Fragrance Designer Creates Perfume Line Inspired By Malaysia

Image source: pen-my-blog

Penang-born Mr. Josh Lee Chun Yee, aged 39, created a new line of perfume which was inspired by our multiracial country, Malaysia.

After his chemistry degree at UPM, Josh managed to secure a masters at ISIPCA (Intl. Institution For Fragrance, Cosmetics and Flavour) in France! His final year thesis even landed him a “Best Student Award (Postgraduate)” by IFEAT (Intl. Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trade)!

He launched his own brand ‘Josh Lee Fragrances’ in 2012 and now in 2016 he has three fragrances in his ‘Malaysian Heritage Collection’; George Town, OUD and Nyonya, all which were all meticulously crafted. (With the crowd favourite, George Town being a relaunch from his old line).

What makes his fragrances unique is his addition of typically Malaysian ingredients such as Hibiscus petals, nutmeg and sandalwood.

Source: star2.com

Josh took 2 years to craft ‘George Town’ and it is said to have a “citrus aromatic” fragrance. According to him, the wooded cap represents the heritage houses in Malaysia and the cyan liquid to symbolise the sea surrounding the island state.

As for OUD, or ‘Oudh’ in Arabic, it actually means agarwood, one of the most expensive and sought-after perfume ingredients in the world. Oud by Josh Lee takes the strong wooden aroma and integrates it seamlessly with traces of hibiscus, spicy cloves and other very lokal smells.

Credit: jjzai

Credit: ranechin

Nyonya was formulated as a tribute to the Chinese-Muslim community in Malaysia, keeping Malacca, Penang, Singapore and Phuket close to heart. It’s a very floral kinda scent, which is no surprise, considering that it has quite a few “nyonya flowers” mixed in.

In an interview with Star2, Josh revealed that he is considering Kuala Lumpur as his “next destination” or might even look to our local makans for ideas! Just saying, if any rendang scents were to pop out you can be sure we’ll grab a few! If you’re interested in his collection, they’re available on his website for just over RM100 a bottle.

To Josh Lee if you’re reading this,