With Fortuitous Finley by Penhaligon’s, it was the sculpted horse’s head on the bottle that gave me the idea. I immediately saw a knight, my favourite chess piece. The Portraits Collection is built around a fictional aristocratic family told through fragrance, with Finley as its latest addition. A stallion, his scent includes cardamom, black pepper, salted pistachio, violet leaf and matcha, alongside patchouli, orris and a Saffiano accord.
I have always loved the aesthetics of chess: the graphic board, the shapes of the pieces, even the way they stand together. I am still learning how to play, although the knight has always been my favourite. And by coincidence, 2026 is the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac.
For this image, I developed the concept together with photographer Thomas van Schaik. Finley takes his place on the chessboard, surrounded by standing and fallen pieces.
Perhaps I will master the game one day. For now, I am quite happy using chess in another way.
Photography by Thomas van Schaik
Concept & styling by Im Fong Liu
Fragrance courtesy of Penhaligon’s
