Perfume Room

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

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

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

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

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

@thenichesampler 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

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

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

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 FOLLOW COMMODITY: @Commodity 10% OFF WITH CODE ‘perfumeroom10’ www.commodityfragrances.com FOLLOW THE POD: @perfumeroompod LET'S FIND YOUR NEXT SCENT! https://shoplist.us/emmavernon/consults

It's *THE* big reveal. Musician and fellow fragrance lover Sasha Spielberg (AKA Buzzy Lee) is today’s guest and we vulnerably and generously REVEAL OUR FRAGRANTICA ALIASES (followed of course by dramatic readings of our most noteworthy reviews). Sasha shares the fragrance combo that gets her endless compliments—even from people who are triple-masked, her strict 3-month fragrance rule (and the subsequent one that changed it all), and why attaching memories to scents is not only method, but masochistic. You’re gonna wanna follow along with the ‘frags mentioned’ list for this one. ALSO!! Buzzy Lee is going on tour with Haim in 2022! Link below to check out dates and locations near you! FRAGS MENTIONED: 1509 Oil Matthias, Essential Faith, Riddle Oil,  Rosie by/ Rosie Jane, Ambre Blends, Kuumba Persian Garden, 1509 Sophia, 1509 Elisabeth, Arquiste Vacation Inc,  Balmain Ambre Gris, Frederic Malle Lipstick Rose, Kierin 10AM Flirt, Bond No. 9 For Her, MFK Amyris Femme, MFK Baccarat Rouge, Dior Poison, Versace Bright Crystal, Mugler Alien, Stella McCartney Stella, Chloe by Chloe, Le Labo Santal 33, Glossier You, Anine Bing Savage Rose oil, Serge Luten Rahat Loukoum, Xerjoff Casamorati Lira, Jo Malone Elderflower & Gooseberry, CK Euphoria, Byredo 1996, Byredo Blanche, Serge Lutens Tubereuse Criminelle, Tom Ford Black Orchid, Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black, Elizabeth & James Nirvana White, Sayat Nova Bortnikoff, Bohoboco Coffee White Flowers, Rogue Derviche II, ALTAIA Atacama, Monyette, Coqui Coqui, Oilily, Michael Kors, Essential Faith, Commodity Milk, Penhaligon’s Bewitching Yasmine, Gentle Fluidity Gold, Montale Intense Cafe, Gabriella Chieffo Lye, Kierin Nitro Noir, Henry Rose FOLLOW SASHA: @sashaspielberg @buzzytunes  BUZZY LEE TOUR DATES: https://www.ticketmaster.com/buzzy-lee-tickets/artist/2513636 FOLLOW PERFUME ROOM: @perfumeroompod LET'S FIND YOUR NEXT SCENT! https://shoplist.us/emmavernon/consults