Perfume Room

Latest Episodes:

40. The Inner-Workings of a Fragrance Distributor… & Collector! (w/ Kintessence's Josie Plumey) Mar 08, 2022

Show notes

If you think your perfume collection is unrivaled, meet your rival, Josie Plumey. Not only is Josie an expert in fragrance retail, buying, and distribution, but with over 570 fragrances (inclusive of many rare vintage frags and formulations), she just may have the best personal collection in all of New York! We discuss what it means to be in the perfume distribution biz—Josie is currently the Sales & Community Manager at Kintessence, an exclusive US niche distributor—and Josie gives us the low-down on the scents, including her most prized possessions, that we NEED to know. Plus a word on phrases like ‘clean’ and ‘old lady.’ TL;DR, — stop.

FRAGS MENTIONED:

Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle Mimosa, Goldfield & Banks Sunset Hour, Teo Cabanel Je Ne Sais Quoi, Commodity Moss Expressive, Aspen Apothecary Dusk, Scents of Wood Neroli in Acacia, Les Liquides Imaginaires Bête Humaine, Les Liquides Imaginaires Dom Rosa, Gucci L’Arte di Gucci, Lanvin Arpege, Miss Dior, BDK Crème de Cuir, YSL Paris, Frederic Malle Lipstick Rose, Guerlain Shalimar, Fragrance du Bois, Obvious, BDK Rouge Smoking, BDK Pas Ce Soir, Fragrance du Bois Minuit et Demi, Fragrance du Bois Santal Complet, Fragrance du Bois Oud Jaune, Royal Crown Isabella, Obvious Une Rose, Obvious Une Vanille, Parfums Frapin Laskarina, Parfums Frapin 1270, Les Liquides Imaginaires Phantasma, Kim Kardashian Pure Honey, Serge Lutens Santal Majuscule, Curve Men, Givenchy Hot Couture, Kenzo Flower, Chronotope Silueta, Serge Lutens Sarrasins

FOLLOW JOSIE: @kintessence_nyc @joeybunnyfoofoo

SMELL CLUB SIGN UP: https://rb.gy/5cz0y5

SHOP MY AFFILIATE DISCOUNTS: linktr.ee/emmavern

39. A Rare Look & Smell Inside Firmenich (w/ Firmenich Perfumer Alexis Grugeon and Evaluator Ségolène Dewey) Mar 01, 2022

Show notes

Getting an inside look at what really goes down at a Fragrance house is rare, but this week, we’ve done it. I am so honored to be joined by Firmenich Perfumer Alexis Grugeon (creator of hit scents like Ariana Grande R.E.M. and Polo Sport Fresh) and Fragrance Development Manager Segolene Dewey (TFF Notables Class of 2022). You will learn about what they each do, how they work together (and apart), their backgrounds and educations that led them to where they are today, plus(!) we get a special, intimate look at 7 of Firmenich’s most iconic creations over the last thirty years including the personal stories, social contexts, and processes of how they were created.

FRAGS MENTIONED:

Glossier You, Aerin, Polo Sport Fresh Ralph Lauren, Hermès Vetiver Tonka, Dior Homme, Zegna Verdigris, Zegna Cyprium, Calvin Klein CKOne, Estee Lauder Pleasures, D&G Light Blue, Marc Jacobs Daisy, Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk, Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium, Baccarat Rouge 540

FOLLOW OUR GUESTS: @firmenichfine @sigolean @alexisgrugeon

PERFUME ROOM IG: @perfumeroompod

EMMA’S TIKTOK: @emma_vern

38. What is the Pink Sugar Aquolina of Wine? (w/ Sommelier + Legally Wined Creator Michelle Chen) Feb 22, 2022

Show notes

Sommelier and Creator of Legally Wined Michelle Chen is in the Perfume Room today. Not only is Michelle a Certified Somm under the Court of Master Sommeliers, she is also a lawyer in New York — a combo I trust with my life. We discuss the ‘guilty pleasures’ of wine, sexism in the industry, how to figure out which wines you like and the descriptors you need to know to discover more, best affordable recs, where to start on your wine journey, and the most important preservation when it comes to wine: the ego.

FRAGS/WINES MENTIONED:

Bond No. 9 Scent of Peace, Eight & Bob Original, Diptyque L’Ombre Dans L’Eau, Diptyque Philosykos, Gentil, Gewurztraminer, Oregon Pinot, Gruner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Nebbiolo, Chateau Cheval Blanc, Petrus, Kabinett Nahe, Vermentino, Chablis, Sancerre, Hügel Gentil, Trapiche Malbec, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Burgans Albarino, A Lisa Malbec, MFK Amyris Femme, Byredo Inflorescence, Parfum De Marly Meliora, Byredo Young Rose, Byredo Rose of No Man’s Land, Narciso Rodriguez Narciso For Her EDT

FOLLOW MICHELLE: @legallywined (IG + TikTok)

FOLLOW THE POD: @perfumeroompod

FIND YOUR PERFECT SCENT! https://shoplist.us/emmavernon/consults

37. Make Perfume Not War (w/ The 7 Virtues Founder Barb Stegemann) Feb 15, 2022

Show notes

Today we are joined by The 7 Virtues Founder-Extraordinaire, Barb Stegemann. Barb is also a best-selling author, motivational speaker, one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, and has been a recipient of Ernst &Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year award. Her background prior to founding The 7 Virtues is a unique one, as it had nothing to do with fragrance. She discusses the inspiration behind and process of launching the brand, how she got it into Sephora, The 7 Virtues' much larger social mission (and success), why your vanilla fragrances *should* be browning, and the mantra that helps her achieve it all (one which I plan to frame above my bed), “Get mad, take a bath, have a nap.”

FRAGS MENTIONED:

Frapin Laskarina, Diptyque Volutes, Ramon Monegal Cherry Musk, JusBox 14 Hour Dream, Akro Dark, Hermetica RoseFire, The 7 Virtues Orange Blossom, Dana Love’s Baby Soft, The 7 Virtues: Santal Vanille, Lotus Pear, Vanilla Woods, Grapefruit Lime, Patchouli Citrus, Vetiver Elemi, Rose Amber, Jasmine Neroli

FOLLOW BARB: @barbstegemann @the7virtues

20% OFF: with code PerfumeRoom20 on www.the7virtues.com (through 3/8)

FOLLOW THE POD: @perfumeroompod

FIND YOUR PERFECT SCENT! https://shoplist.us/emmavernon/consults

36. Decolonizing Scent (w/ Perfumer Yosh Han) Feb 08, 2022

Show notes

Perfumer, Sommelier, Activist and Clairvoyant Yosh Han is in the Perfume Room today. Yosh has been at the forefront of decolonizing scent and her activism has led to major change in the industry; across the world, major stakeholders are officially re-classifying the o-word to amber (or ambré). We discuss why this change is necessary, the progress thus far, as well as how you (yes YOU!) can get involved. Yosh also vulnerably discusses a low point in her perfume journey including a time when she essentially lost her sense of smell, why vanilla is a low-hanging fruit, and of course the connection between clairvoyance, auras, and scent (which may or may not include a live aura reading). Oh and buckle up because I accidentally say creamy a lot; moist, you’re next! I also discuss the tragedy that is Atelier Cologne.

FRAGS MENTIONED:

Diptyque Volutes, Parfum de Marly Meliora, Juan M. Pérez Lime, Eau de Yosh: Ginger Ciao, Sompre Negra, Sottile 1.61, König, Atelier Cologne

FOLLOW YOSH ON IG: @eaudeyosh @scent_festival @scenttrunk

SIGN THE PETITION: change.org/p/sign-the-petition-to-reclassify-oriental-and-floriental-and-share-it-with-others

FOLLOW THE POD: @perfumeroompod

FIND YOUR PERFECT SCENT! https://shoplist.us/emmavernon/consults

35. Analyzing Birth Charts of Your Favorite Perfumes (w/ Astrologer Annabel Gat) Feb 01, 2022

Show notes

Annabel Gat — Senior Astrologer at VICE, author of The Astrology of Love & Sex and The Moon Sign Guide, and co-collaborator of the fragrance Annabel’s Birthday Cake — is in the Perfume Room today! We get the lowdown on Annabel's personal inspo behind this stunning scent, discuss the birth charts of your favorite fragrances, and, wait ok this one's wild: if you’ve been doing weird things with your perfume collection this past month (e.g., over/under-spraying, purging, mass acquisitions, licking your bottles (hehe kidding, just seeing if you’re still reading)) etc… you’re not alone, AND there’s an astrological explanation for it.

FRAGS MENTIONED:

A Lab on Fire Freckled and Beautiful, Comptoir Sud Pacific Vanilla Coco, Marissa Zappas: The Sun Card, Annabel’s Birthday Cake; Diesel Plus Plus, Mugler Angel, Baccarat Rouge 540, Ariana Grande Cloud, Carthusia Terra Mia, Strangers Chokedee, Parfums MDCI Pêche Cardinal, Musti, Marissa Zappas Imperia La Divina

FOLLOW ANNABEL: @annabelgat on all platforms || annabelgat.com

FOLLOW THE POD: @perfumeroompod

LET'S FIND YOUR NEXT SCENT! https://shoplist.us/emmavernon/consults

34. Niche Houses You Need to Know (w/ @thenichesampler Valerie March) Jan 25, 2022

Show notes

@thenichesampl er Valerie March, one of my favorite fragrance content creators, is in the Perfume Room today. By day, she explores bio-hazardous samples (she's currently getting her PhD in Tuberculosis research in Switzerland) and by evening, niche. Valerie shares the houses you NEED to know, her fragrance wardrobe theory and the five scents in her own collection that would make the cut, the molecule responsible for “old people smell,” her 2022 fragrance trend predictions, and — you will NEVER guess what her signature scent was prior to getting into niche.

FRAGS MENTIONED:

Abercrombie and Fitch Ellwood White Bergamot, Nemat Amber, Insurrection II Sport, MFK BR 540 Extrait, Les Liquides Imaginaries L’Ile Pourpre, Les Liquides Imaginaries Blanche Bête, Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady, BR 540 EDP, Maison Crivelli Lys Sølaberg, Frederic Malle Carnal Flower, Atelier Des Ors Lune Feline, Roos & Roos Song for a Queen, Maison Crivelli Discovery kit, Parle Moi de Parfum discovery set, Revlon Pink Happiness, Carolina Herrera 212, Rihanna Nude, Coco Mademoiselle, Elizabeth Arden: Red Door, Green Tea, Sunflowers; Vilhelm Dear Polly, Chloe EDP, Parfum de Marly Safanad, Armani My Way, Savour, Pernoire, YSL Black Opium, Eau de New York 00 Auriel Odin, D&G Light Blue, Parfum de Marly Delina, Marc Jacobs Daisy, Carolina Herrera Good Girl, Tom Ford Santal Blush, Atelier Materi Santal Blond, Le Labo Santal 33, Byredo Bal D’Afrique, BDK Gris Charnel, Carolina Herrera VIP, JHAG Sunny Side Up, DS & Durga Rose Atlantic

FOLLOW VALERIE: @thenichesampler

10% OFF MAISON CRIVELLI DISCOVERY KIT (code: perfumeroom10): twistedlily.com/products/maison-crivelli-discovery-set

FOLLOW THE POD: @perfumeroompod

LET'S FIND YOUR NEXT SCENT! https://shoplist.us/emmavernon/consults

33. Turning Scent Memories into Home Fragrance (w/ Otherland CEO & Co-Founder Abigail Cook Stone) Jan 18, 2022

Show notes

CEO & Co-Founder of Otherland Abigail Cook Stone is in the Perfume Room today talking about the ethos behind all things Otherland: verve. Don’t know what that means? You’ll find out in this episode! She also shares the personal stories behind some of your favorite candles, the magical process of how each scent gets created, the time she showed up to her kick-off investor meeting with 3 pounds of clementines, why the first burn is the deepest, and the secret to being in business with her SO. Oh and did you know Otherland candles are seance-friendly? Booooooook.

FRAGS MENTIONED:

Giorgio Armani Privé Rose Alexandrie, Giorgio Armani Privé Rouge Malachite, Amouage Honour Woman, Gap Dream, Gap Heaven, Gap Grass, Otherland: Forest Veil, Rattan, Fallen Fir, Extra Hour, Stone Fruit, Match Point, Chandelier, Rattan, Daybed; Yankee Candle: Buttercream, Mocha Nut Latte, Clean Cotton; Tocca, Voluspa, Diptyque, Capri Blue Volcano Blue, Otherland: Cardamom Milk, Tomato Terrazzo, Berkshires Granola, Woodlands, Pomander Woods, Canary; Tom Ford Soleil Blanc, Ralph Lauren Ralph, Chanel Allure, Escada Ibiza Hippie, Michael Kors Michael, Ralph Lauren Blue.

FOLLOW ABIGAIL: @alphagail @otherlandco

SHOP OTHERLAND: www.otherland.com

FOLLOW THE POD: @perfumeroompod

LET'S FIND YOUR NEXT SCENT! https://shoplist.us/emmavernon/consults

32. The Future is Fragrance (w/ Fragrance Foundation President Linda Levy) Jan 11, 2022

Show notes

The President of The Fragrance Foundation, Linda Levy, is in the Perfume Room today! A beauty industry veteran and champion of change, Linda makes my list of top 10 fave people ever — and I’m in good company to feel this way; Frederic Malle has described Linda as the Lady…as in Portrait of a Lady. Yes, that one. We discuss all things Fragrance Foundation — who gets to be a member, its mission, what’s changing, the coveted awards, and so much more. Linda doesn’t shy away from her feelings on outdated industry practices and her vision for a more inclusive fragrant future. Also, have you ever wondered what the difference is between ‘niche’ v ‘indie’ or ‘luxury’ v. ‘prestige?’ Today you’ll find out. Plus I share a very exciting announcement!!

FRAGS MENTIONED:

Narciso Rodriguez Narciso Poudree, Penhaligon’s Revenge of Lady Blanche, Givenchy Copper Rouge 501, Cartier Rose, Givenchy L’Interdit Rouge, Bulgari Allegra Riva Solare, Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady, Diptyque Orpheon, Shalini Vanille Reve, Le Labo Bergamote 22, Creed Floralie, Atelier Iris Rebelle, Scents of Wood Plum of Cognac, Juliette Has a Gun Not A Perfume, The Phluid Project, Dior Miss Dior, Ralph Club, Dolly Parton Dolly, Jean Nate, Lilac Vegetal, Chanel Cristalle, Robert Piguet Fracas, Bulgari Au Thé Blanc, Otherland, Boy Smells, Mizensir, DS & Durga, Nest, Jo Malone The Townhouse, Amen Candles, Harlem Candle Co., Keys Soulcare, Yardley, Bonne Belle

WEBSITE: fragrance.org

FOLLOW TFF: @fragrancefoundation @linda_g_levy

JOIN THE SMELL CLUB: https://tinyurl.com/2p8cmw6y

LET'S FIND YOUR NEXT SCENT! https://shoplist.us/emmavernon/consults

31. New Year, New(ish) Brand: The COMModity Re-launch (w/ COMModity CEO Vicken Arslanian) Jan 04, 2022

Show notes

COMModity, your fav once-defunct brand, is back and *thriving* thanks to RE-Founder, Vicken Arslanian (who also happens to be the CEO and Founder of Europerfumes). In this ep, we discuss *why* COMModity, how an initially ignored LinkedIn message led to this lightning in a bottle (pun intended) opportunity, the new ScentSpace Exploration Kit, Vicken’s personal faves (and least faves), the draconian process of deciding which archived scents got the ax (cough cough: Orris), that time Vicken was the Cinderella of QVC, his $1.5M reminder to keep going, and most importantly, Vicken makes me a promise for which I need you all to bear witness.

FRAGS MENTIONED: Atelier Iris Rebelle, Commodity: Orris, Paper, Rain, Nectar, Leather, Gold, Velvet, Paper Plus, Moss, Whiskey, Milk, Visari Fleurage, Gabar No II Ground, Diptyque Philosykos, BDK Gris Charnel, Lost Alice Masque Milano, Monsieur Balmain, Polo

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