SNOWDROP: Winter Limited Edition Through the Eyes of Bára Čechová & Shopaholic Nicol

In an interview with her and Manufaktura's creative manager, Bára Čechová, you will learn what inspired the creation of this winter edition, how the collaboration unfolded, and why this collection is a labour of love for both creators.

Bára, Nicol, the SNOWDROP collection looks very gentle, poetic and feminine. What inspired you to create it and what story did you want to infuse into this winter edition? 

Bára: For me, one of my biggest inspirations is my garden. The tender and elegant snowdrop is my annual joy, emerging from beneath snow blanket and giving me hope that the end of winter is approaching. I wanted to transfer this idea to the winter Christmas collection, to make cold days more pleasant, bring an amazing fragrance to the festive season, and help shorten the wait for the desired spring. 

Nicol: I remember when the first idea for Snowdrop came, I was immediately excited. I appreciated that it was not a typical Christmas scent. It features something tender and magical. When this idea was combined with the fragrance we chose, a new limited edition, which I think is truly exceptional, was created.

Nicol, this is your third collaboration on a limited edition with Manufaktura. What does it involve specifically, and which part of the process do you like the most? 

Nicol: If I had to choose one stage that I like the most, it would be the selection of the fragrance and the design proposal. These are two key parts of the whole process that I personally put a lot of effort into. I want the final product to be impeccable and to exactly correspond to what I would wish for as a customer.

How did you transfer the symbolism of snow, the end of winter, and tenderness to the fragrance and design? 

Bára: Our perfumer was given the following instructions: create a fresh, clean, elegant, tender fragrance with green-white notes of snowdrop, fresh frosty air, sparkling snow and winter.
We projected tenderness into the design in the form of beautiful water-colour drawings of the snowdrop by our court artist Diana Delevová, and winter by through grey-blue background that evokes grey-blue clouds. Nicol had a great idea to complement the background with white dots suggesting falling snow...

What properties (or benefits) of the snowdrop convinced you that it is perfect for use in this collection? 

Bára: The snowdrop extract has excellent qualities that make it suitable for winter products: it soothes, nourishes and protects skin against dehydration and winter extremes. It also hydrates and restores balance. In combination with other nourishing and regenerating natural cosmetic ingredients, it helps create great formulations ideal for winter.

How did the formulas develop? Did you come across anything unusual while working with the snowdrop?

Bára: The development of the Snowdrop collection was surprisingly exciting. From the beginning we counted on the fact that we could use a finished extract offered by suppliers (and which was one of our inspirational ideas to create the snowdrop collection). Unfortunately, we found out that its trading name was “snowdrop”, but in fact it was a snowflake extract. 

Gradually, we discovered that the snowdrop extract suitable for our needs was not available on the market, so we set about developing and producing our own unique extract from snowdrop seeds. We even grew some of the seeds in our own gardens. Fortunately, everything worked out in the end, so a big thank to the colleagues from the development department... 

Collaboration brings many moments of creativity, as well as differing views. What did you agree on immediately and when did you have a lively debate? 

Bára: One of the reasons why we repeatedly cooperate with Nicol is that we see many things similarly, and we inspire each other. We are willing to compromise and listen to the opinions of others. Such collaboration takes place in a peaceful and joyful atmosphere, which is very important. We quickly agree on the quality of the formula. The challenging part is sometimes the selection and intensity of the fragrance. We hold long debates about the design. However, we also make an agreement so that we are both satisfied and enthusiastic about the collection. 

Nicol: I must agree with Bára. I feel that we perceive many things very similarly and this common brainstorming is what I like the most about the whole creative process. The heated debates are mostly over design and intensity of fragrance, because I am definitely the one who advocates for “the more fragrance, the better”. However, I am very happy that we always come to a consensus in the end and that we are both satisfied and enthusiastic. We both really enjoy the whole process.

For many people limited editions are a labour of love. What do you wish people to experience with this collection?

Bára: I wish that the Snowdrop transforms our customers' daily skincare into an exceptional fragrant ritual. I hope it pampers their skin and senses, brings a feeling of calm and peace, makes the festive season more pleasant, brightens winter days and shortens the wait for spring. It also makes a beautiful suggestion for a Christmas gift for their loved ones.

Nicol: I wish very much that the new Snowdrop limited collection makes winter days more pleasant and Christmas a bit more magical. It may help solve Christmas dilemma of what gift to choose for your loved ones. It would be nice if it makes them as happy as we were while creating it.

And finally, a personal question cannot be missing. What product from the whole collection is your favourite and why?

Bára: This is a traditionally hard question. :-) I love this collection as a whole, from the shower foam to the candle. However, if I had to name one single product, it would be the eau de parfum this time. Its fragrance is just amazing.

Nicol: That is a very difficult question. For me, it will be the eau de parfum too. I must agree with Bára: its fragrance is truly incredible. If I had to choose one more product, it would be the hand cream. It is a classic that I always have on hand. :-)

All products contain a high proportion of natural ingredients and are made locally. The formulas of the cosmetic products are enriched with a unique snowdrop seed extract that has hydrating, rejuvenating and soothing effects, protecting skin against winter extremes and restoring balance and comfort.

The Snowdrop limited edition pampers both skin and senses, transforming daily skincare into an exceptional ritual thanks to its tender, pure, winter floral fragrance. It is a result of joint creation, made with enthusiasm and attention to detail. Whether you enjoy it yourself, or give it to someone else, it will bring tenderness, fragrance and peace to winter days.

The SNOWDROP limited collection is available from 1st November in our online store and brick-and-mortar shops. Treat yourself to tender winter care or delight your loved ones with a gift that tells a story.