Josh Meyer, owner and nose of the Imaginary Authors perfume company, released an exclusive perfume for Spruce Apothecary in Portland, Oregon in 2013, called Mosaic. The packaging for this entire line is as creative and unique as the scents and their inspirations are. Each perfume is based on a book never actually written and the authors are indeed imaginary. The labels are faux book bindings, with a creative graphic aesthetic. The line debuted at the first annual LA Artisan Fragrance Salon with seven scents (click here to read our reviews) growing with Cape Heartache and Mosaic last year. Each scent or sample comes with a usable bookmark offering a description and salient notes.
Aquileia – the Roman Forum, photo by Matteo Lavazza Seranto
I love both literature and perfume. Not only is Mosaic a quality construction, but it’s also a unique and innovative take on both. Mosaic is set in the Friedrichsbad spring-fed Roman baths outside the German village of Baden Baden, bordering the Black Forest, and is a discourse between two protagonists while they converse and wander through all seventeen sections of the ancient famed spa. The story, penned we are told by newcomer Warren Hahn, may be labyrinthine as the setting, with the two protagonists alternately narrating chapters. The scent itself contains none of the possible luridness associated with Roman baths and offers a truly sensational fragrance.
Mosaic in Roman Baths Museum, photo by Ed Holden
A scintillating beginning of petit grain and bergamot reflects the traditional German cologne roots of the fragrance. As Mosaic develops, it stays rather verdant and sheer throughout its impressive longevity. As it settles and begins to tell its story, mineral notes of cool limestone are warmed with steaming water and condensation, smelling nothing like any other aquatic I have encountered. The addition of cedar and oak moss adds some woody depth and a hint of mystery. Anyone can take tiles and throw them together in a pattern; it takes a true artist to evoke complex forms and beauty with such simple materials that can truly weave a story you want to read, or wear, again and again. This perfume takes scented tiles of citrus cologne, wood, and water with chypre accents and creates an elegant and stimulating pattern utilizing no flowers or spices, without being either boring or too complex. Utterly unisex and sublime, Mosaic is an excellent choice for any time of year or any setting due to its bright blending of clean and cool notes that last for hours, while leaving a shimmering trail of refreshing scent. Sillage: good. Longevity: very good.
Notes: petit grain, bergamot, oak moss, cedar wood, limestone & artesian well water accord.
I received my sample from Imaginary Authors.
John Reasinger. Senior Editor and Natural Perfumes Editor
Thanks to the generosity of Imaginary Authors we have a 60 ml EDP of Mosaic to give away to one US reader. To be eligible please leave a comment stating you live in the US, your favorite fragrance from the line, or one you would love to try, and be sure to join Imaginary Authors email list on the website and let us know that you have done so to be eligible. Draw will end April 6, 2014
We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.