
99% Invisible Perfume: Articles of Interest #9
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May 19, 2020 Dive into the often-overlooked world of high-end perfume, where scent intertwines with history and personal identity. Hear contrasting views during a conversation at Sephora that elevate the artistry of fragrance. Discover the sophisticated process of crafting perfumes, blending natural and synthetic elements to evoke emotions. Unpack the cultural significance of smell and how it shapes our memories, while critiquing traditional gender norms surrounding fragrances. This journey through scent invites a fresh appreciation for the olfactory art.
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Rachel Syme's Perfume Choices
- Rachel Syme, a New Yorker writer, expresses her love for diverse perfumes.
- She enjoys scents like Dior Poison, Anais Anais, and Chanel No. 5, especially in oil form.
Initial Perception of Perfume
- Initially, Avery Trufelman believed that perfumes were primarily differentiated by branding and packaging.
- She thought the actual scents were similar, a way for fashion labels to profit.
The Limitations of Smell Description
- Humans possess a remarkable ability to detect scents at incredibly low concentrations.
- However, we lack the vocabulary and analytical tools to describe smells with nuance, unlike our descriptions of tastes or sounds.



