Zambesi Launches Into the World of Fragrance With the Release of 1979 - An Homage to the Brand's Genderless and Powerful Legacy

On a sunny early evening in the quaint village of Auckland’s Parnell, Remix was welcomed into the home of Elisabeth & Neville Findlay, and their family to celebrate the launch of Zambesi’s first foray into fragrance. Walking down the cobblestone pathway to the back courtyard of their two-story villa, we were greeted into a private oasis with a glass of RSRV champagne. The intimate affair saw a curated guest list of friends and industry supporters gather to toast the launch of the next chapter of the Zambesi story.

Scapegrace martini’s flowed and palettes were satisfied by Hercules Noble Hors d'oeuvres, while the Findlay’s mingled with guests as the sun set over their tree-adorned pool area. On the outdoor TV, a black and white moving picture was displayed showing models Manahou Mackay and Vinnie Bennett lounging seaside on Omaha beach with an overlay of romantic French music setting the scene, shot by the Findlay's daughter, Marissa.

The Fragrance, 1979 - is aptly named after the first year of Zambesi’s launch and is an ode to the brand's attitude to genderless dressing. Just like the direction of their garments, the scent is as complex as it is powerful, exuding a warm and earthy depth. Housed in a square glass bottle with a Zambesi-esque black lid, the Parfum fragrance is timeless in its appeal. Curated by Zambesi and crafted in collaboration Brooke Lean of New Zealand-based fragrance house, The Virtue. The gender-neutral scent is made using fragrance exclusively sourced from Grasse, France using a blend of ethically derived ingredients including essential oils and botanical extracts that are 100% cruelty-free. 

For 1979, the fashion label and fragrance house came together to create a sultry and enigmatic scent with top notes of bitter almond and bergamot, heart notes of patchouli and vanilla, and base notes of vetiver and leather.

Zambesi founder and designer Elisabeth Findlay wanted to create a scent that embodies the Zambesi brand. 

“More than a fragrance, 1979 is another textural layer to the Zambesi story. It translates how we feel, how we see, how we think. I love how emotionally connected we can be to a scent: the memories it conjures, the moments it sparks, and I hope Zambesi 1979 will become part of its wearers’ story.”

1979 is available now from Zambesi stores nationwide and online.