Event Report: Sniffapalooza Spring Fling 2016 (April 29-May 1) + Ginormous Swag Bag Loaded with Niche Perfumes Draw

sniffapaloozacafleurebon

 

Much will be remembered when we look back on  the 24th edition of Team Karen (Karen Dubin and Karen Adams) Sniffapalooza Spring Fling held April 29- May 1 in New York City.  If there was a theme for Spring Fling 2016 it was "the Italians are coming, the Italians are coming! Wait they are here"; Masque Milano and Menditerrosa who had just completed Esxence a few weeks earlier flew in just for the event.   There is no doubt that Cecile Zarokian, the talented young French Perfumer is a force in the niche perfumery world and her star continues to rise; she seems to have her hand in so many new and favorite fragrances.

-twisted lily eric weiser and  sara carner sniffapalooza

Twisted Lily Kick off party; Co owner Eric Weiser with Sara Carner of Carner Barcelona

Friday April 29, 2016: For only the third time in its fourteen year history, a Friday Night Cocktail Party kicked off their already fragrant filled weekend.  Twisted Lily owner's Eric Weiser and Stamatis Birsimijoglou had their trend setting emporium at SRO with attendees. Stocked with libations and delectable edibles on hand,  sniffing exquisite scents got that much better!  They were showcasing their Spring releases from brands local to global such as Masque Milano, Corso Como, I Profumi di Firenze, Fornasetti,Rubini, Lorenzo Villoresi, Nishane, Room 1015, Xerjoff, Orto Parisi, Eau d'Italie, Nasomatto, Peccato Originale, L'Artisan Parfumeur, DS DurgaApoteker TepeOlfactive StudioMontaleAndrea Maack to name justa few. It was also a game of "I Spy"… Sara Carner of Carner Barcelona was there, Former Contributor Steve Lindquist of The Scented Hound, Daisy Bow, Carlos Powell of Brooklyn Fragrance Lover, Ida Meister of Fragrantica….Bart Schmidt of Brands with a Purpose held court near the window. Our Editor in Chief Michelyn Camen arrived accompanied by Creative Directors Alessandro Brun and Riccardo Tedeschi of Masque Milano and there was much cheek kissing wherever she went. I am leaving many friends in fragrance out, but it was a whirlwind. With a twenty percent off incentive, I departed with Vaniglia del Madagascar by I Profumi di Firenze.

-bergdorf goodman  sniffapalooza spring fling

Bergdorf Goodman Beauty Floor, Michelyn and Bart, Roja Parfums, Shalini Lalique flacon and Karen Dubin at the Fragrance Kitchen

DAY ONE: April 30th

paul marrujo mc exnihilo

Michelyn, Alessandro Brun and Paul Marrujo of Ex Nihilio

This year there wasn’t a Bergdorf Goodman Breakfast Presentation, BG Gift Bag  or raffle. Instead, the Beauty Floor opened an hour early for Sniffapalooza attendees to enjoy sniffing and shopping as VIPS. One of the new collections, as I had previously reported, was Kuwait's Sheikh Majed Al Sabah The Fragrance Kitchen boutique. "A Rose With A View", his signature fragrance created especially for Bergdorf Goodman and inspired by New York seemed to captivate a number of attendees. A new favorite stop was the Ex Nihilio boutique where Michelyn met with Brand Director Paul Marruju.  Not only was the innovative brand showcasing their latest releases, "Love Shot," "Sweet Morphine," and  the aptly named "Fleur Narcotique" (Indie Fragrance Of The Year 2016 Fragrance Foundation Awards Top 5 Finalists) but Ex Nihilio offers a bespoke service.  Any of their fragrances,  such as Fleur Narcotique, Michelyn's favorite can be enhanced; Fleur Narcotique with rose essence smells even more addictive.  No stop to the Beauty Level is complete without a visit with Tom Crutchfield of Roja Parfums.

-barbara hermann, riccardo tedeschi allesandro brun mary ellen lapsansky perfumed plume abby wallach caroline fabrigas

Alessandro Brun and Riccardo Tedeschi of Masque Milano Lunch is served,Mary Ellen Lapsansky and Lyn Leigh of Perfumed Plume, Laurie Petrucci of L'arganique Beaute, Barbara Herman of  Eris Perfumes, and  Caroline Fabrigas & Abby Wallach of ScentInvent Technologies

We departed BG to Brasserie 81/2 for what was a Sniffa first, a Panel Discussion featuring Creative Director and professor Alessandro Brun and Riccardo Tedeschi that was a spellbinding comprehensive  history lesson  on perfumery and why there is currently a Renaissance in Italian perfumery  (no the French didn’t introduce perfume to  Europe; it was Catherine de Medici, daughter of Lorenzo II de' Medici Queen of France from 1547 until 1559, as the wife of King Henry II). Dating back to the medieval ages Italians were the leaders. The World War set the art back many years, as did the rise of designer fragrance with Coco Chanel. A memorable anecdote was that it was Catherine de Medici who brought underwear in the form of riding breeches to the women of France; before that there was no underwear!!! La Commando. It was an hour that flew by, so much information, so well presented. Michelyn quipped that it was the fragrant version of Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon’s History of Hip Hop.

Guest Speakers:

Mary Ellen Lapsansky and Lyn Leigh of The Perfumed Plume,  recounted their  their mission to honor excellence in fragrance journalism. Modeled after the British Jasmine Awards.  Still basking in the afterglow of the April 7  ceremony they announced the winners of the  six awards in online and traditional media. CaFleureBon was the recipient of two of the six awards.

Mark Crames of Demeter  Fragrance Library spoke on their point of difference  and of the line’s new customization initiative.

Laurie Petrucci of L'arganique Beaute introduced us to her brand which is made from the finest, rare and natural ingredients grown at Green Acres destinations around the world. Pure Moroccan Argan Oil known for amazing beauty, health and wellness benefits and often named Liquid Gold is at the center of the ingredients which are hand crafted and and poured in limited editions.

Italian brand, Mendittorosa was founded in 2012 by Stefania Squeglia. The heart of the brand lays within the active volcano of Stromboli where she found her inspiration and passion to create its spiritual scents made from the final raw materials with handcrafted packaging adorned with personalized artisan details from materials as wood, metal, terracotta and cord. Stefania  is also a  professional Tarot reader and her perfumes also reflect her studies, as a tool for inner knowledge. For example  the perfume Le MAT gives smell to the archetype of the eternal.

Francoise Alessi, Brand Manager for Annick Goutal guided us through a succinct history of the brand, the recent launches and new initiatives such as Rose Pompon. One of the first niche houses,1981, started by Annick Goutal. Her daughter Camille Goutal with long time collaborator Isabelle Doyen's passion continues the legacy.

Shalini Parfums – Shalini, a couturier who lives in New York City was on hand to present her signature fragrance that evoked her childhood and travel memories and was created by Maurice Roucel. She introduced her new purse flacon as well as her lalique presentation. Shalini also announced that a new fragrance by Maurice Roucel was in the works. You will read it here first.

Caroline Fabrigas & Abby Wallach of ScentInvent Technologies presented their Linger Challenge. Their mission is to inspire new scent transportation systems and packaging innovations to deliver new benefits and routines in using scent using Linger first, your perfume will last longer.  Look for a HSN launch this year.

Hiro Nakayama, founder of Project Felicia presented recently opened markets for U.S.-based fragrance brands. She introduced Scent from Asia including Josh Lee Fragrances from Malaysia, Rania Hasna Natural Elements,  and Freda 'D from Singapore.

Vintage Perfume Expert and author Barbara Herman launched her luxury fragrance brand Eris Parfums with three vintage-inspired Animalic Floral Perfumes: Belle De Jour, Night Flower and Ma Bete earlier this year.  Eris is the Goddess of Discord  and much misunderstood; she was snubbed and not invited to a wedding and she took her revenge thereafter.  All three were composed by French perfumer Antoine Lie. Night Flower captivated both Michelyn and me; they are vintage inspired but with a very modern vibe.

Jose Penalba of Floris London guided us through the brand's storied background, established in 1730. We are fans of Floris Honey Oud and Leather Oud, which was launched last year and their special relationship with Harrods. The house is still owned by a British family. 

Christina Acevedo of Tocca Fragrances  shared that  the name Tocca comes from the Italian word for “touch.” Initially launched as a clothing line in the 90's  worn by supermodels the brand  evolved into a fragrance house. The bottles are patterned after Cinderella's carriage and no two caps are alike.

At every Sniffapalooza,  Team Karen donates a portion of each registration fee to a special charity. I was pleased to  recommend this event's charity,  KEEN (Kids Enjoying Exercise Now)  provide free recreational opportunities to children and young adults with disabilities by pairing them with trained volunteers for fun, non-competitive activities.

penhaligon's london rockefeller center

Penhaligon's London 

After lunch our first stop was Molton Brown's Flagship store. We were welcomed with Moet NV rose champagne & Johnnie Walker Black with delectable treats. A presentation of the delicious new Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star Anise collection followed. The sweet star anise pairs up with the delicate freshness of the green magnolia note and closes well with a soft ylang-ylang note. There is a French tradition to give a sprig of lily of the valley to your loved ones on the 1st May to wish them happiness and luck.  

Next was a visit to Penhaligon's gorgeous brand-new Rockefeller Center flagship store. Store manager Olivier Reyes spoke to us of the Company's rich history which began in London late 1860's then he introduced us to the newest fragrance Equinox Bloom, a new addition to the Penhaligon’s catalogue, inspired by the English tradition of afternoon tea. 

Day went into night with a fragrance-infused, cocktail-laden party hosted by Laurie Petrucci and L'arganique Beauté at Back Label Wine Merchants. Laurie & her team create a mini-version of Central Park to compliment her luminous, golden natural fragrance and candle collection.

One of the most important highlights for Michelyn and I, was spending the day with Liza Wade our long time Contributor , who got up at 3:30  AM to take AMTRAK to NYC.

DAY TWO: May 1st

A little rain fell for the better part of the morning ceased by noon. It takes a little more than water to deter perfumistas from their appointed rounds!

Karen Dubin at Annick Goutal

Karen Dubin at Annick Goutal Breakfast

Beginning in the West Village for breakfast was another Sniffa first. We started atthe day at the Annick Goutal's West Village gem of a boutique. The private visit to the boite was highlighted by a mini Master Class with brand manager, Francoise Alessi. We were all treated to sweet treats with coffee and juice while marveling at the beautiful fragrances, candles and creams. Their latest release, the ultra feminine Rose Pompon, was the draw for many in attendance. What a wonderful way to shake off the rain and prepare for another full day of sniffing.

diptyque new york downtown

Diptyque Boutique

Diptyque, just around the corner, was a welcome return to the downtown rotation. Boutique manager Kim Cotugno was on hand to greet us and provided coffee, treats and mimosas for us to enjoy with their latest release, Eau des Sens, a spicy orange blossom/ citrus fragrance.

Next onwards to NOLITA for our next three open houses, Atelier Cologne, Le Labo and Red Flower.

atelier cologne nyc

Atelier Cologne Nolita

At Atelier Cologne, General Manager Ross Barry greeted us warmly with special cocktails and showcasing their latest release, "Bergamote Soleil", a beautiful summery citrus aromatic.  Ross is always generous with samples and the custom engraving  sets them apart.

le labo nyc dowtown

Down a few doors on Elizabeth Street is Le Labo  always a favorite destination for the group.  The semi bespoke  experience is the draw for many. Many pundits quip that NYC smells like Santal 33. 

red flower prince street

Around the corner on Prince Street is Red Flower, a botanically based and 100% vegetarian and paraben-free brand. Their candles are what they are best known for, there is much to explore in the other product ranges of face, body, hair and scents. Owner Yael Alkalay was written up on our pages in 2010. Store manager Jannie took her time to articulate the brands mission.

la mela restaurant

La Mela (I spy Ida, Sonia)

Little Italy's La Mela lunch is a five course affair which gives everyone a chance to rest their feet and enjoy a glass of wine. Lunch presentations are emceed by Mark Behnke of Colognoisseur.

karen dubin at le mela

Karen Dubin at La Mela

Sunday ​Lunch Presentations

alessandro brun and  riccardo tedeschi at la mela

Alessandro Brun and Riccardo Tedeschi

 The first presenters were the Creative Directors of Masque Milano – Alessandro Brun & Riccardo Tedeschi,  who spoke on the importance of their new bottle design (made in Italy) and their latest releases, Romanza and L’Attesa. Noteworthy, the names of each perfumer is on the cap of every bottle, which is commendable. Cecile Zarokian is the  nose behind their fourth release, Tango

Mary Orlin of Wine Fashionista spoke of the similarities between wine and fragrance production.

mary gooding of puredistance and cecile zarokian 

Mary Gooding and Cecile Zarokian

Mary Gooding, Head of Communications introduced Puredistance, the prestige house from the Netherlands.  The  collection may be known to our readers as the owner and founder Jan Ewoud Vas wrote a wonderful Creative Director piece for CaFleureBon (only available through Lucky Scent in the USA) with the upcoming seventh scent, Sheiduna, launching this Fall. Cecile Zarokian is the nose. Samples were on hand for preview.

Arielle Weinberg of Arielle Shoshana Boutique, Washington D.C.'s first niche fragrance boutique, which opened in 2015, spoke about her new niche perfumery in Washinton DC. Many of us know Arielle from her blog Scent of Self. As Michelyn remarked, “Imagine pursuing your bliss”; she is living every perfumista’s dream.

Natural perfumer, Irina Adam of Phoenix Botanicals presented her latest creationPeach Tree Garden. The stunning fruity chypre was a 2016 Finalist for the Art and Olfaction Awards 

Stephen Dirkes of Euphorium Brooklyn fascinated all with his circuitous path to fragrance from his travels abroad studying film and music. His use of exotic materials is impressive.

VOTM Perfume's Paula Pulvino spoke on her handcrafted fragrances and her use of natural ingredients derived from precious florals, herbs, fruits, woods, and resins, and are made with the utmost care.

Anastasia Sokolow of Suleko  and cecile zarokian

Anastasia Sokolow of Suleko  and  Cecile Zarokian

Anastasia Sokolow of Suleko introduced her online video workshop with which you receive a box containing 12 scents ingredients with four Suleko Eau de Parfum in spray samples. Cecile Zarokian is the perfumer for her collection of fragrances.

Harney & Sons Teas

Harney and Sons Teas

Closing out the weekend were two final stops, the very calming oasis at Harney & Sons Fine Teas and the uber hip minimalist Byredo boutique.

Chloe Callahan of Byredo

Chloe Callahan of Byredo

SA Chloe Callahan was thoroughly knowledgeable guiding me through the collection including their latest release, "Super Cedar", a warm but modern scent, one I will need to spend more time with.

Thank you Team Karen, (Karen Dubin and Karen Adams) for (yet again) another scentually wonderful weekend. See you all at The Fall Ball!

Hernando Courtight, New York City Events Contributor and CaFleureBon Ambassador-at-Large and Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief  

All Photos by Hernando of CaFleureBon unless otherwise stated

bergdorf gooman and niche perfumes

THE ultimate Swag bags. the most we have ever offered as a draw

We have a ginormous swag bag filled with dozens of samples from Spring Fling including mini and sample size fragrances and goodies from Penhaligon's, Annick Goutal, Demeter, Tocca, Puredistance, ScentInvent Technologies,The new Eris perfumes, Shalini,  L'arganique Beaute, Molton Brown, Diptyque, Byredo, Red Flower and many others

To be eligible you must be a registered reader in the CON USA (you have to do this folks) and leave a comment with what you enjoyed about Hernando’s very detailed Sniffapalooza Spring Fling report, if you have attended a Sniffa event before and which brand or perfume you are really excited to get your nose on.  Draw closes May 12, 2016

We announce the winners on our site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume

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35 comments

  • sunnlitt says:

    I really enjoyed the warmth with which Hernando discribed all the people from all over the world.
    I would have loved to have heard the History Lesson of Italian Perfumery. That sounds amazing!!
    I have not attended a Sniffa event, I am very sorry to say.
    And, I would love to visit the Diptyque store. I have visited the on in San Francisco and found the staff lovely and helpful.
    Thanks for a wonderful travel report.

  • fazalcheema says:

    There is a load of information in this article. First of all, Italian perfumery is being re-born. It was surprising Italians and not French started the perfumery revolution in Europe though later events including the WW set the art back in Italy. I didn’t realize going through the list that the number of Italian perfume brands has grown a lot.
    Cecile is everywhere now. There was rarely a brand in this article that has not worked with Cecile. Cecile was almost the official perfumer of this sniffapalooza event. I immed. recognized Barbara Herman’s picture, her line is a good attempt at combining classical perfumery with modern perfumery.

    I have not attended a sniffapalooza event yet.

    Thanks a lot for the wonderful draw. It is really enticing. I am in the US.

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    What a great recap! I love the level of detail so that I can live vicariously through these articles when geography or money (or both) prohibits actually attending! I absolutely loved little details like learning Masque Milano writes perfumers on their bottles, as well as imagining I can be at the non-sniffing in-between socializing and cocktail hours. Sigh. Perhaps some day. I also enjoy reading little bits and pieces about scents I can look forward to seeing full reviews about in the coming weeks and months. I have not yet been to a Sniffapalooza..

    Thank you so much for the draw–I’d be especially excited to smell the Eris scents (animalic/vintage inspired YES!) and the new Puredistance, since I’ve loved everything they’ve done.

    I am in the US.

  • I enjoyed the detailed accounts of the talks given by the guest speakers. I have never attended an event like this. I’d be excited to get my nose on some Tocca house perfume. 🙂 US

  • MikasMinion says:

    Thank you, Hernando, for taking the time to write this detailed account. It must have meant taking copious notes, since I’m sure it was a whirlwind. I wish I could attend a perfume event but I’m too far away from perfume civilization.
    The scent I’m most eager to try is the new Puredistance. Even my least favorite from the line would be welcome in my collection. I’m also curious about the Shalini.
    Thanks for offering this very generous draw. I’m in the US.

  • Lellabelle says:

    So many wonderful places to visit and perfumes to try – I’m most envious! I have not attended a sniffapalooza before and would love to. It sounds like an incredibly busy weekend! Thanks to Hernando for this very detailed account. I appreciate his objectivity without loss of colour ;). The detail is lovely and much appreciated.
    There are too many brands here to choose just one, but I am very much enjoying the Italian perfume Renaissance that is happening presently; I’ve always enjoyed the Italian perfume aesthetic and would love to sample some of the perfumes mentioned, which can be difficult to do under normal circumstances. The sheer gluttony of being able to try this many lovely and unusual things in two days is so wonderfully indulgent ;). I loved hearing about all the treats and generous hospitality of each of the perfumers too. What a wonderful trip.
    Please enter me for the very generous draw, so that I can enjoy some of these vicariously! U.S. Please and thank you

  • Love the sneak peeks at all the new juices to try, and love the photos. Haven’t been to an event 🙁 I’d like to smell that Super cedar too! And the star anise…

  • Systeme D says:

    What a lovely and lively guided tour from Hernando Courtright! As I read his description of Sniffapalooza, I felt like I was walking alongside him from site to site. I have always wanted to attend Sniffapalooza, but it began after I moved away from NYC, and I practically never go back there for visits. It is my loss! I would love it if Chicago had a similar event.

    I so wish I had been there to hear Brun and Tedeschi’s presentation on the history of Italian perfumery! I would have been enthralled, I am sure.

    Annick Goutal perfumes like Mandragore and Eau du Sud are regulars in my fragrance rotation. I need to catch up on what this house has been doing recently. I’d so love to see their NYC boutique. And Penhaligon’s as well! It must be so heavenly in there.

    Masque Milano, Olfactive Studios and Atelier are three of my new favorite houses. I have Russian Tea (to die for!), and Still Life, and Cedrat Enivrant, but now I must get Still Life in Rio. And with Le Labo right near Atelier, my goodness. None of these houses even existed when I lived in NYC years ago.

    How marvelous that Peach Tree Garden was an Art and Olfaction finalist! I am most excited to try this one. I confess that I often fall for fruity chypres.

    I am in the US.

  • A good read on many interesting houses. I’ve had no idea that Puredistance are from Nederlands and how big is the perfumery in Italy. I’ve never attended a Sniffa event before and can imagine it would be great to do it someday. I’m most excited on trying the Puredistance line. I’m in the US.

  • Oh my goodness, what a fabulous event!!! I’ve never attended one, but I hope to one day 🙂 My absolute favorite thing about the review is the gorgeous pictures (this must’ve been such a great event to see!). I’m not sure what I’m most excited about smelling–everything is so fabulous and exciting–but maybe Le Labo. All I’ve smelled of theirs is Rose 31, and I’d be excited to try the rest of their line 🙂 Thanks for this fabulous draw. I’m in the ConUS!

  • Elizabeth T says:

    What a detailed description! I can’t beiieve they packed so much into only a few days. I would have been overwhelmed and amazed.

    I especially can’t wait to try the new releases from Masque Milano. One day I hope to go to a Sniffa, but haven’t been yet! USA, Thanks for the report and awesome draw!!!

  • I love the accompanying photos. Maybe something new from Puredistance (Sheiduna perhaps) is in that bag, I’d like to try that. I have never been close to an event like this. U.S.A.

  • Thank you Hernando for making me feel as if I was at Spring Sniffapalooza. I was lucky enough to go in 2010 with my old college roommate and it was such fun. I will go again one of these days. This sounds like a good year to have attended….all the cocktail parties! I am especially excited to try Fleur Narcotique by Ex Nihkiland also the Eris line. There are so many exciting new releases mentioned! I must admit that swag bag makes my head spin. Thanks for taking the time to write such a complete report and for the fabulous draw. USA

  • I’ve never attended a Sniffa, but one of these days I’ll get to one! It is so generous of so many perfumers and shops to freely share their expertise and make Sniffapalooza a success each year. I’,m most excited to smell Puredistance Shaiduna when it’s released in the fall. My favorite thing in the review was the little tidbit that the French didn’t introduce perfume to Europe! All this time I was under that misapprehension. Thanks for the new info, the draw, and the most detailed description of a lovely few days in NYC. I’m in the USA.

  • I’ve never been to a Sniffa, but I am amazed at how many people in the perfume industry particiated, and how many different things were available to sniff!! Everyone looks so happy too! I would love to smell the newest Byredo scent and I am in the US, thank you!

  • I’ve never been, but this review was such a treat – it was like being taken along on the tour. I’d love to try the new Le Labo, Diptyque and Byredos. And that swag bag! Fingers way crossed! I’m in the US – thanks for the fun review and amazing draw!

  • I’ll be in NYC at the end of May and took some notes on where to go. Alas, I will be sniffing alone instead of sharing the joys of discovery with likeminded perfumistas, so living it vicariously through this post was a treat.

    I have yet to sample Diptyque’s Eau des Sens, and as summer comes on so does my love for orange blossom perfumes. I’m in the USA, thanks for sharing your adventure and its treasure with us.

  • This looks like such a fun event – I’ve never had the opportunity to go to a Sniffapalooza, but maybe someday I’ll be able to partake in the festivities. It seems like a whirlwind of excitement and smells! I’m particularly curious about the Eris line, Romanza and the natural Peach Tree Garden. I always dreamt of marrying in an orchard of peach trees, so it sounds like an amazing scent. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, and for this super generous draw! I’m in the US.

  • I really enjoy reading this report and seeing all the photos. Sweet Morphine sounds very interesting! I’m a big fan of Irina Adam’s Love Potion and I’d love to try Peach Tree Garden.
    I have never attended a Sniffa event. Thanks for the giveaway! USA

  • pursejunkie says:

    Thanks for such an extensive report. I would have liked to hear a few of those speakers, but I have yet to Sniffa. I’ve been wanting to try Mendittorosa for some time so I think that would be my leading contender. I’m in the US.

  • Hernando gave us a step by step review that was great for those of us who missed Sniffa! Every Fall and Spring I say I’m not going to miss it this time and it continues to escape me. I love the re-birth of Italian perfumery and the history lesson that was provided at the beginning of Hernando piece. I had no idea about the underwear and will add that to my “trivia” knowledge…lol. I am fortunate to live near Arielle Shoshana in the Mosaic District and will be visiting her store this week with my mom. I’ve been holding off for her. I definitely would have loved the stops at Roja Dove and Ex Nihlo. The scent that I most want to try is the new Puredistance! I live in the US and thanks for the draw! 🙂

  • Thank you to Hernando for the exciting tour of Sniffapalooza Spring Fling. It looked like a fabulous, fragrant whirlwind. I most enjoyed the tour and photos of the boutiques. My heart did a little flip flop when I saw the photos of lunch at La Mela. Oh, how I miss Mulberry Street. I’ve never attended a Sniffa event. Shalini is the scent I’m quite excited to sniff. Many thank you for the fragrant happiness shared here and for the extraordinarily generous draw. I am in the continental US.

  • Definitely loved the history lesson. A few of my favorite scents are from Italian houses. I’ve never had a chance to attend a Sniffa or any other fragrance event…yet. Someday! I’m excited to explore more from Masque Milano; I don’t wear Terralba very well, but I absolutely love it. And I love that they credit each nose on their respective bottles! I am in Nevada. Thank you!!

  • It was great to get a sense of the scope of Sniffapalooza. (I have not yet attended one, but hope to one day.) And Masque Milano is the brand I’d most like to get my nose on. Sigh. (Maybe next year.) I’m in the continental US.

  • Many thanks and big hugs to Hernando for such an inspired and wonderful report! I’m the founder of Sniffapalooza, so yes, I’ve been to all of them, lol! 60% of our attendees get on planes, trains and automobiles to share the weekend with us, and at this event we had folks from The Netherlands, Russia, France, Germany, UK, South Africa, Italy, Singapore, Japan, Canada & all across the U.S. It’s a blast… I hope more fragrance lovers get to have the experience!

    xoxo
    Karen

  • I have never attended a Sniffa event before would love 2 one day. I enjoyed Hernando’s detailed accounts of the talks given by the guest speakers, I also enjoyed reviews of all the different fragrances and brands. I really want 2 try Euphorium Brooklyn. I am an American resident

  • I have not had the opportunity to attend Sniffapalooza before, however, thanks to this article it is now at the top of my radar for the next event. I loved the detailed itinerary along with the descriptive accounts on the perfume houses. I’m sure the history of Italian perfumery was quite interesting. I am most interested in sampling some of the Ex Nihilo fragrances. I love the idea that you can layer to enhance your personal experience with the fragrances offered by Ex Nihilo. I live in the Greater New York Area and will definately do some research on the many hosues listed in this blog. Thank-you for the posting!

  • ntabassum92 says:

    So much detail! It was especially great to hear some of the tidbits of interesting historical information presented at the talks. I didn’t know that underwear didn’t exist for women in France before Catherine de Medici! How fascinating. I have never attended a Sniffa event before, but I surely want to. I am really excited to sniff out the Eris perfumes – I am obsessed with Barbara Hermann!

  • thegoddessrena says:

    The history of Italian Perfumery would have been fascinating to catch but I haven’t yet been to a Sniffapalooza. The Ex Nihilio concept of customizing your perfumes sounds fabulous and I ‘ll have to check it out the next time I go to NY

  • JCIMS1611 says:

    I have never been to an event like this but would definitely love it if I could. So many scent to smell and talk about would be sensory overlord. It’s great to see more Italian fragrance brands getting bigger.

    I’m in the US
    Thanks

  • Squirrely says:

    What a wonderful recap, I wish I could have been there – thank you for all the great pictures. I’ve never attended a Sniffa event (I’m about 7 hours by car from NYC and only get there about once a year if I’m lucky), but I’m signed up on the mailing list in case the stars align one day and my time in the city ever overlaps with Sniffa.

    Not the rarest of the rare mentioned, but I’m excited to smell Diptyque Eau des Sens because I’m an Orange Blossom fiend. I live in the sticks, so only get to access the Diptyque line once a year. I’m also really intrigued by Phoenix Botanicals’s Peach Tree Garden, I love peach and wish it was easier to find in perfumes not meant for teenyboppers.

  • Thank you for sharing this report with us! I’ve never been a Sniffa event but I felt like I was right there. I would love to smell Masque Milano perfumes.
    US

  • Valentine Girl says:

    Although I have not attended an Sniffapalooza event, I felt like I was there after reading Hernando’s post. From the perfume personalities, the fragrances, the lecture presentations, and the CFB references it was a very detailed and informative report. I am really excited to hear more about the new fragrance that is in the works for Shalini Parfums & I would love to have heard the lecture about the similarities between wine & fragrance production. Thanks. US resident.

  • What an exciting and exhausting weekend! Hernando’s very detailed Sniffapalooza Spring Fling report left me breathless. I have never attended a Sniffa event before, but would really like to get my nose on fragrances from Penhaligon’s, Tocca, Molton Brown, Diptyque and anything from rising star Cecile Zarokian.