this business has to know and understand Jean-Claude,” Puig explained to El País Semanal. The collection revisits three Puig classics: Agua Lavanda (1940), Agua Brava (1968), and Agua Noble. Additionally, it introduces a completely new fragrance called Agua Mediterránea.
Reinterpreting Iconic Scents
The perfumer describes the process of reinterpreting icons like Agua Brava as similar to playing jazz. “If you know how to read sheet music, you can play any music,” Ellena notes. He maintained the essence of each original while giving them new life. For instance, Agua Brava retains its wild pine and oakmoss character, while Agua Lavanda Iris introduces absinthe and iris notes.
Meanwhile, the new Agua Mediterránea captures the essence of the region through fig tree, honey and green freshness. The bottle design itself pays homage to Mediterranean heritage, reviving André Ricard’s 1962 silhouette inspired by traditional Balearic jars. This project highlights how Barcelona’s design heritage continues to inspire contemporary creations across different industries.
A Mediterranean Philosophy
Both collaborators emphasise their shared Mediterranean identity as key to the project’s success. “We are a Mediterranean house,” Puig states. “Our offices are here in Barcelona, so nobody better than us to explain the Mediterranean.” Ellena echoes this sentiment, contrasting northern rationality with southern emotion. “Beauty comes from the south,” he concludes. “Freedom is from the south.”
The collection represents more than just fragrances; it embodies a cultural statement. Furthermore, it demonstrates how local heritage can inform global luxury brands. Puig and Ellena have successfully bottled not just scents, but an entire philosophy. This launch coincides with Barcelona’s growing recognition as a global cultural capital, highlighting the city’s creative influence beyond traditional sectors.
Ultimately, Puig and Ellena capture the Mediterranean essence in a way that transcends mere perfume. They have created olfactory narratives that speak to history, place and shared identity. The collection will be available through Puig’s extensive network of brands and retailers worldwide, bringing a piece of Mediterranean culture to international audiences.
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