Start the week with a startup: Ombré Lamar

Fragrance has long been a successful category in the Middle Eastern beauty market, where consumers seek out vastly different scents compared to their European counterparts, often formulated with more intense-smelling ingredients, such as Oud.    

The founders of London-based scent brand Ombré Lamar have spotted a gap in the market for perfumes that fuse together the best of scent ingredients that are popular among Arabic fragrance shoppers with those that are favoured by European shoppers, to create a whole new fusion sector.  

The UK was the initial target market​ for the luxury brand, which has recently opened a store in London’s Marylebone and is aiming for further international expansion.  

We spoke to director and CEO, Fadi Antar, about why the business started and how it is aiming to add something new to the fragrance category.  

The story behind Ombré Lamar... ​

Our journey began during the unexpected pause of 2020 when two successful businessmen, whose thriving restaurant ventures were temporarily halted, decided to turn a challenging situation into an opportunity.  

With a shared passion for perfumes and an abundance of free time, they embarked on a new venture that combined their Middle Eastern heritage with European influences to create something truly unique.  

What started as an experimental project in their kitchen soon evolved into a full-fledged business, as their innovative blends captivated friends, family, and even strangers.  

We specialise in creating and retailing premium fragrances that blend exotic Arabian scents, particularly Oud oil, with popular Western fragrance elements. Our offerings cater to a diverse, global clientele, which includes discerning consumers, luxury retailers, and corporate entities that seek unique and memorable sensory experiences. Through a multi-channel approach, including online platforms and prestigious brick-and-mortar locations, we ensure our fragrances reach a broad audience.  

The challenges we have faced getting this far... ​

Starting a perfume brand during a global pandemic came with its own set of challenges, such as disruptions in sourcing high-quality ingredients from local and international suppliers, all while navigating a steep learning curve in making a transition from the restaurant industry to the fragrance industry.  

However, adaptability and an extensive network in the hospitality sector allowed us to overcome these hurdles. Commitment to continuous improvement and deepening our industry knowledge also played a pivotal role in refining our products and processes, ultimately leading to the successful launch of Ombré Lamar. 

How we are disrupting the fragrance category... ​

Ombré Lamar is poised to disrupt the fragrance industry by introducing a unique fusion of exotic Arabian scents and popular Western fragrances, filling a niche that has been largely untapped.  
 
Our commitment to using ethically sourced, high-quality ingredients, coupled with our innovative approach, challenges the status quo in traditional perfumery. By staying at the forefront of industry trends and consumer preferences, we ensure our brand remains relevant and competitive.  
 
Our focus on fluid transition, continuous improvement, and effective communication allows us to offer fragrances that do more than just please the senses. They also create lasting memories and evoke deep emotions. 

Our future goals for the business... ​

We aim to become a leading fragrance brand in the UK and expand our presence in international markets. As we grow, we will continue to embrace new technologies, foster strong partnerships, and place a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction.  
 
We will regularly evaluate and refine our products and processes, ensuring that we consistently deliver innovative and high-quality fragrances.  
Sustainability remains a core focus, and we are committed to integrating sustainable practices across all aspects of our business. 

We think the future of fragrance looks like... ​

The future of fragrance is increasingly moving towards personalisation, sustainability, and the blending of cultural influences. Consumers are seeking scents that reflect their personal stories, align with their values, and offer unique sensory experiences.  

At Ombré Lamar, we see a growing demand for transparency in sourcing and a commitment to sustainability, which aligns with our brand’s ethos. 

Additionally, the trend of merging traditional and contemporary elements, much like our signature blends of Arabian and Western influences, is gaining momentum. These trends will continue to shape the future of fragrance.