Pumpkin that will pamper you... Interview with our creative manager

Spicy-sweet fragrance, gentle skincare, accessories for domestic bliss and traditional botanical design. This new autumn limited edition created under the supervision of creative manager Bára Čechová combine it all. 

What inspired her? Why pumpkin? How did the collaboration with the Prague Botanical Garden happen? We went directly to the source for the answers.

Why just the pumpkin? Why do you think it deserves its own cosmetic collection? (or there is something about the pumpkin  🙂)

The first idea of the pumpkin limited edition was born during a meeting with our development department. 

Our developer Eva Feldeková brought up an interesting tip on pumpkin extract from our ingredient suppliers. Since we were looking for a unique and appealing theme for a new collection, we found this possibility interesting. We agreed that pumpkin is very popular in the Czech Republic in autumn. We have a popular pumpkin harvest season, farmer's markets are full of pumpkins of all shapes and colours, pumpkin spice latté is served in cafés, and we often make pumpkin soup at home.

What are the benefits of pumpkin in cosmetic products?

Our formulae include extract from pumpkin pulp or and from pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin is exceptional in cosmetics due to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins A and E, carotenoids, zinc and polysaccharides. 

These active substances nourish, hydrate, regenerate and soothe the skin. They have antioxidant effects, strengthen the skin's protective barrier, help maintain elasticity and protect against adverse environmental impacts.

How was the fragrance of the PUMPKIN SPICE collection created?

From the very beginning, we knew that it would be essential to liven up the fragrance to achieve an appealing aroma that matched the autumn season. 

The ideal solution was to combine it with spices - cloves, cinnamon and star anise, which are used in baking pumpkin pie and create a pleasant, sweet warming scent. 

We chose from about 20 samples and quickly found our favourite.

The design breathes autumn poetics. Can you be more specific about the creation of packaging and pictures?

Our longtime artist Diana Delevová traditionally painted the pumpkin motifs for us, while packaging graphics were created by graphic designer Pavel Winter. We aimed to create emotional autumn design in warm colours and avoid a superficial “Halloween” aesthetic. 

That is why we chose the motif of a less known white pumpkin and supplemented it with spices. I am happy that we managed to create a design that evokes emotions and desire to smell and enjoy an autumn ritual.

A non-traditional pumpkin syrup for coffee and desserts is part of the collection. What made you include it?

Czech people are coffee lovers. The quality and density of cafés in our country are a true phenomenon. 

In autumn, cafés offer pumpkin spice latté or pumpkin desserts, so we decided to take advantage of this trend and give our customers the chance to prepare their own delicious pumpkin spice latté or smoothie in the comfort of their home. 

How many people are involved in the development of a limited edition? What needs to be done before a collection is launched?

Creating and launching a limited edition is a very comprehensive process. It usually takes a year and a half from the initial idea until the products appear in shops. 

Many colleagues are involved in the process: we have to prepare a brief for the development department, find ideal ingredients, develop and test formulae, plan quantities, purchase ingredients and packaging, obtain the required permits, and, of course, produce the products with high quality. First, we produce in a smaller test batch, then a large one, stock it up, distribute in shops and other sales channels, prepare the marketing strategy and placement in the online store and in brick-and-mortar shops, train our sales staff, write texts, create photographs and videos, and much more.

Interesting thing about the PUMPKIN SPICE limited edition is that it was created in cooperation with Prague Botanical Garden. How did this cooperation come about?

The Prague Botanical Garden in Troja is very close to us and we are linked by common values. When they approached us with a collaboration, we did not hesitate. The connection with this magical place, which allows visitors to relax on lovely walks and play in the area, discover plants and learn, made a lot of sense to us. 

Given the great popularity of the pumpkin harvest season that the Prague Botanical Garden holds every year, we decided to approach together the Pumpkin Spice collection, which we were about to create in this engagement period. The packaging includes the Prague Botanical Garden's logo. The collection will be also available in their beautiful shop. The curators prepared interesting information about the pumpkin for us. 

We are also preparing a common autumn event, engaging people through social media and our newsletters, taking care of hands of the gardeners with our hand creams and looking forward to other opportunities that the cooperation will bring.

What is your “must-have” product from this collection?

Do you have your personal autumn ritual to make cold days more pleasant? 

The older I am, the more I try to find something nice about each season and enjoy every day. 

After a summer of spending less time at home and more time travelling, outdoors and in the garden, I always look forward to autumn, i.e. to my little home “hygge” with a soft blanket, a lit candle, a cup of hot drink and books. However, I enjoy autumn walks, picking up chestnut, shuffling through the leaves… I am touched by autumn fog and many little things I enjoy when in nature.

Pumpkin not for bake but for caring. The limited edition, which caresses your body and mind, is available in Manufaktura shops and in our online store.