A perfume bottle carries so much more than the fragrance we wear, taking us on a sensory journey that celebrates both the oneness and diversity of humanity. House of Noya, a brand rooted in this profound understanding, has captivatingly combined these elements into their fragrances.
Founded by Talha Kalsekar, a visionary who grew up in an Indian household in Dubai and later experienced the rich cultural diversity of London, House of Noya captures the essence of shared experiences and collective memories through its collections. “Growing up in Dubai within a conservative Indian household, and later living in both Dubai and London, I had the privilege of experiencing diverse cultures and meeting people from across the globe,” he reflects. “Through these encounters, I came to realise that despite our differences, we share common goals, experiences, and memories that bind us together.”
The name ‘Noya,’ meaning “Divine Beauty” in several ancient languages, is a testament to this inclusive philosophy. When asked about the name’s significance, he shared, “I sought a name that was easy to pronounce, carried profound significance, and resonated across various cultures. To me, it symbolises divine beauty, reflecting the belief that we are all creations of a higher power.” This name encapsulates the brand’s mission to create fragrances that transcend cultural boundaries, celebrating the beauty within every individual.
The Prima Collezione, House of Noya’s debut line, features nine unique scents crafted by perfumers from around the globe. The selection process was both meticulous and personal. “From master perfumers to junior and senior colleagues, I selected them based on their figure of work and personalities. I encouraged them to choose projects that resonated with them personally, aiming for a meaningful connection to the stories we wanted to tell together,” he explained. This approach ensures that each fragrance is not just a scent but a narrative—a nostalgic story waiting to be discovered. Take, for instance, Saffron Dream, inspired by the safety of a mother and the familiar scents of her cooking, evoking unforgettable childhood memories. Or Midnight Melody, which captures the ambiance of a vintage club in Brixton, hosting live DJ sets for a never-ending night.
House of Noya’s fragrances are genderless, a deliberate choice that challenges traditional norms and resonates with today’s consumers. “My generation is rebellious and values individuality. A man isn’t hesitant to wear a rose fragrance, and a woman embraces citrus fresh scents without reservation. That’s why I chose to create gender-neutral fragrances,” he shared. This bold move reflects the brand’s commitment to inclusivity and the belief that beauty and scent should be universal, unbound by gender rules.
As the Dubai-based brand continues to evolve, its commitment to storytelling and inclusivity remains at its core. With upcoming collections like Acqua Collezione, honouring the unifying power of different bodies of water, and Dolci Collezione, celebrating life’s sweetest moments, the brand promises to keep resonating deeply with its audience.
Read the full interview below:
House of Noya is all about celebrating our oneness and differences through its fragrances. Can you share a personal moment or experience that inspired this unique philosophy?
Growing up in Dubai within a conservative Indian household, and later living in both Dubai and London, I had the privilege of experiencing diverse cultures and meeting people from across the globe. Through these encounters, I came to realise that, despite our differences, we share common goals, experiences, and memories that bind us together.
The name ‘Noya’ means “Divine Beauty” in several ancient languages. How did you come across this name, and what does it mean to you personally and to your brand?
I sought a name that was easy to pronounce, carried profound significance, and resonated across various cultures. To me, it symbolizes divine beauty, reflecting the belief that we are all creations of a higher power.
Your Prima Collezione features nine unique scents created by perfumers from around the world. How did you choose these perfumers, and what was the process like to ensure each fragrance tells its own nostalgic story?
From master perfumers to junior and senior colleagues, I selected them based on their figure of work and personalities. I encouraged them to choose projects that resonated with them personally, aiming for a meaningful connection to the stories we wanted to tell together.
You grew up in a house filled with the world of perfumes. How did those early experiences shape your vision for House of Noya and influence your approach to creating these unique scents?
Growing up surrounded by fragrances was initially exhilarating, giving me a unique appreciation for scents and a desire to stand out in family gatherings. Over time, however, the pressure to excel in this realm became overwhelming. After leaving this world behind and moving to London, I distanced myself from fragrances altogether. It was during a shopping trip at Harrods, around the time niche brands began to emerge in 2014, that I rediscovered my passion. I encountered a brand deeply committed to storytelling and identity in its fragrance collections—a holistic approach that resonated deeply with me. Inspired by this experience, I embarked on the journey of creating my own niche brand, aspiring to one day see it featured in Harrods, where people would passionately connect with and appreciate the fragrances I created.
House of Noya is based in Dubai, but your fragrances are bottled in Italy. How do these two places influence your brand’s identity and the way your perfumes are created?
House of Noya values connections, inclusivity, diversity and quality. Dubai’s cosmopolitan environment inspires diverse and global perspectives, shaping the brand’s identity. Meanwhile, Italy’s renowned expertise in perfumery ensures that our fragrances are crafted with meticulous attention to quality and tradition, enhancing their overall appeal and distinctiveness.
Which Noya scents do you believe are a summer essential?
Saffron Dream: inspired, the safety of a mother and the familiar scents of her cooking, reminiscing on unforgettable childhood memories.
Midnight Melody: evoking the ambiance of a vintage club in Brixton hosting live DJ sets for a never-ending night.
You’ve chosen to make your fragrances genderless, breaking traditional norms. What inspired this decision, and how do you think it connects with today’s consumers?
My generation is rebellious and values individuality. A man isn’t hesitant to wear a rose fragrance, and a woman embraces citrus fresh scents without reservation. That’s why I chose to create gender-neutral fragrances.
Travel and cultural experiences seem to be a big part of your life. Can you share a particular journey or cultural encounter that directly inspired one of the scents in the Prima Collezione?
During my university days in London, I had my first experience of Holi, the festival of colours. It was a striking sight to witness people from diverse cultures participating in this Hindu religious festival. The atmosphere was filled with respect, inclusivity, and shared joy, making it a truly beautiful and memorable occasion for me.
House of Noya tells the stories of your experiences and those of your generation. How do you see your brand evolving to continue sharing these stories with the world?
As my generation matures, we embrace both new beliefs and established norms. I am excited to unveil upcoming collections that celebrate these evolving experiences, feelings, and memories, resonating deeply with people. Acqua Collezione honors the unifying power of different bodies of water worldwide, while Dolci Collezione pays tribute to the sweet moments in life.
