Carner Barcelona: Art And Perfumery Come Together

Carner Barcelona conveys the modern and vibrant spirit of Barcelona with its perfumes. Sara Carner and her brother Joaquim, descendants of a long family of leather craftsmen, founded the brand in 2010. Since then, they have developed many exclusive fragrances. The latest is called “Helix” and is the fifth fragrance in the Mediterranean Collection.

For “Helix”, Carner Barcelona was inspired by the work of the famous Catalan artust Riera i Aragó (Barcelona, 1954. )For the packaging, he designed a unique work of art (75.5 x 56 cm) that visually presents the essence of Helix. He says: “With a deep blue that evokes the mystery of the sea and a golden propeller that symbolizes the magic of the unknown, this piece expresses the human desire to discover new worlds.”

The new Helix fragrance of Carner Barcelona with notes of bergamot, peach, cedar and a marine breeze belongs to the floral-woody family. The unisex perfume combines the gentle sea breeze of a summer’s day with sweet fruits and Mediterranean flowers.

“Riera i Aragó’s work, full of color, optimism and vitality, transports me to the Mediterranean. Creating a perfume inspired by his art, especially the symbolism of his propeller, was an absolute joy,” says Sara Carner.

In my interview with Sara, the Carner Barcelona founder reveals even more about herself, her work and her beloved home city of Barcelona, which is definitely worth a trip if you don’t know it yet.

MR: My first fragrance of Carner Barcelona was D 600. Where does the name come from?

Sara: The name stands for Diagonal nº600, which is the address of Carner Barcelona’s first studio. It is a perfume full of character and with a surprising evolution on the skin. It captures the vibrant and cosmopolitan spirit of the city.

If you took me around Barcelona, which three places would you show me?

Difficult question! There are so many fantastic places to visit in Barcelona. Beyond the iconic landmarks like La Pedrera, Casa Battló, Park Guell, and Sagrada Familia (which are must-visits themselves), for me, an ideal day in Barcelona starts with a serene stroll along Carretera de les Aigües, where the breathtaking vistas of Barcelona unfold beneath your feet.

Walking along Paseo de Gracia is also magical! A mix of luxury stores with local businesses along one of the most beautiful streets in Barcelona. You can also find our Flagship Store there on C/Diputació with Paseo de Gracia, where you will be able to experience, in my opinion, the best of what the Mediterranean has to offer.

Afterward, I enjoy a nice vermouth at Bodega Quimet Quimet, a family-owned business with 100 years of history located on a pedestrian street in the local neighborhood Poble Sec. You will find a boisterous crowd, a mix of locals and tourists, seated along the marble bar, sipping drinks and snacking on food that accompanies vermouth: olives, anchovies, and tinned mussels. Delicious!

The day ends wandering through the labyrinthine streets of the Gothic Quarter, where ancient charm blends with modern vibrancy. A mix of quaint old-school cafes, artisan shops, and the echoes of centuries past.

How do you develop a new scent for Carner Barcelona? Do you have the “recipe” in mind before mixing the fragrance or the vision of a person who will wear it?

Ideas tend to come to us naturally. Often, we find ourselves reflecting on a memory, story, or emotion we wish to convey, capturing a facet of our Mediterranean culture. From there, we create a briefing centered around the scents that we believe most effectively evoke this and get in touch with a specific nose to create the first samples.

When do your best ideas come to you?

My best ideas come to me after a long day. Once my kids are in bed and the house is finally silent, that’s when inspiration strikes to me. I enjoy reflecting on the events of the day – what transpired, what emotions I experienced, and even what scents I got to smell in the air. It’s in these quiet moments that clarity and creativity often emerge ☺

What substance would you never use in your fragrances?

For our Carner Barcelona Fragrances we would never use ingredients that are toxic or forbidden by law, that’s for sure. Our perfumes are free of sulfates, parabens and phthalates.

What was the first fragrance you used as a teenager?

I used Freedom by Tommy Hilfiger and Halloween by Jesus del Pozo.

Which Carner scent is particularly close to your heart?

I would say the perfume that is closest to my heart is BO-BO. Inspired by an ancient folkloric dance dating back to 1797, this fragrance is the ultimate representation of our Mediterranean culture and lifestyle. It’s lively, cheerful, and fresh, with a vibrant blend of orange blossom, bergamot, and Italian mandarin.

How do you come up with the often, unusual names of your fragrances such as Sweet William or Rose & Dragon?

All of our names come from a story of our vibrant city; its Mediterranean soul, architecture, culture and effortless way of living. Take Rose & Dragon, for instance. It draws inspiration from one of the most important festivities in Catalonia, Sant Jordi. This celebration is based on a remarkable legend that speaks of courage, love, and honor, where Saint George saves the princess from a dragon with a rose.

Which of your fragrances do you wear in the evening?

Lately, I am wearing Revolución, it’s sophisticated, elegant, and makes me feel empowered.

What is Joaquim’s favorite scent?

Joaquim’s favorite scent is undoubtedly Cuirs. This fragrance tells the story of our family, who have been in the leather industry for three generations. It’s inspired by an era of artisan workshops where the smoke from smoking pipes mingled with the scent of freshly tanned leather, creating a magical atmosphere.

What professional dream do you still want to achieve?

I would love to make Carner Barcelona a luxury lifestyle brand covering all olfactive needs of our customers, including home, body and skin care.

Which famous perfumer do you admire?

Ernest Beaux, for having created the eternal Chanel Nº 5.