Amouage is the brainchild of Qaboos Bin Said, the Sultan of Oman. He gave the order in 1983 to launch a perfume brand that captures, protects and preserves Oman’s age-old perfumery traditions. Amouage means “wave” in Arabic. The name was also chosen because of its uncanny resemblance to the French word for love, “Amour”. The flamboyant Christopher Chong, a former opera singer, is the creative director of Amouage. The design and fragrances are based on the culture of the Gulf States. Refinement and exclusivity are top priorities for this brand. In addition, it is one of the most expensive perfume brands in the world. Amouage has also produced a range of bath products, scented candles, room sprays and a collection of leather garments that are made (by hand) in Florence.