Imagine if physics were only taught at General Electric, and only after hours. Imagine learning cuisine if there were only five good restaurants on earth. Small wonder so many of the young perfumers are sons and daughters of people in the same profession.
— Luca Turin's latest article in NZZ Folio, Dreamjob.
I wonder why we’ve not seen a Keith Richards fragrance called “Undead,” with hints of embalming fluid and a soft whisper of old cigarettes. How soon before we can douse ourselves in Lindsay Lohan’s “Rehab,” with the earthy essence of black coffee and Altoids?
— from Smellywood’s Puttin’ on the Spritz, in the Santa Barbara Independent, with thanks to Joe for the link.
Black coffee and Altoids? That sounds doable. Mugler's A*Men has a peppermint note in the top and a lot of coffee in it, and Social Creatures has a scent called Frankfurt Kitchen with the same two notes. And didn't Demeter used to have an Altoids scent?
I think “Rehab” would smell more like night sweats, vomit, and unwashed hair.
Absolutely doable, but agree w/ your take on what Rehab ought to smell like
I have nothing to add to what Mr. Turin said. It's a pitty that perfumery is not yet taught like any other discipline in the university system. And even at ISIPCA, where I studied, there are still a lot of things to do/redo. I wonder why in USA there is still no school like this. And it's also true that if don't have someone from the family already in the business or perfumer… your chances are near to 0.
The perfume industry, from my outsider vantage point, is quite simply very odd, and almost extraordinarily archaic.
Totally agree with Dr. Turin. Current state of affiars is rather depressing if you've ever dreamed of becoming a perfumer.
Luckily for me, it is about the last thing on earth I'd like to be.