Almira Armstrong’s beautiful Lumira fragrances packaged in sleek monochrome draw on her enduring love of scent, while evoking the spirit of travel. Guest contributor Jessica Teas caught up with the glam Sydney native to chat about her fave whiffs, globetrotting tips and top spots in her home city.
How do you find the inspiration for each of your scents?
I tend to look directly outside of what scent is in literal terms, and more towards where different scent could arise. For me, travel has played a big part in inspiring what I have created with the Lumira brand. I also like to look at the creative arts industries – to fashion designers, photographers, graphic artists, painterly artists. It becomes quite an interesting exercise to look at a still image, for example, and think “What is going on in this image? Where was this photo taken? What scents might have been present?”
How does scent fit with travel?
I suppose scent within the context of travel comes in many forms – it is those smells and scents you may not necessarily experience within your own familiar surroundings that tend to really jolt you and capture you. I know that the first time I experienced such a discernible fig scent was when I visited Tuscany. My Tuscan Fig will now forever transport me to that time and to that wonderful place.
In a truly literal sense, the power of scent, whether it be through candles or perfume, can have a really relaxing and calming effect. I always like to ensure I have a couple of Lumira travel candles with me wherever I go. It not only makes the travelling experience that little more luxurious, but absolutely gives a sense of familiarity to any foreign location.
What’s always in your carry-on?
Hydrating lip balm, Paradisium Hand & Body cream, chewing gum, my phone, books and a pure rosewater hydrating mist. On some occasions, I have my two little ones in tow – snacks, entertainment and baby wipes are always mainstays!
Your work space is in up-coming St. Peters and you live in Woollahra – what are the must-dos in each neighbourhood?
When I’m in Woollahra, it’s usually all about the family. On Sunday morning we like to visit LUXE cafe on Queen Street. The coffee is great and the pastry cabinet is hard to pass up.
For a special occasion, dinner at Matt Moran’s Chiswick on Ocean Street is a must-do. The Moran Family lamb is delicious and the wine list is a force to reckoned with.
Where we live is a five minute walk to Centennial Park. On a sunny weekend, the choice between a short stroll to the park with the kids versus driving in Sydney traffic rarely sees the latter win.
In St. Peters, you can indulge in very different experiences. Family-run Greek restaurant Yiamas is great for a group of friends. If you plan right, you might just be treated to some Greek bouzouki. However, each morning before work, I really can’t pass on Sample Coffee. Housed in a pared-back warehouse on Mary Street, the coffee is just right, as is the menu. I am an avocado-on-toast kind of girl. However, the menu does change frequently so don’t get attached to anything!
The most scentsual spots in Sydney?
For two very polarising scent experiences, I can’t go past the flower markets and the Sydney Fish Markets. Suffice to say, there will be no fish based candles in the future.
Where do you always take visitors?
The MCA or The Art Gallery of NSW, sunset drinks on the rooftop at The Royal in Paddington, shopping in Paddington’s The Intersection and the Bondi-to-Bronte cliff walk. I do also love fish and chips at Watson’s Bay with the kids.
Top destination on your travel bucket list?
I am yet to visit Africa and would really love to do so. The landscape looks incredibly beautiful and quite different to anywhere I have visited so far.
And finally, what’s your favourite Aussie destination?
Right now, I would have to say Hamilton Island. Sometimes it is hard to believe that we have such sheer beauty right here in Australia. We all travel so far and wide, seeking out the most beautiful places around the globe, and yet here we are with what I would say, one of the most stunning places I have visited. It just jolts you back to reality when you realise how lucky we are to live in Australia.
Lumira fragrances are available in Sydney, Melbourne, US, Canada, Japan, Norway and Sweden and can be ordered online at atelierlumira.com
For more hot tips on the Emerald City, bag a LUXE Sydney Guide and find more of Jessica Teas work at www.jessicateas.com
– posted 22nd July 2016
