Amouage has launched the ninth volume in its Library Collection. Called Opus IX, the new perfume is said to be inspired by one of opera’s greatest romances, Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, an adaptation of the novel La Dame aux Camelias, ‘The Lady of the Camellias’. 

Epitomising Amouage’s brand DNA of culture and intellect, Creative Director Christopher Chong, masterfully composed the fragrance to tell a story of betrayal and redemption as portrayed by the iconic Maria Callas in the 1958 Lisbon production of the opera.

Opus IX is a soulful interpretation of the Camellia flower, the accord of which was created especially for the fragrance as the flower has no scent in its natural form. 

Fused with Black Pepper and Jasmine, the Camellia accord reveals a warming, free-spirited aura in the top notes, while Gaiac Wood, Beeswax and Leather combine in a contradictory heart. A final illusion of the woody, floral fragrance is created by a euphoric base of Grey Amber, Vetiver and Civet.

Chong explores the battle between the heart’s desires and the mind’s logic and reasoning. By playing with textures of the opulent floral spectrum juxtaposed with the carnal desire of the animalic and leather notes, Chong depicts discord in the trials of love. 

Opus IX’s bottle is a deep red with specks of gold. The tome-shaped box is designed with two interpretations of the Camellia flower: white, pure and innocent on one side to represent the virtue of love, and a broken and aged red flower on the other to reflect the destruction of betrayal. 

A poetic homage to olfactory experiences, Amouage’s Library Collection is a celebration of integrity, creativity and virtuosity. Each of the nine fragrances is an ethereal instrument that reveals the many facets of a discovery in human nature. The Library Collection’s fragrances defy categorization, transcend gender and inspire the wearer to compose their own unique narrative, according to the luxury perfume.

Opus IX retails at $235 and $325 for the 50 and 100 ml bottles respectively.