Elements of Style: Elements NY Showcases Niche Fragrances + ‘Empire State of Mind Draw’

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is the first book any aspiring writer owns? William Strunks’s Elements of Style, which is a reference book on in the art of clear and concise writing that has stood the test of time (written in the early 1900s).  Where was the place a Fragrance journalist, ’ a nose for niche’ attended, hoping to find tomorrow’s timeless fragrance? The Elements Show Case in NYC. Both Ida Meister and I attended on behalf of www.cafleurebon.com, and in our own style, wrote  two entirely different pieces.

 

“The tremendous interest in this showcase and the enthusiasm from all participants in Elements – exhibitors, buyers, fragrance houses, global marketers, press, industry groups and  consumers – has shown that the time was ripe to establish a new experience in fragrance design in one of the world's most creative cities.  We hope this first initiative has set a standard for our future showcases and look forward to Elements 2 in the summer."-Frederick Bouchardy, Ulrich Lang, Jeffrey Lawson, Organizers – The Elements Showcase

“At last! A show for niche fragrance and beauty designers. How brilliant to be with other ‘nichers.’ The excitement was palpable. I give personal thanks to three far-sighted, brilliant men Uli, Frederick and Jeff for the opportunity to meet press/bloggers and hopefully future clients in a beautifully designed environment.” – Sarah Barton King, Perfumer and Founder of the Pink Room

www.pinkroom.co.uk

 

Until now there hasn’t been a US counterpart to Pitti Fragranze in Florence.  Elements, with its emphasis on the art of perfumery, reached that goal.  It fostered a warm, creative environment for everyone working with independent lines.  We met more interesting people in two days than we would otherwise in a year.  The success of the inaugural show should give Elements the momentum to become an ongoing showcase for niche fragrances for years to come.” – Ineke Ruhland, Perfumer and Founder of INeKE

www.ineke.com

 

“Our participation was mainly to share our passion for creative perfumery and show our support to our contemporaries. Being an independent fragrance company, we are very aware about the importance of bringing awareness to the contributions that these talented fragrance companies bring and share with the public. This venue also allows everybody to exchange ideas and hopefully elevate each other. This Elements show is just the 1st step to create new possibilities of sharing the art of creative perfumery for a larger audience. We look forward to improving how the independent perfumeries are showcased and even more creative ways to spread the word.”- Keiko Mecheri, Les Parfums Keiko Mecheri

www.keikomecheri.com

 

 “When I founded Sniffapalooza (eight years ago) as an event-based organization for passionate fragrance enthusiasts, I had a very definite philosophy in mind… to celebrate fragrance as an art.  So it was only natural that we joined forces with the creators of Elements, as they are kindred spirits and our goal is the same – to share the love of creative scent. Elements was a fantastic forum to focus on and give exposure to a carefully curated selection of innovative and artisanal fragrance products.” – Karen Dubin, Director, Sniffapalooza

"New York seems to be a flashpoint for niche perfumery, as evidenced by the response at the Elements Showcase. It's clear that niche brands are now influencing the general direction of fragrance with greater significance. I think people are interested in perfumery as an expression of an art form, one that distinguishes them from anyone else that appeals to their sense of uniqueness and their own personal style. Niche fragrance brands are no longer outsiders, but are now an integral part of the overall fabric of this wonderful art called fragrance."- Tony Perez – Co-founder, Belle Fleur Home

"Elements was a tastefully edited selection of upscale fragrance brands in this market of hundreds." – Darryl Do, Principal  Delbia Do Company.

 

Best of Show

 

 

BestNiche line A-G– Ineke Fragrances

Best Home Fragrance Scent – Orchid Tea Linen/Room Spray Belle Fleur NY

Best Home Fragrance Line– DayNa Decker Home

Best New Line: MCMC by Anne McClain www.indiescents.com

Best Flacon: Arcus and Platinum from Il Profumo del Forte ( I apologize, but the company did not send photos in time for this story)

Best Launch Archives 69- Etat Libre D’Orange

 

Photo: Courtesy of Perfume Smelling Things

Best Rose Fragrance- Attar of Roses, Keiko Mecheri

Best Buzz and ‘jus’ – Marc Atlan  Petite Mort

"This is not hype, believe me.
Too much time, love and energy went into this project for it to be just fluff and hype.
It's quite the opposite: Zero marketing but a completely honest, radical and personal creative proposition.
I have designed so many projects for others for the past 20 years not to be careful with my own." -Mark Atlan

https://cafleurebon.com//new-fragrance-le-petit-mort-by-marc-atlan-kilian-hennessy-and-bertrand-duchoufour-menage-a-trois/

 Best City in the World: New York

Best Surprise: Chatting it up w twitter friend @fragrantmoments, meeting Lucy Raubertas, and seeing friend Hernando (My Knight) Courtright

 

"now Im down in Tribeca,
right next to DeNiro,
But i’ll be hood forever,
I’m the new Sinatra,
and since i made it here,
i can make it anywhere,
yeah they love me everywhere"-
Lyrics from jay-z and Alica Keys Empire State of Mind

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

     

Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

Read Ida Meister's Story on her time at Elements Showcase here.

Please enter our Empire State of Mind draw

One winner will receive Darkly Audacious by Sarah Barton King www.MinNewYork.com and one will win Attar de Roses by Parfums Keiko Mecheri

 Please enter a comment onsite to be eligible. You may specify your fragrance choice. Let us know why you love niche fragrances, any person, fragrance or company mentioned, Elements Showcase NY, Elements of Style or even jay-z and Alicia Keys Empire State of Mind. Draw ends Feb 10, 2011  10 pm est.  

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43 comments

  • I love the Niche Parfums as they hold up a higher "standard" of fragrancing than the noted
    Parfum mass produced houses!   I believe I am more assured of a lovely, empowered fragrance to wear and enjoy!  
    I would luv to win the Attar de Roses!!   
    Merci beaucoup!  🙂

  • Ooooh! I would so love to try Attar de Roses. It sounds wonderful.
    Rose scents are a sort of fetish to me. I think it is such a versatile flower that can lend either a demure or darkly seductive character to a fragrance.
    I enjoy the simple refinement of La Rose de Rosine as well as the deep beauty of Lyric Woman; the insolence of Ta'if and the b*tchiness of Soir de Lune.
    I think Ms Mecheri's creations cover a wide range  and I admire the exquisiteness and subtlety of her fragrances. I am happy to know her Attar de Roses was chosen as best Rose fragrance.
    Wishing me and everybody else good luck in the draw.

  • Great post! So sorry I missed the show, but wonderful to see it through the eyes of the participants. Thanks for putting this together, Michelyn!

  • Oh my, I'll put in a request for Darkly Audacious, just because it's such a compelling name. I love niche fragrances – especially the more "indie" side of niche – partly because I feel that my money is going towards great ingredients instead of an expensive ad campaign. I want to buy a fragrance that is made for its own sake, and not just to keep afloat a luxury empire that is overcharging us all on handbags. And to be frank, part of me really enjoys that I'm wearing something different than everyone around me. It's like being in on a fabulous secret.

  • I'd love Darkly Audacious in the unlikely event I win.  And I would just like to say that I love Gilded Lily by Ineke.  I appreciated the intent and the artistry of A-F but they weren't for me but G is just perfect!  Better that than having to wait for Zinnias Forever!

  • I'd love to win either…Love hearing more about the Ineke line…Evening Edged in Gold…isn't it fabulous to just SAY "I'm wearing 'Evening Edged in Gold'…pure romance!

  • I'll be the only one here to throw Strunk & White a bone. I have been an editor for almost 20 years, and there's no better way to learn how to write well than from these two masters.
     
    Sounds like it was a fun event. Please enter me in the Darkly Audacious draw; I love Pink Room No. 1 by the same maker!

  • I adore niche fragrances because they seem to be more creatively balanced.  For the most part, they take chances, stretch boundaries, cause us to grow, and bring unexpected beauty into our lives. I love searching out new fragrances and experiencing favorite "artists" and their creations.  DSH is my favorite niche/independent house.  I've heard great things about Ineke, just have never tried anything from that house.  I'd love to be in the draw for Darkly Audacious.
    Geordan

  • I love niche fragrances because they don't try to please everybody, they are not usually copycats, they try to be evocative and inspiring, but sometimes they smell weird to some people, because niche fragrances are like independant movies, or books which are not best sellers… they are a little bit complicated (but not always!).
    I'm looking forward to trying Archives 69.
    I would love to be in the draw for Attar de Roses 🙂

  • How funny – I just discovered William Strunk Jr's book the other day and thought it a curious name! 
    I love Ulrich Lang – in particular Anvers 2 (a tip off from you, Michelyn, I believe!), because of its rhubarb note, an underutilised fruit in perfumery.  And because it is elegant and understated and refreshingly different from that gym and tonic accord you so often get in men's colognes.
    Don't have a preference in the draw, but I'll go Attar de Roses if it turns out to be the "beef" in that perennial "chicken or beef" question…

  • I've owned The Elements of Style for a long time. I love collecting and reading books about grammar, punctuation, and pronunciation. But do I write well and without error? No way! I will remain blogless. 🙂
    I would love to win that bottle of Attar de Roses. Thank you for the draw!

  • For me, niche fragrances are the way of the future.  As someone who is somewhat anticorporate, and um, I hope this will not cause a spark, but this is who I am, I appreciate niche lines and an ability to talk to perfumers.  I emailed with Ineke and loved her beautifully presented sample set.  I am still deciding whether I love better A or B, they are very different, but they are my favorites.

    I would love to try either one of the scents, whichever one is left from the other person 😉 — that is, if I win.
    Thanks!

  • I love Keiko Mecheri because Oliban and Loukhoum are two of my favorite fragrances. There is something special about her sensibility that meshes well with my sense of aesthetics, my nervous system, and my skin chemistry. So please enter me in the draw for Attar de Roses. And I love niche in general because of all the exciting and unique alternatives to mainstream fragrances that these perfumers create.

    P.S. All my life, my dad would intone "Omit needless words!" It ended up being kind of oppressive, actually. Sometimes being baroque is quite joyful.

  • Oh my Michelyn this is the best article to date!! I wish I lived in NY so I could attend many of the perfume events. I lived the video and I loved the great info below each one of the featired guests. Thanks M for all your hard work, dedication and comittment to all things fragrant!!

  • I enjoy the fresh perspective that niche perfume houses bring to the world of perfume. Their size allows them to take greater risks and have a closer relationship with their customers. Darkly audacious sounds like my thing please enter me in the draw. Thanks again for a fabulous article. 

  • NY seems to be the place to live, keiko Mecheri is one of my favorite Perfumers. her recent launches of Attar de Roses and Les Zazous, including Isles Lontaines are absolutely superb creations.  And the there is Loukhoum…….my #1 comfort scent to go to always. What can i say Audaciously Dark = Delicious. Love Love Love 🙂

  • I enjoyed reading about this event here and elsewhere. What a special event.  I feel lucky to have met Ineke, Sarah Barton King, and Keiko Mecheri and learned about their creations directly from them.  

  • Michelyn, Karen, Ida and Sarah  – oh my! Such a pleasure seeing the treasure (you Miss M!). Did not have a chance to make all the rounds but Sarah Barton King, D.S. & Durga, Lubin and Belle Fleur (candles) amongst others were scentsaional! Niche fragrance is the only way to fly!
    PS – Many thanx for the carriage ride back to the castle!

  • Scentabulous says:

    Thanks, Michelyn … I just got to check in with what's happening in that town I miss so much.  I am such a Keiko lover and … Rose … well, I adore the flower, the scent, the energy … 
    Going to read Ida's report now …
    Please enter me …

  • holly-you made my day!!!! BEST article? WOW it was the niche perfumers, the organizers, friends that made this what it is. oh i do love the video, but my niece and D worked on that.

  • Thank you, Michelyn, I enjoyed your writing. I'm a little bit jealous: I live in a wonderful place but nothing interesting (perfume-event-wise, I mean) happens around here.
    I'd love to try Darkly Audacious by Sarah Barton King – please enter me into the draw.

  • Great recap. I attended the Elements Showcase and had a fabulous time. It was a pleasure meting Michelyn as well. I'm glad to see MCMC Fragrances included here as Anne is such a sweetheart and I love everything about her fragrances.  I also spoke with the people behind Keiko Mecheri and that would be my pick if I won.

  • Love your nod to Elements of Style. My reason for appreciating niche houses is their willingness to take risks. Etienne de Swardt from Etat Libre D'Orange recently stated in a video introducing Archives 69 that he is happy if only 5% of people like their fragrances. The other reason I love niche houses is that they are small enough to be able to give the personal touch to their customers. And as someone who usually prefers independent films to Hollywood fare I have to agree with Isa's comparison of niche fragrances to indie movies —  a little bit complicated.
    Do please enter me into the draw. My first choice is Darkly Audacious. I'd be happy with either, but Keiko Mecheri fragrances are easier for me to access locally.

  • Oh my goodness, I would love that Attar of Roses! I have been in rose-craving mood lately, and I adore KM's perfumes. The other one sounds great too of course!
    What a fabulous show that must have been!

  • Miss M as ever brilliant in putting it all together and creating your own magic on 'paper'  well you know what I mean! Thank you so enormously much for giving all of us on the beautiful planet of  Indie Fragrance, the support and love helps us to shine forth and produce.
    Gosh what a treat to be able to meet people like you and I would be so very happy to be able to offer 'Darkly Audacious' and I wish I could give it to the winner perrsonally with a huge hug too.
    Love
    Sarah Pink x 

  • Miss M as ever brilliant in putting it all together and creating your own magic on 'paper'  well you know what I mean! Thank you so enormously much for giving all of us on the beautiful planet of  Indie Fragrance, the support and love helps us to shine forth and produce.
    Gosh what a treat to be able to meet people like you and I would be so very happy to be able to offer 'Darkly Audacious' and I wish I could give it to the winner personally with a huge hug too.
    Love
    Sarah Pink x 

  • An oversight in my haste, I failed to mention that Darkly Audacious by Sarah Barton King is my choice!

  • Scentabulous says:

    Elements of Style … Oh my … I wonder if one can still purchase that?  Amazon …
    I so need a trip to NYC so I can actually smell these amazing fragrances you speak of …
    Per usual, always a delight!

  • Great article …love the video.  You have the best  job!  lol –looks fun…and you all at Cafleurbon make it look easy. 🙂  
    Have a great week! ~Ruth 🙂  

  • Ruth, it looks glamorous… and its fun ..until you have to struggle to put it all together. if I could just meet and greet and go home…. Robin of NST. once told me “no one will ever know how hard you work”she should know 🙂

  • Great article! I must say your team have an awesome job! You all keep us informed and up with all that is going on. Grateful to be able to experience these opportunities thru the teams awesome efforts.

  • I’ve read about Darkly Audacious and am curious & eager to try it…. As a visual artist, I am most attracted to other artists whose artwork projects INNER visions and emotions, rather than reflecting popular taste. Similarly, I find that the music I love and listen to most is created by musicians who convey their OWN experience through their medium. Niche perfumery is the olfactory version of this individuality, this subjective and deeply personal viewpoint. This is why I gravitate toward it– each perfume is a secret, an anecdote, a confession on the part of the perfumer.

  • Looks like it was a great event. I'm a huge fan of Joya Studio's home fragrance products. They look fantastic and smell even better!