Scented Thoughts: Interviews & Essays

Beyond the bottles and batch codes lies the philosophy of scent. This collection gathers our interviews with industry legends and essays on the art of smelling.

Part 1: Interviews

A Cup of Coffee with Vero Kern

(March 2016)

Vero Kern, the creator of Vero Profumo (Rubj, Mitra, Kiki, Onda), was a visionary who bridged classic French perfumery with modern indie audacity. In this interview, she discussed her love for the classic Guerlain "Guerlinade" and her refusal to follow market trends.

"I make perfumes for individuals, not for target groups. My scents are like characters in a play." — Vero Kern

Francesca Faruolo & Smell Festival

(January 2016)

An interview with the founder of the Smell Festival in Bologna, delving into the importance of olfactory education and the cultural significance of perfume beyond just a "luxury product."

Part 2: Essays on Technique

The Art of Progressive Smelling

How to smell a perfume like a professional.

Do not inhale instantly: Alcohol needs 10-15 seconds to evaporate.
The Time-Lapse Method: Spray three strips at 10-minute intervals. Then smell them together to see the Top, Heart, and Base notes simultaneously. This reveals the "structure" of the scent in 3D.

The Art of Vintage Layering

Can you recreate a vintage masterpiece?

If you cannot find a vintage bottle of Antaeus or Kouros, try layering:

Base: A vintage Aftershave (cheaper, contains the original moss/musk base).
Top: A modern Eau de Toilette (contains the fresh top notes).
Result: A surprisingly accurate reconstruction of the original EdT profile.

Smelling More, Smelling Better

Olfactory fatigue is real.

To improve your nose, stop "binge smelling." Limit testing to 3 scents at a time. Use fabric (wool/cotton) instead of paper strips for a more realistic development of the scent.