“The Art of First Impressions” challenges the notion that price defines quality.
At Beautyworld Middle East 2025, ARMAF, under the prestigious House of Armaf, hosted an immersive live session titled “The Art of First Impressions” — exploring how perception, emotion, and scent combine to shape our understanding of true luxury.
Moderated by Nayana Tharoor, Global Head of Marketing at Armaf, the conversation brought together global fragrance expert Max Forti, entrepreneur and influencer Ebraheem Al Samadi, and Vineet Garmella, Marketing Communications Manager at Armaf. Together, they examined what makes a first impression unforgettable — from human presence to brand storytelling and the olfactory experiences that define ARMAF’s world.
A Sensory Experiment in Perception
A highlight of the session was the live blind-nosing activity, where guests from media, industry, and the fragrance community experienced three unlabelled perfumes:
- Armaf Club de Nuit Bling – a luminous statement of modern sophistication
- Hikma Intense from House of Armaf – Risala – a deep, heritage-inspired creation that evokes reflection and inner strength
- Armaf Art de Parfum – Art 01 – a refined artistic composition that celebrates craftsmanship and emotion
Attendees were asked to rank the scents based purely on quality and luxury, without knowing which line or price point each came from. The results were revealing: participants consistently rated ARMAF creations among the most premium, underscoring the brand’s core philosophy that price is not a determinant of excellence.
Defining the Art of First Impressions
Through an engaging discussion, panelists unpacked how “first impressions” go far beyond the visual or material — extending into emotional resonance and sensory memory.
“In fragrance, first impressions are literally in the air,” said moderator Nayana Tharoor. “That first spark — the top note — decides not just how we perceive a scent, but how we remember it.”
Ebraheem Al Samadi added, “Whether it’s a person, a brand, or a scent — the first impression must be real. Authenticity is what makes people remember you.”
Max Forti remarked, “Brands like ARMAF have democratized luxury. They’ve shown that quality can be experienced without a heavy price tag — and that honesty in craft builds trust faster than hype.”
Vineet Garmella, Marketing Communications Manager emphasized, “In a fast-evolving fragrance landscape, ARMAF continues to lead with innovation and consistency — defining trends rather than chasing them.”
ARMAF: Crafting Luxury Without Boundaries
The session reaffirmed ARMAF’s position as a global voice of accessible luxury, redefining how consumers experience premium fragrances through authenticity, performance, and artistry.
With its portfolio expanding through House of Armaf — encompassing Risala, Armaf Art de Parfum, and Armaf — the brand continues to elevate the Middle East’s fragrance heritage onto the global stage.
“Today’s audience proved that craftsmanship and emotion are the real markers of luxury,” concluded Nayana Tharoor. “And that’s the story ARMAF continues to tell — one unforgettable first impression at a time.”
