Robert Hermman’s smile could light a city! photo courtesy of his husband Ron Hall

“Perfume can be impactful, engage and challenge, pushing our emotional boundaries and forcing us to re-examine and possibly realign our thoughts, fears, and dreams.” Sr. Editor Robert Herrmann in his review of Bruno Fazzolari’s Unsettled

“Vigil” by The Silver Fox© Alex C. Musgrave for this tribute

Three years ago on October 1st, my friend Sr. Editor Robert Herrmann passed away. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of Robert and feel his presence. I remember his megawatt smile, his passion for life, love for his husband Ron Hall, and of course fragrance… especially white florals, roses and EVERYTHING with aldehydes. During the majority of 2020-2021, I self-isolated and made sure to get outdoors and run, often stopping to photograph flowers. These were the moments when I would “speak” to him, looking up at the sky and heard, “Dahlink, it will work out just breathe… and when you think of me cheers…not tears.” I truly believe that his spirit, like a guardian angel, watches over me (and playfully bursts out singing Broadway showtunes).

Robert Bondy Herrmann with his husband Ron Hall in front of their store Paper Scissors on the Rock, Lopez Island 

The morning his husband Ron Hall told me  that Robert was gone, passing peacefully in his sleep, I was getting ready to publish a review he finished in the hospital a week before “Lucien Ferraro’s Seringa Blanc The Scent of Heaven.” Robert Herrmann brought light and love to all that knew him, in real life or virtually. As much as he adored Guerlain and Chanel, the majority of his articles were about independent houses and most importantly artisan perfumers, often giving them first exposure.

In this loving tribute I invited five artisan perfumers and two colleagues to share their thoughts and feelings, in their own word on what Robert means to them. Thank you all –Michelyn Camen, Editor-In Chief

October 2018, Photographer: Steve Ross 

“This is how I will always remember Robert. Pride of place at the dinner & swap party, 2nd Portland Sniff. Ron and Rich were bartending, competing to make the best version of mixologist Barbara’s “Release the Kraaken”. Robert illuminated the entire room. We all came out buzzed, with full tummies, and with bags of perfume stash.

I don’t know how or why, but Robert magically made my life better. Bigger. More special.  Robert gave me inspiration, courage, he made me feel safe and loved. He told me secrets, and always told the truth.   He never failed to bring laughter and wit and hilarity.  He and Ron = Dream Team. I was so blessed to have enjoyed their company together, I am so lucky to still have dearest Ron in my life. I can’t wait to party with them again on the other side”.–Shelley Waddington, En Voyage Perfumes. Link to Robert’s three you should be wearing

Robert with just a few of Dawn’s perfumes (Photo from Robert in 2018)

“Robert was one of the most deeply feeling men I have known in the perfume community; He was incredibly passionate and knowledgeable but I always felt his sense of inclusion for people just finding their love of fragrance just as much as veteran ‘perfumitstas’. Robert and I shared an admiration for vintage perfumes, too (his knowledge of which was evident in his beautiful writing for ÇaFleureBon.

Biwa was created by Dawn from an email sent to Michelyn on September 14, 2019  listing ingredients…it was his dream to leave a scented legacy. You can read more here and it is for sale here

There are no words to express how honored I (still) am to have been asked to create BIWA for him, as a living tribute to his life and love. He is deeply missed. ” –Dawn Spencer-Hurwitz of DSH Perfumes (link to Robert’s review of Lilas de Minuit

Angela St. John of Solstice Scents

“One of my favorite things about Robert Herrmann was his genuine zest for life. He was vivacious, with a wicked sense of humor and he had such a big heart. He was a bright light and a fun-loving person. His passion for fragrance was undeniable.” – Angela St. John of Solstice Scents link to one Michelyn’s favorite reviews (of his many) for Solstice Scents, Sea of Gray

Diane St. Clair of St. Clair Scents

“Robert Herrmann was one of the kindest, most sincere people that I have met within the fragrance community. His passion for fragrance was so contagious, as was his pure joy for discovering new scents and perfumers. When Robert wrote a review in ÇaFleureBon of my first three perfumes— First Cut, Gardener’s Glove and Frost and defended the possibility that a self-taught artisan could actually be a skilled perfumer, my heart filled with joy. Robert was not only praising me; he was also defending the work of so many other independent artisans whose work he valued and loved. Robert’s passing has left a large hole in our fragrance community. He valued good perfume and the work of the perfumers who created them. He was quick to laugh and always spread joy with his humor and kindness. We will always remember him and miss him.” – Diane St Clair of St. Clair Scents

Robert Herrmann with Amber and Sultan at Esxence 2018 (photo by Ron Hall)

“Robert was a truly open-hearted person, who appreciated everyone on their own terms. He was incredibly kind to me personally and was a wonderful friend. His perfume knowledge was profound and spanned the full gamut of traditional scents as well as modern works. I so miss the light of his smile and beautiful face.”-Amber Jobin, Aether Arts Perfume (a great review of Amber’s A.I. series)

“To me he was beaming ray of sunshine always smiling and full of positive energy. His had a strong presence and its effects had long reaching positive consequences even when he was thousands of miles away. Thank you so much Robert for you being you”-Sultan Pasha, Sultan Pasha Attars (his interview with Sultan Pasha here).

Ermano Picco Editor

“It’s been three years since Robert left us, but it seems like yesterday when I met him for the first time in Milan. I remember he was so kind to bring me an American perfume as a gift, and after we spent time together talking about our passion for perfume and enjoying new launches at Esxence (2018). Every time I think about him, the memory of his optimism, and genuine passion for everything beautiful are a reminder that we always must enjoy the bright side of life. Better if smelling like aldehydes and flowers.” –Ermano Picco, Editor

Ida Meister, Deputy and Natural Perfume Editor 

“My memories of Robert are filled with humor and humanity.

The gentleman never failed to support those about whom he cared deeply; he adored surprising you with little love tokens: generously sized decants of the Preciousss, a note to lift your spirits. He schlepped back an immense flacon from Esxence one year – sent by a mutual perfumer friend – and never exhibited any sense of inconvenience. Robert’s soul was that big: no room for pettiness, peevishness or self-pity, despite his rapidly declining health. His humor ranged from the downright wicked to schoolboy jests. To accompany his naughtiness, he was shot through with a deep-seated spirituality, a wayfarer’s heart, and lifelong devotion to his beloved Ron. A lebn oyfn dayn zisser kop, dear friend“. –Ida Meister, Deputy Editor

Roses (Robert loved rose perfumes) by The Silver Fox©

Scented Spirits: Lili Bermuda Mary Celestia Perfume” – by Robert Herrmann, Sr. Editor was a 2019 Finalist for The Perfumed Plume Awards. We have a dedicated archive of all Robert Hermmann’s articles here.

Sending love and support to Ron.

Please feel free to leave a comment  if you knew Robert IRL or virtually. And if not, please join us in honoring his “scented spirit.”