Robert Gerstner and Karl Bradl opened their West Village niche fragrance boutique, Aedes de Venustas, in 1995. Their first personal fragrance release was Aedes de Venustas, released under the L'Artisan brand name in 2008.
In 2012, Aedes launched their own label with Aedes de Venustas Signature.
The thread of AEDES DE VENUSTAS fragrances is frankincense, the burnt offering to the gods that gave its very name to perfume (the word springs from the Latin per fumare, “through smoke”). Around its dark tendrils, top perfumers are afforded the creative freedom to explore innovative accords.1
Recent fragrances from Aedes de Venustas
Recent launches include Iris Nazarena (2013), Oeillet Bengale (2014), Copal Azur (2014), Palissandre d’Or (2015), Cierge de Lune (2016), Grenadille D’Afrique (2016), Pélargonium (2017), Musc Encensé (2018).
Website
Where to buy
In the US, from the Aedes de Venustas website (see above) or at Barneys, Fumerie. Also try Harvey Nichols or Liberty in the UK; Jovoy in France; First in Fragrance or Essenza Nobile in Germany.
Further reading
See a shopping report on the Aedes boutique, and an interview with owner Karl Bradl.
1. Via press release for Palissandre d'Or.