Perfume Room

Latest Episodes:

50. When Fragrance Creates Community (w/ BROWN GIRL Jane Co-Founders Malaika Jones and Tai Beauchamp) May 17, 2022

Show notes

Today I am joined by BROWN GIRL Jane Co-Founders Malaika Jones and Tai Beauchamp. BROWN GIRL Jane is Black women-owned, plant-based wellness line with everything from CBD gelees and serums to you guessed it… fragrance! What all of their products have in common is the they were specifically designed with the needs and wants of BIPOC women in mind. In this episode we discuss the inspiration behind the brand, the kismet story behind its founding, and of course… the most recent expansion into fragrance!

FRAGS MENTIONED

Grace de Monaco Promenade Sur le Rocher, BROWN GIRL Jane: Lamu, Casablanca; Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady, Byredo Oud Accord, BROWN GIRL Jane Baha’i, Creed, Bond No. 9, Issey Miyake, Dior Poison, Oil of Olay, VS Pear Glace, DKNY Cashmere Mist, By Kilian Love Don’t Be Shy, B&BW, Jean Paul Gaultier, Miss Dior, Chanel Chance

FOLLOW: @itsbrowngirljane @taibeau @browngirlmalaika

SHOP: www.browngirljane.com

VOTE FOR TFF Awards: fragrance.org

49. Fragrance Brands *Should* be Educating the Consumer (w/ Floral Street Founder Michelle Feeney) May 10, 2022

Show notes

Veteran beauty exec turned fragrance founder Michelle Feeney is in the Perfume Room today. Michelle's illustrious background in the industry spans everything from launching Creme de la Mer, spearheading the MAC AIDS initiative as the VP Communications, and later becoming the CEO of St Tropez. Today, she is the Founder and CEO of Floral Street, a fragrance brand known for its sustainable packaging and ingredients. Michelle and I chat about everything from her glam PR life in NYC in the 90s, the process of collaborating with renowned Master Perfumer Jerome Epinette, Floral Street’s expansion into the home space, how her family's wine business informed the brand's creative direction, and of course, the most memorable piece of advice she ever received… from Liza Minelli.

FRAGS MENTIONED:

Au Pays de la Fleur D'Oranger Neroli Blanc Intense, ALOF Freckled and Beautiful, PdM Oriana, By Kilian Love Don't Be Shy, Memo Sintra, Nobile 1942 Perdizione, Floral Street: Sunflower Pop, Black Lotus, Iris Goddess, Ylang Ylang Espresso; Prescriptives Calyx, Floral Street: Wild Vanilla Orchid, Wonderland Peony; Dior poison, Revlon Charlie, Cacharel Anais Anais, L’Artisan Parfumeur, Floral Street: Chypre Sublime

FOLLOW: @floralstreet_

DISCOUNT: www.floralstreet.com PERFUMEROOM20 for 20% off

VOTE FOR TFF Awards: fragrance.org

48. Creating The Next Mugler Angel (w/ Master Perfumer and Akro Co-Founders Olivier Cresp and Anaïs Cresp) May 03, 2022

Show notes

Today’s episode is the best, and that’s my 100% objective take. We are joined by two of three co-founders behind Akro— multi-award-winning Master Perfumer Oliver Cresp, and his daughter/Co-Founder, Anaïs Cresp (the third founder who unfortunately could not join is Anaïs’ partner, Jack Miskelly). Akro is an incredible (and very new) niche brand that creates daring, polarizing, addicting fragrances inspired by everyday vices. We discuss the inspiration behind the line as well as the personal stories behind each fragrance, and Olivier explains the very nuanced difference between abstract versus figurative fragrances (he operates in the ‘figurative’). DW; we obviously discuss Angel and Olivier reveals how despite its mainstream popularity, it was actually one of the the first-ever *niche* fragrances. Olivier also defines his signature style within his diverse and prodigious portfolio.

FRAGS MENTIONED:

Akro: Ink, Dark, Awake, Haze; Mugler Angel, Akro: Malt, Smoke, Night, Malt, Ink; Guerlain Vetiver, D&G Light Blue, Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling, Dolce & Gabbana Dolce & Gabbana, Nina Ricci Nina, YSL Black Opium, YSL Mon Paris, Kenzo, Givenchy Gentleman

FOLLOW AKRO: @akrofragrances @oliviercresp

10% OFF WITH CODE 'PERFUMEROOM10': https://twistedlily.com/collections/akro-1

GET TIX PERFUME ROOM LIVE: https://tinyurl.com/yckrcxs6

47. A 'Perfect' Perfume is Boring (w/ Master Perfumer Alberto Morillas) Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

Today, world-renowned, award-winning Master Perfumer Alberto Morillas is in the Perfume Room! Alberto is the visionary (and nose) behind blockbuster fragrances you know and love like Estee Lauder Pleasures, Gucci Bloom, CK One, Versace Bright Crystal, Kenzo Flower, Lancome Miracle, Thierry Mugler Cologne, Marc Jacobs Daisy and Armani Acqua Di Gio… and there are hundreds more where that came from! In this episode, we talk mostly about his own personal pride and joy-- his candle and fine fragrance parfum d’excellence: Mizensir. We discuss how and where he sources inspiration, his creative process, what it’s like being in business with his family, his muses, the art and science of perfumery, and of course, Mizensir's newest launches: Vert Empire and Ambre Magique.

FRAGS MENTIONED:

Mizensir: Luxury, Vert Empire, Très Chère, Little Bianca, Ambre Magique; Kismet Olfactive: Tuberose Tantra, Nymphea, Wedding in Oaxaca, Nostalgia, Studio Scent; Mizensir Verveine Menthe, Mizensir White Rose, Cartier Must II Cartier, Rochas Byzance, Courrèges FH 77, Mizensir Ambre Magique, Estee Lauder pleasures, CK One, Marc Jacobs Daisy

FOLLOW ALBERTO: @morillas.alberto

FOLLOW MIZENSIR: @mizensirparfums

10% OFF MIZENSIR WITH CODE ’PERFUMEROOM10’ : https://twistedlily.com/collections/mizensir

46. The Venn Diagram of Wrestling and Fragrance (w/ Wrestler & Producer Gail Kim) Apr 19, 2022

Show notes

Wrestling Champion, Hall of Famer, and Producer Gail Kim is in the Perfume Room today. This episode is a little less perfume-centric than others, but there are so many parallels in both industries and if you've ever wondered anything about the behind the scenes of wrestling, today's ep is for you. We chat about everything from cultivating a wrestling persona, developing a signature move, the smells of Gail's celeb-chef husband Robert Irvine, as well as the bad ['f' and 'o'] words that need to be retired for good.

FRAGS MENTIONED:

Davidoff Cool Water, Kenneth Cole Vintage Black, Bleu de Chanel, Ralph Lauren Romance, Burberry, Akro Ink, Akro Malt, Mizensir Ambre Magique, Mizensir Vert Empire

FOLLOW GAIL: @gailkimitsme

TWISTED LILY DISCOVERY KIT: twistedlily.com/pages/emma-vernon

SHOP MY DISCOUNTS: linktr.ee/emmavern

45. The Drugstore Fragrance Brand That's Giving *Niche* (w/ Good Chemistry Fragrance Director Greta Pagel) Apr 12, 2022

Show notes

My quest for high quality, great-smelling fragrance that costs less than a SweetGreen salad is never-ending, and today I chat with Greta Pagel—the Fragrance Director of the brand I think does it best: Good Chemistry. Greta leads all fragrance development and strategy at Good Chemistry and ILLUME (including perfume, personal care, and home fragrance). We discuss what happened to some of our favorite discontinued gems (looking at you Brainiac)/ if they’ll ever come back, secrets notes, how Greta got into fragrance development professionally, the process of creating your fave mass-market scents, the newness that is Coco Blush, and what we can look forward to within the next year!

FRAGS MENTIONED:

The Maker Wild, The Maker Fire, West Third Lost California, Good Chemistry Brainiac, Baccarat Rouge 540, Mugler Angel, Byredo Lil Fleur, Jovan Patchouli Oil, Guerlain Vetiver, Coty Wild Musk, YSL Paris, Bleu de Chanel, CB I Hate Perfume Walking in the Air, Good Chemistry Wild Child, Good Chemistry Magnolia Violet, Jovoy Remember Me, Milano Fragranze Basilica, Affinessence Paris Santal Basmati, Strangers Parfumerie Chokedee, Chabaud Lait et Chocolat, Good Chemistry: Tiger Lily, Copper Canyon, Pink Palm, Coco Blush, Sugar Berry; Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk, Pink Sugar Aquolina, EB Florals Fragile Violet, Good Chemistry Queen Bee

FOLLOW: @lovegoodchemistry

DISCOUNT: www.good-chemistry.com PERFUMEROOM15 for 15% off

44. The Scents Your Fave Sister Duo are Wearing (w/ Sisters and Artists Susan Alexandra and Janie Korn) Apr 05, 2022

Show notes

NY’s most creative, cult-fave sister-duo Susan Alexandra and Janie Korn are in the Perfume Room today! Susan is the creator of the ever-whimsical, kitschy Susan Alexandra brand — beloved for her colorful beaded bags, jewelry, and homeware (and celeb following), and Janie is known for her often-customizable, highly-destructible sculptures [read: candles] which are the perfect mix of nostalgic, cheeky, and off-kilter (and are also sold at the magical Susan Alexandra brick & mortar on 33 Orchard). Curious what kind of childhood led to this unparalleled level of creativity? Want to know if their fragrance tastes match their art? SAME. And today we'll find out from the person who knows them best: each other.

FRAGS MENTIONED:

Marissa Zappas Imperia La Divina, Frederic Malle French Lover, The Goddess Line Lakshmi, Frederic Malle Iris Poudree, Gap Om, Elizabeth Arden Sunflower, Mugler Angel, Armani Code, YSL Nu, YSL Opium, Hilde Soliani Fraaagola Saalaaata, Hilde Soliani Hot Milk, Marissa Zappas Annabel’s Birthday Cake, Essential Faith, Le Labo Bergamote 22, L’Orchestre Rose Trombone, Mancera Roses Greedy, Montale Roses Musk, Montale Intense Cafe, Roja Elixir Pour Femme, Le Labo Musc 25, Marissa Zappas Paradise Edition, MFK BR 540, Le Labo The Noir 29, Le Labo Santal 33, Le Labo Bergamote 22, Swiss Army, Clinique Aromatics Elixir, B&BW Freesia

FOLLOW: @susan_alexanda @janiekorn

SHOP: susanalexandra.com || janiekorn.com

SHOP MY DISCOUNTS: linktr.ee/emmavern

FOLLOW PERFUME ROOM: @perfumeroompod

43. When Your Living Room Doubles As A Fragrance Shop (w/ MUSE Experiences Founder Kim Waters) Mar 29, 2022

Show notes

Kimberly Waters, Founder and Creative Director of MUSE Experiences, is in the Perfume Room today! Recently featured in the NYTimes, MUSE Experiences is Harlem’s only niche fragrance retailer, as well as the only fragrance retailer in the city to operate out of an actual home (on the parlor floor of Kim’s townhouse), and thus, the only perfume shop (that we know of) where, as Kim mentions, you can take shoes off upon entering! The coziest. Kim and I chat about her fragrance background prior to founding MUSE, the inspiration behind the concept, what happens during an appointment, how she navigates working where she lives, and the brands and fragrances she’s most excited about right now.

FRAGS MENTIONED:

Chabaud Lait et Chocolat, Comptoir Sud Pacifique Vanille Banane, Affinessence Santal Basmati, Milano Fragranze Basilica, Hilde Soliani Hot Milk, Obvious Parfums Un Bois, Atelier Vetiver Fatale, Prada Candy, Keiko Mecheri Loukhoum, Byredo Pulp, By Kilian, Nasomatto Narcotic Venus, Fleur des Fleurs Une Nuit Nomade, Maya Njie, Juicy Couture, Bridge and Blend, Photo/genics + Co No. 3 Sativa, Photo/genics + Co Pavot, Olfactive Studios Iris Shot, Maya Njie Nordic Cedar, Jamaica Bay Rum

FOLLOW MUSE: museexperiences.com @muse_experiences

SHOP MY DISCOUNTS: linktr.ee/emmavern

FOLLOW PERFUME ROOM: @perfumeroompod

42. Making Content, Perfume, Money, & Moves (w/ Exalté Perfume Creator & TikToker Funmi Monet) Mar 22, 2022

Show notes

Your Fave Fragrance Auntie, Funmi Monet, is in the Perfume Room! By day, Funmi is a licensed therapist and by night— a fragrance star. She's not just a fragrance content creator, she is a fragrance creator AND a content creator. In one short year on TikTok, Funmi has amassed well over 100K followers as well as launched her own fragrance, Exalté. UM, let that sink in for a sec. Funmi shares the fragrance she stopped a stranger for; the ones that get her stopped; her first, second and third date fragrance picks (hint: they are not the same); the inspiration for Exalté; and, PERFUMETOK — TAKE NOTES: Funmi talks everything from rates, to negotiating, to different ways to partner with brands, and ultimately, how to grow your brand and monetize your content.

FRAGS MENTIONED:

Kierin NY Pier NY, D.S. & Durga Bistro Waters, Maya Njie Tobak, Phlur Lost Cause, Oribe Cote D’Azur, Henry Rose Jake’s House, Henry Rose Smyth, Electimuss Mercurial Cashmere, Dior Oud Ispahan, Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, MFK Baccarat Rouge, JHAG Not A Perfume, Ariana Grande Cloud, Carolina Herrera Good Girl, YSL Black Opium, Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds, Estee Lauder Pleasures, Britney Spears Fantasy, Marc Jacobs Daisy, Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy, Funmi Monet Exalte, Givenchy L'Interdit Rouge, Simone Andreoli Leisure in Paradise, PdM Delina Exclusif, Dior Hypnotic Poison, MFK Oud Satin Mood, Penhaligon’s Cairo, Amouroud Mysterious Rose, Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur, Tom Ford Lost Cherry, Dior Poison Girl, Dior Sauvage, Dior Sauvage Elixir, Givenchy L’Interdit, YSL Libre, YSL Libre Intense, Lancome LVEB, Lancome LVEB Intonement, Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Ruby Orchid, Carolina Herrera Very Good Girl, Dior Dune, Kayali Vanilla 28, La Botica Soho, Dior Eden-roc

FOLLOW FUNMI: @funmimonet on all platforms

SHOP EXALTE: www.bellaaura.com

SHOP MY DISCOUNTS: linktr.ee/emmavern

FOLLOW PERFUME ROOM: @perfumeroompod

41. NFTs and Barrel-Aged Alcohol…For Your Perfume (w/ Scents of Wood Founder Fabrice Croisé) Mar 15, 2022

Show notes

Fabrice Croisé, Founder of Scents of Wood (TFF Fragrance Extraordinaire 2021 winner) is in the Perfume Room today! This revolutionary fragrance brand not only pays homage to trees and nature in every scent, it also flips the script on fragrance formulation. Rather than making the alcohol an invisible ingredient (as is par for the course), in Scents of Wood fragrances, it’s the star of the show; each fragrance is composed of organic alcohol that has been aged (and thus scented) in wooden barrels. Fabrice and I chat about what made him go this route (and how he then did it!), where he sources inspiration (*cough cough, wink wink:* this podcast), the collaboration process with his illustrious team of perfumers, and how NFTs may just be the future of fragrance.

FRAGS MENTIONED:

Scents of Wood Plum in Cognac, Billie Eilish Eilish, Floral Street Wild Vanilla Orchid, DS & Durga Durga, Regime des Fleurs Batsheva, Dedcool Fragrance 02, Regime Des Fleurs Falling Trees, Aesop Hwyl, Regime des Fleurs Little Flower, Liis Rosestruck, Versace Bright Crystal, Regime des Fleurs Cacti, Elizabeth Arden Green Tea, Bulgari The Vert, Regime Des Fleurs Al-Dukhan, Regime Des Fleurs Willows, Parle Moi de Parfum Orris Tattoo 29, Lancôme POÊME, Lancôme O pour Homme, Guerlain Shalimar, Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan, Caron Pour Un Homme de Caron, Dior Fahrenheit

FOLLOW SCENTS OF WOOD: scentsofwood.com @scentsofwood

FRAGRANCE DAY REGISTRATION: fragrance.org

SHOP MY AFFILIATE DISCOUNTS: linktr.ee/emmavern

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