Mindfulness has become an integral part of wellness routines all over the world. This is thanks to its ability to not only influence longevity, but also inspire stillness and raised awareness, including those of the sensory experiences. In lieu of this, Stina Bibbi Steiger merged the worlds of meditation and fragrance, and in launching Bibbi Perfume, Steiger has crafted scents that not only smell amazing, but are also tangible manifestations of her meditative experiences.
Bibbi: Meditation as a Fragrance Muse
“Meditation has the ability to shift your mind, to put you somewhere else. Fragrance has a similar effect—it takes you on a journey, whether you like it or not.” – Stina Bibbi Steiger
Steiger strongly believes in the relationship between meditation and scents, believing that scents, like meditation, have the power to raise awareness,
“The sense of smell is our strongest sense. It’s the most important sense for us human beings to even be alive,” she says.
For Steiger, meditation is more than just a lifestyle practice, but it’s also a creative outlet that’s the source of inspiration for her fragrances,
“I would say [Bibbi Perfume] is a dive into my subconscious state of mind. It’s an invitation to my meditative state. That’s really the essence of the brand,” she explains. Granted, the idea of translating a meditative experience into something tangible sounds challenging, but with the help of perfumer Jérôme Pinette, Steiger is able to execute this intricate process,
“When I have this type of meditation, I feel that this would be a great scent. Then I write the experience down, create some visual aspects, and share this with the perfumer,” Steiger explains, “We go back and forth until we find exactly the right feeling.”
Bibbi Ghost of Tom: A Comforting Ghost
Founded in 2023, the Bibbi brand currently has 11 fragrances, with each scent inspired by Steiger’s meditative practices. As for which of the 11 scents are the biggest reflection of Steiger’s meditative journey?
“I would say that Ghost of Tom is that fragrance” reveals Steiger,“There’s an idea that around two percent of the surrounding population are actually non-human and the only way to sense their presence is through their addictive tea-like scent, and they are known as Ghost of Tom.”
When you smell Ghost of Tom, you are engulfed with layered scents that balance the mysterious with the earthy. This is thanks to its top notes of bergamot and smoky incense, which then melt into a rich and luxurious aroma of black tea and a deep, sensual embrace of leather. As the note settles, you’ll notice an earthy depth, thanks in part to vetiver, oak moss and musk – all of which create a subtle, smoky and sweet finish.
“With Ghost of Tom, I wanted to create a feeling of comfort, yet a bit of mystery and depth.”
Being inspired by folklore and ghost stories, many may connect to the fragrance’s intriguing narrative. They may also enjoy its beautiful evolution and longevity – lasting for over 8 hours. This makes it a great option for all-day wear, especially because of its moderate sillage. Remember, Ghost of Toms are supposed to be comforting, not overwhelming.
That said, some may be turned off by the earthy elements, as well as its unconventional profile, preferring fresh or floral fragrances instead.
Bibbi The Ghost of Tom is available from Skins Cosmetics and other niche perfume houses, available both in-store and online.
Meditating With Ghosts
While it’s given rise to her fragrances, meditation is more than just about scents. The practice has become integral to Steiger’s daily routine. In fact, she practices all styles of meditation, emphasizing that it’s a great tool to help one focus, and connect better with their environment,
“Meditation can help you develop a deeper connection with everything, not only my fragrances but with life and yourself. That’s really the essence of meditation—to open up your mind and be closer to yourself, which in the long run will give you a deeper connection to the rest of the world.”
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