Where do the concepts for fragrances come from? And why are fragrances or perfumes that we where on our bodies so important to us as humans? If scientists agree that our smell memories are the most powerful of all sensual memories, it only makes sense that nostalgia should be used liberally in creating and marketing perfumes and fragrances. Two fragrance companies approach fragrance making as artists and view their products as works of art.
Dzing! by L’Artisan Perfumeur of Paris is an unusual scent that begins with an unusual concept—the circus. Image a perfume that captures the smell of an old-fashioned big top circus complete with performing horses with leather saddles and the overall cloud of caramel popcorn and cotton candy. Such is Dzing!, a fragrance with a loyal following that is rumored to be discontinued, so get it while it’s hot! I will also admit that I have become somewhat addicted to this fragrance though I also feel there is a strange rubber smell to it, like an old eraser. You can purchase Dzing! here.
Christopher Brosius is a one-man fragrance-maker based in New York City who hates the idea of commercial perfumes. In fact, his website begins as “I Hate Perfume”. Why would you want to smell like everyone else?, asks Christopher Brosius. Why indeed.
Wild Pansy by Christopher Brosius unleashes memories of rolling down a grassy, wet hill on a summer day in the country. This body fragrance also evokes the smell of pulling weeds bare handed. While the name says Pansy and implies this scent is floral, there are overtones and undertones of dandelion greens and Queen Anne’s lace. Throw in equal parts moss and dirt and you have Wild Pansy.
In the Library, also by Christopher Brosius is decidedly the most masculine fragrance of those reviewed here. The In the Library fragrance smells of old leather-bound books and stale aftershave. There is perhaps a hint of wood or pipe tobacco smoke and also a whiff of very old, dry wood. How is it possible to capture the smell of old book pages that have begun to fox and toast around the edges? Christopher Brosius who is part artist and part fragrance maker has done it single handedly. You may purchase Wild Pansy and In the Library here.
