Travel through different cities and times, all through the power of scent.
While getting ready each day, people carefully select clothing, makeup, and hairstyles in an attempt to accurately express themselves to the outside world. This ritual, however mundane it may feel, is an important part of each day. The Merchant of Venice encourages individuals to take this one step further, and not neglect the power of scent. It is the finishing touch on self-expression, of self-care.
The art of perfume has been prominent in Venice for hundreds of years. It can all be attributed to trade routes, specifically The “Mude,” dating back to the year 1200. Venetian access to previously unattainable materials quickly encouraged the production of cosmetic luxuries, such as perfumes and cosmetics. By the year 1600, the demand for personal care products exploded, and have ever since been immensely valuable to the city.
The Merchant of Venice actually began in 2013 as a cultural project, intended to educate and honor the history of these Venetian trade routes and the many goods that traveled upon them. However, this quickly morphed into a brand that has been quickly expanding across the globe.
The flagship store, located in the heart of Venice, reads more like a mini museum.
The walls are covered in maps of the city, along with wooden statues, and carvings all around, reminiscent of an ancient palace. The products are displayed like artifacts, with different bottles paying homage to other great art from the area. One of the most famous lines is inspired by Murano glass, with each scent in a unique bottle resembling the popular glassblowing designs. History is still central to the products. Sal, my favorite scent, was created in honor of the Venetian lagoon and was sold for the 1600th anniversary of the city.
Visiting the store is so much more than shopping, it is an experience. The staff carefully tends to each customer, inquiring about their preferences, and sampling them all until they find the perfect match. Customers can travel through different cities and times, all through the power of scent. It is the perfect gift for oneself or a way to bring Venice back for loved ones.
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