For fragrance enthusiasts, it can be a daunting task to select just one favourite perfume. As perfume lovers, we yearn for a spray that can last a lifetime, yet we also like to keep our options open – I’VRE got your back!

This desire to explore new scents often leads us to splurge and drain our pockets. Fragrances are like lip balms, the bottle tends to disappear, misplace, or be forgotten over time, but the difference is that they are significantly more expensive than a stick of lip balm. 

Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem – I’VRE, Asia’s most popular perfume subscription service, was founded by Christian Kwok and Elaine Yuan. Their masterful curation of solving the issue of keeping the option open and burden free for a perfume-lover to have access to a wide range of scents, without having to spend a fortune on each bottle. 

With I’VRE, perfume lovers can indulge in their passion for fragrances, without breaking the bank. To answer back to our dilemma in the first paragraph: So why settle for just one signature scent when you can explore the world of perfumes with I’VRE?

In this interview with Christian and Elaine, Beauty Insider explores the powerful connection between scent and identity, and how I’VRE is helping fragrance enthusiasts discover their unique olfactory signature. 

Co-Founders of I’VRE: Christian Kwok (left) and Elaine Yuan (right)

What is the brand concept and inspiration behind I’VRE, and what’s the catalyst that led to the birth of I’VRE?

Christian: I’VRE is a perfume subscription service that offers over 200 designer and niche fragrances. My co-founder (Elaine) and I are huge fragrance enthusiasts – we’ve each amassed a collection of over 30 fragrances over the years.

In 2021, Elaine proposed a perfume subscription service to me, but I initially dismissed the idea as I didn’t think it was a feasible business concept. However, in 2022, upon returning from a trip abroad, I, being a Singaporean, indulged in duty-free perfumes. Elaine reprimanded me for my extravagance and wastefulness with perfume.

This was when I realised that I’ve not only spent thousands of dollars on many different perfumes, some of which haven’t even been used for years! I then recalled the business idea Elaine had proposed, and we decided to kickstart I’VRE.

Identity Through Scent

Every perfume or aroma has its own uniqueness and wonder, how may I’VRE inspire or be a person’s symbol?

Elaine: Our world is like a vast collection of perfumes, with no two fragrances being the same. Each flask contains multiple layers, unveiling one after the other. At I’VRE, we offer individuals a thoughtfully curated selection of scents that align with their preferences and personal style.

By receiving a regular supply of fresh and beloved perfumes, our subscribers can develop their signature scent or fragrance profile that becomes a part of their personal identity. 

We offer personalised recommendations and guidance to help our subscribers explore new scents and discover their preferences, expanding their scent knowledge and cultivating a deeper appreciation for the art of fragrance.

Overall, I’VRE inspires and becomes a person’s symbol by providing a personalised and engaging experience that enables subscribers to express their unique style and identity through scent.

Do you feel scent has the ability to affect emotions or awaken memories, and if so, would you like to share your story?

Elaine: Yes, we do feel that scent has the ability to affect emotions and awaken memories. Our sense of smell is closely linked to our emotions and memories because the olfactory system in the brain is located near the areas that process emotions and memories.

When we smell a particular scent, it can trigger a strong emotional response or a vivid memory associated with that scent. For example, the scent of freshly baked cookies might evoke feelings of warmth and comfort from memories of baking with a loved one.

Vanilla is my favourite scent as it evokes happy memories of my childhood summers spent with my grandmother. Every summer, we would go out for ice cream and I would always get a vanilla cone. 

The scent of vanilla reminds me of those carefree summer days when the sun shone and everything felt possible. It brings back memories of laughter, playtime, and most importantly, the special bond I shared with my grandmother. 

Even now, as an adult, the scent of vanilla is comforting and nostalgic, and it always reminds me of those precious moments.

Revolutionise Fragrance Industry

What does I’VRE hope to bring to Singapore’s fragrance industry with its unique perfume subscription service? What makes it special?

Christian: I’VRE is on a mission to revolutionise the way consumers discover and purchase fragrances. In today’s fast-paced world, consumer preferences are constantly changing, and the same is true for their fragrance choices.

Our subscription service enables customers to explore a vast collection of over 200 designer fragrances, all at a lower cost than their monthly Netflix subscription.

In addition to providing value to our customers, our business model helps reduce wastage. Many consumers often end up with several full-sized bottles of fragrances that go unused or eventually expire and get thrown away. 

By advocating for sustainable consumerism, we aim to promote the buying of only what is necessary, thereby having a positive impact on climate change and the world’s ecosystem.

Upcoming plans in the pipeline, collaborations, or producing new lines or exclusives such as balm, lotion, or essential oils pendants?

Elaine: I’VRE is continuously growing our fragrance collection each month, with a range of 15 to 25 new scents added regularly. Additionally, we are in discussions with a multinational gym brand in Singapore for a potential collaboration that will offer benefits to both I’VRE subscribers and gym members alike.

Looking ahead, we plan to expand our offerings to include other cosmetic products available as part of our subscription service. We are also exploring the idea of creating our own line of fragrances. However, we are still focused on refining and expanding our current fragrance selection before venturing into these future plans.

I’VRE Authenticity

If I may, this question is from the potential client’s perspective, how can they know and be confident that the fragrance is authentic?

Christian: This is definitely a question that we are asked often, especially from consumers. Here at I’VRE, we pride ourselves in ensuring that each fragrance we sell is 100% authentic. We have put in place several processes in order to uphold this standard. 

Firstly, we only work with reputable or authorised distributors and wholesalers, and this first step is crucial as we do seek proof from our suppliers of the authenticity as well as their current portfolio of clients. 

Secondly, when we receive our inventory each week, our team manually looks through each perfume and conducts checks on them such as batch code authentication and visual authentication. 

With these processes, I can proudly say that we can guarantee the authenticity of our perfumes and our consumers can rest assured.

Founder’s Personal Favourite

Lastly, what is your favourite fragrance(s), and why?

Narciso Rodriguez Pure Musc For Her

Elaine: My current favourite fragrance is Narciso Rodriguez Pure Musc For Her EDP. The scent is clean, soft, and sophisticated, with notes of white musk and floral accords that create a fresh, elegant aroma. 

It’s a fragrance that is perfect for both day and night, as it’s not too heavy or overpowering. Overall, this perfume has become my go-to fragrance for any occasion lately. It embodies everything I look for in a scent – sophistication, elegance, and a touch of femininity.

Byredo Mojave Ghost

Christian: My current favourite fragrance is Byredo Mojave Ghost, prior to using this fragrance, my preferences when it came to perfumes were typically woody and musky but after trying out Mojave Ghost, it felt like a perfect mix between floral and woody. Not only is it a scent that I really like, but it has got me quite a fair bit of compliments from strangers.

About I’VRE

I’VRE is Asia’s top perfume subscription service, with a strong reputation for making consumers smell amazing every day. They stock over 200 designer fragrances from well-known names such as Versace, Mont Blanc, and Diptyque. Thousands of fans have already placed their trust in I’VRE to deliver their favourite scents.

 Click here to know more about the subscriptions!

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