Fragrance Formulation: In the Perfumer's Studio

“The smell of the factory and smell of the different leathers and fur—that’s really something I think I will remember all my life,” he says. “And when I say leather, I mean there are so many different leathers. Sometimes I’m frustrated because we don’t have the raw materials to translate this leathery aspect. It’s sensual, but not really animalic. It’s textural—like silk, like wool. It’s very difficult to translate that into perfumes. You have the smell in your head, but translating it is very complicated.”

Capturing the ethereal in a bottle has been Gueros’ mission ever since, from fine fragrance to hair care to body lotion. Recently, he provided P&F editor Jeb Gleason-Allured a rare glimpse into the perfumer’s creative process and the drom Manhattan fragrance studio he calls home.

From Concept to Fragrance

To illustrate its perfumers’ work process, drom has created fragrances with and for a number of national and international magazine editors, providing a rare glimpse into the fragrance creation process. When Gleason-Allured and Gueros first consult, the P&F editor directs the perfumer to focus the fragrance on whatever is interesting him at the moment. Gueros explains that he’s recently experimented with a vegetal accord reminiscent of Cannabis sativa and comprised of woody notes (to provide a resinous effect) and an herbal, tealike note. It sounds intriguing, so they agree to proceed from that base.

Click to download the complete article.

More in Fine Fragrance