Niche perfume boutique Aedes de Venustas has launched 16a Orchard, a new fragrance named for their street address in the Lower East Side. The brand is also repackaging and reintroducing seven fragrances: Signature, Iris Nazarena, Copal Azur, Palissandre d’Or, Cierge de Lune, Grenadille d’Afrique and Pelargonium.
...[16A] was commissioned to celebrate AEDES PERFUMERY’s reinvention and move to 16A Orchard Street, on New York City’s “Lower" Lower East Side, a vibrant area that attracts a hip and diverse crowd, where galleries, skaters, cafes, and small, exclusive shops create crackling energy and excitement. In 2021, it has taken on a deeper meaning to AEDES DE VENUSTAS founders Robert Gerstner and Karl Bradl. “Every single soul went through a massive change in their lives,” says Gerstner. “During this time, we rooted here, in this neighborhood that represents the turnover of New York City. Unknowingly we have made something that is so much more important.”
Not just a smell, but a feeling. Something that is nurtured and then grows. “I aimed to create a sense of emotional wellbeing through a simplistic fragrance structure,” says perfumer Frank Voelkl. “The use of ingredients extracted from natural roots like ginger and iris tie us back to our earth, making us feel grounded and centered." But rather than recognizing a single note or fragrance category, 16A ORCHARD presents as a bit of a mystery. “You don’t know what to make of it right away, and that’s what makes it interesting,” says Gerstner. “You can’t put your finger on it. That’s also the essence of the Lower East Side. It teaches you to think —and live—outside the box.”
Earthly materials become airy in Voelkl’s hands. Ginger raises questions, throws you off course. Iris brings you back into focus as it reveals cold yet delicate qualities. Quince and muguet amplify the roots. Dry cedarwood and cashmere-like tonka create a spicy, dry roundness for more ephemeral notes of bergamot, lemon, cardamom, and jasmine.
Additional notes include musk, suede and ambrox.
Aedes de Venustas 16a Orchard (and the 7 reintroductions) are available in in 100 ml Eau de Parfum, $245.
(via aedes)
I’m sad that they’re not bringing Oeillet Bengale back (yet).
I think that one and Musc Encense are the 2 that did not make the cut? No idea what the future plans are, but glad I have my travel size OB.
On Instagram, they commented that they plan to re-release it later.
Oh good, thanks.
In reply to my comment on Insta they replied that Oeillet will return a bit later.
Yay! Thanks for asking!
I enjoy several of their scents, Copal is a favorite. I have to say though, not a fan of the redesign, it looks cheap. Especially that low buck plastic cap! I liked the pretty colors and the spray cap of the old bottles.
It does not look as nice, but the old packaging looked really expensive…not unusual for niche brands to start with spiffy packaging that they can’t afford to keep. But of course I am guessing!
Not crazy about the new bottles, but glad the scents are coming back!
I’m so happy these are back! I prefer the old bottle too, but I do quite like ribbed glass so I’m not mad at these. Would have preferred a metal cap in gold, but they could put it in the most hideous bottle they could find and I’d still buy it.
I completely agree with you there.
Old bottles were gorgeous! Glad I have my Iris Nazarena.
And here’s me liking the bottle–sort of alt/retro pharmacy. But I agree that it doesn’t signal luxury the way the old bottles did.
You’re not alone! I loved the colors of the old bottles (esp that Pelargonium red) but really like these also.
Ooh, I got this email announcement and at first was anxious they had permanently d.c.’d Pélargonium. I have a decant that I love and one day hope to buy a full bottle (saving my pennies, goodness! ?). I like the new bottles, but never held an old one in my hands…