Gallivant fragrances tell us all we need to know about being wanderlust through their explorative unisex fragrances. To “Gallivant” means to go around from one place to another in the pursuit of pleasure or entertainment, and that is what we experience as we try on different fragrances by this British brand, inspired by travel and global cities.
The latest Gulf Collection is inspired by the Arabian Peninsula, specifically by the serene gardens and courtyards in Riyadh, the vibrancy of Dubai, and the buzzing historical souq of Doha.
Nick Steward, the founder and creative director of Gallivant, first traveled to the Gulf in the late 1980s and later studied Arabic at university. As to why he chose these three places to draw inspiration from for the Gulf Collection, Nick said:
“All three places I’ve chosen to explore and celebrate in this new collection are crossroads – ancient and hypermodern. I’m drawn to melting-pot places, where different histories, peoples, and tastes meet.”
Let’s take a closer look at these three new fragrances by Gallivant
1. Gallivant Ar Riyad Parfum
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Gallivant |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Spicy |
| Notes | Top: Bitter Almond, Bergamot, Verbena, and Ginger Middle: Orange Blossom, Ylang Ylang, Nutmeg, Clove, and Cumin Base: Patchouli, Olibanum, Vanilla, and Tobacco |
| Release year | 2025 |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Celine Perdriel |
Ar Riyad by Gallivant is a unisex fragrance inspired by the serene gardens and courtyards found within the city of Riyadh. The word Riyadh itself means “gardens” or “meadows”. The name is derived from the plural of the Arabic word “rawdah”.
This parfum (concentrated at 36%) aims to capture the warmth of late afternoon and the inviting atmosphere of a hidden garden, reflecting the hospitality of Saudi culture. The scent is a rich, grounding gourmand, a cloud of golden spices that swirls around and engulfs your very being.
2. Gallivant Dubai Parfum
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Gallivant |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Floral |
| Notes | Top: Saffron, Neroli, and Pear Middle: Jasmine Sambac, Honeysuckle, and Cypriol Base: Vetiver, Amber, and Musk |
| Release year | 2025 |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Celine Perdriel |
Dubai, on the other hand, is inspired by Dubai’s history as a trading hub and its contemporary vibrancy. The scent is reminiscent of gardens, local neighborhoods, and balmy evenings, with floral and woody notes.
This fragrance elicits an image of a calmer, quieter Dubai, set apart from the city’s hustle and bustle and its rushing crowds.
“Sipping tea infusions, watching the sundown. The balmy evening air … a hint of something nocturnal, the smell of jasmine and honeysuckle wafting by. The easygoing, quiet luxury Dubai, away from the shimmering glass and steel towers.”
3. Gallivant Souq Waqif Parfum
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Gallivant |
| Best for | Unisex |
| Fragrance Family | Amber Woody |
| Notes | Top: Blood Orange, Olibanum, and Saffron Middle: Patchouli, Geranium, and Myrrh Base: Guaiac Wood, Labdanum, and Oud |
| Release year | 2025 |
| Projection | Moderate |
| Perfumer | Celine Perdriel |
As for Souq Waqid, it is inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of the historic marketplace in Doha, Qatar. The fragrance simulates a sensory experience of wandering through winding alleys filled with the scents of incense, oud, spices, and resins.
Souq Waqif is the first oud fragrance by the brand as it attempts to capture the heart of Khaleeji culture by emulating the nostalgic aroma of old souqs in the region. Souq Al Waqid is bold, timeless, and elegant, just as the market that it was named after.
Overview
What I find particularly interesting in this collection and this brand is how fragrances are often associated with memories, places, and people. How a perfumer can conjure up a fragrance and name it after a place, and confidently say that these scents are associated with these places, and have many people agree.
The power of scent on memory continues to fascinate me, but so does human nature and people’s desire to connect through deep emotions and shared experiences. People want to try on a fragrance and say that they too felt a certain feeling when they smelled this scent, and they too were taken back to a particular place, feeling like they are a part of something bigger – a part of a community or a tribe.
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