Founded in 1979 by dream duo Elisabeth and Neville Findlay, Zambesi boasts staying power that few brands can match. Never known to play it safe, it’s the label’s unique aesthetic, quality materials and carefree attitude that has garnered a loyal following over their 43-year tenure in the industry.
This week, the brand is entering a new chapter in its evolution, welcoming its first-ever fragrance ‘1979’, named after the year of the label’s inception. In recent years, it seems that a growing number of local fashion brands have released their own exclusive fragrance. From Ingrid Starnes’ ‘Vetyver Bergamot’, to Karen Walker’s extensive selection of scents, Zambesi is now one of a growing number of Kiwi brands making their mark on the fragrance world.
About the Zambesi 1979 fragrance
Created in partnership with New Zealand-based fragrance house, The Virtue, 1979 boasts a gender-neutral scent profile that is said to be “as complex as it is powerful”. Housed within an understated square glass bottle, the aroma captures the enigmatic essence of Zambesi as a brand — carrying top notes of bitter almond and bergamot, heart notes of patchouli and vanilla, and base notes of vetiver and leather.
To honour its official release on the 7th of December, FQ sat down with Zambesi designer, co-founder, and the muse behind the fragrance Elizabeth Findlay to discover more about this new chapter for the brand.
In conversation with Elizabeth Findlay
Congratulations on the release of your first fragrance! What an exciting new chapter for Zambesi. What made you want to venture into the fragrance world?
Our venture into the fragrance world was something that has always appealed to me. It feels like a natural extension of the brand and adds another chapter to our story.
Tell us a bit about the fragrance itself. How did you decide on the scent profile and which notes to use?
We wanted to create a scent that embodies the Zambesi ethos, that captures the essence of our aesthetic and our brand. The scent profile was defined by many conversations about the notes that needed to be present to evoke that sense of mystery and allure.
What was the inspiration for 1979?
1979 was the year Zambesi was established, and over time it’s become somewhat of a signature in our story. I like to think it speaks to our endurance. There’s also a romanticism to it, I like that the name is open to interpretation and can evoke different emotions from different people.
You partnered with local fragrance house, The Virtue, on this scent. Tell us more about this collaboration. What was the process like?
The opportunity to work with someone here in New Zealand presented itself when Brooke Lean from The Virtue approached us, and on meeting her we immediately felt that the creation of our scent would be in good hands. The process has evolved in a very carefully considered way. We all took our time to ensure every detail was true to our vision.
Do you have a muse for this scent? Who’s someone you’d love to wear it?
I am the muse because the scent had to be something that I wanted to wear and I love that it is at once complex and timeless in its appeal. Ultimately I would love for it to find a home with anyone who finds it speaks to their personal identity.
1979 eau de parfum is a blend of essential oils, botanical extracts and 100% cruelty-free and ethically-derived ingredients. Available in 50ml, the unisex scent will be available from December 7th, 2023 from Zambesi stores, zambesistore.com and selected stockists for $275.
Words: Amberley Colby
Images: Supplied
