Friends-In-Fragrance: Alexandra Balahoutis and Fabrice Penot + Perfume Commune Draw

 

Alexandra Balahoutis and Fabrice Penot

 It is always interesting to know that there is more than 'shop talk' that connects two friends who happen to be in the business of selling perfume. Some of our readers may remember when I posted a brief press release that announced The Perfume Commune on Venice's Abbot Kinnot Boulevard; a shared space between Natural Perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis of Strange Invisible Perfumes and Fabrice Penot, the co-founder of Le Labo.  They are remarkable individuals who elevate the art of perfumery through innovation and independence, with different syles and methods but with many common goals. Alexandra and Fabrice are two passionate people that go wildly against the grain of the "Industry".  The genuine respect and rapport between them  (and my own love for their fragrances) is what inspired me to bring our readers this interview, which was put in motion April 28, 2012-Michelyn Camen, Editor In Chief

 

How did you first meet, when and where? What was the first impression you had of each other? What did you talk about? Who struck up the conversation?

 

Alexandra Balahoutis: We met at Le Labo in Nolita. I liked him. I was in his shop with a friend who started testing me on each of the essences in Le Labo’s little kit of raw ingredients. He concealed each label and had me smell each essence. Fabrice was in the back of the store on his laptop, and started to notice as I identified each one accurately. He walked over with an intrigued expression and asked if I was in the perfume business. I told him that I was and about my shop, which he was familiar with. We struck up a pretty enthusiastic conversation, exchanged mobile numbers, and kept in touch.

Fabrice Penot:  That’s nice to hear this story from you Alex since I had forgotten how we met ( I am a notorious amnesiac) …. But I actually remember that the second time I heard about you; it was a few years after, when we opened our first store  in LA on W3rd. You had sent an enormous bouquet of white flowers to welcome us In her home city, and wish us good luck ! I thought “ Are we in the 1930’s in Paris? That’s elegance !”

 

Alexandra works only with botanicals and Fabrice you work with synthetics. What is the commonality of your fragrant philosophies?

Alexandra: I think we both place importance on high-quality raw materials and we both create what we want to create. I think both brands are very individualistic. Having individuality in common would not allow us to be the same. 

Fabrice: Yes, quality indeed… but beyond the ingredients, it is the quality of intention behind our work that brings us together. We are not obsessed by the bottom line; our work is a passion, which happens to be a business, and eventually successful ones. But the success was not the obsession. Creation was, in both our cases.

Which work by Le Labo do you admire or wear the most?

 Alexandra: I really only wear perfumes that I design (my jewelry designer friends are the same way), but I like Vetiver 46.

 

 Fabrice,  when you spritz a Strange Invisible Perfume which is in your hand?

Fabrice: I loved the Tahitian Honey on my surf board last time I was in Venice…

 

Do you bounce ideas off each other or give your opinions on lab samples?

 Alexandra: We talk about ideas informally, and occasionally smell perfumes together if he is at my shop or I’m at his. We live in different cities, so we only have so much time to hang out when he visits Venice or I go to New York. 

 Fabrice: And we try to not talk too much about perfumery as well as it becomes annoying after a while…

What does your Perfume “Commune” hope to achieve. Are you sending a message to the fragrance industry?

 

Alexandra: I really didn’t embrace Fabrice and Le Labo as a neighbor to send a message to the fragrance industry. I think in some ways, both companies exist outside that world. We wanted to create a little cohesion and amplify perfumery as a concept, rather than existing in a vacuum of petty competition. I don’t think prosperity relies on being the only one. That just means that people hardly have a choice. The truth is I like Le Labo. I like Fabrice. I thought it would be a bold move and a lot of fun. There isn’t really any other perfume brand I would have wanted to do this with.

Fabrice: Yes and even if we would want to send a message to the perfume industry, I am not even sure “it” knows how to read anymore anyways ;). No really, this is about fun, about human encounters, adventure, entrepreneurship, sharing, contributing…. There is no other message than a simple beautiful connection and the will to dig together into new territories.

 

Fragrance should have an element of fun because if it  doesn't, than  how could it make us happy?  Fabrice you never know, maybe "it" is listening…although probaly not.  But one day.

Do you get cross over clients ie someone who came in for a Le Labo Rose 31 and then wanders into SIP and is smitten with Aquarian Roses.

Fabrice: I don’t know yet… but if this happens, this is exactly why we did it !

Alexandra: That may happen in both directions, but I think we may also share customers. My shop has always been more for collecting. The idea of a signature perfume you wear for fifty years without exception freaks me out. It’s like getting a tattoo. Our two shops being next to one another does not pose the question: Le Labo or Strange Invisible? It offers a variety of fragrances and asks, which formula speaks to you at the moment? There is no dynamic of one brand versus the other.

 

What have you learned from each other about the art of perfumery?

 Alexandra: How present the essence of the creator is in the creation.

 Fabrice: a lot actually on our end… I think Alex is much closer to the status of artist as anyone, any other brand I know in the industry. She controls every step of the process, from the distillation process to the actual final creation. I am not sure anyone outside our world can realize what it means in terms of complexity. But in any case, It is way closer to my idea of artistry than some other people in our business who think of themselves as artists or whatever while their work consist mainly of inviting a perfumer for lunch at the Four Seasons and ask him to create a new floral for them…

On that matter, Alex invited Eddie Roschi (Fabrice's partner) and I to rethink our relationship with the ingredients themselves, reconnecting with the source, and we actually have a new project that might have triggered by this awakening somehow.

Cheeseless Pizza at Gjelina Restaurant

Last meal shared? What did you eat? What did you chat about? When was it?

 Alexandra: Gjelina, about a month ago. That was one of my favorites. It was a pretty nuanced and ultimately philosophical conversation mostly about my life, so I’d rather not outline every detail. Fabrice is a good listener and a good friend, which, by the way, doesn’t mean he won’t make fun of you if you give him the opportunity. He had a beer and the only pizza they make without cheese, as he is a vegan. I had a glass of rose and one of their salads. Maybe it was the Bloomsdale spinach. I don’t remember.

Alexandra, an endearing quality about Fabrice?

Alexandra: His mischievous sense of humor and sincerity.

Fabrice: her scary intelligence, her independence, and her candor.

 

 A hint on what you are both working on individually next?

Alexandra: Candles.

Fabrice: vacation plans.  this is the only place where I really work… I have ideas on vacations and the rest of the year, I just try to make them happen). Editor's Note: Foiled again…A new Le Labo  fragrance will be debuting very soon.

 

Regarding the name ‘Perfume Commune,’ who thought of it? Why choose the word “commune” (defined as a community of people living together, sharing common interests, property, possessions, resources)?

 Alexandra: I don’t think it should it be taken too literally. Fabrice coined the phrase. I really liked it. To me, it felt right. I think it mainly references this bohemian ideal of coexisting and sharing a space. It felt like a fitting way to describe our idea for a fragrance destination more interesting than one brand to be experienced in a vacuum. 

– Alexandra Balahoutis, Strange Invisible Perfumes and Fabrice Penot, Co Founder of Le Labo

Thanks to Alexandra and Fabrice we have an incredible draw. Each has offered the "favorite" fragrance of the other. That would be Vetiver 46 (Perfumer for vetiver 46 is Geza Schoen's Friend in Fragrance Mark Buxton) and Tahitian Honey, which is a limited edition.To be eligible, please leave a comment siting what you found interesting about their friendship(or your favorite quote) AND the fragrance you would like to win (please include two ingredients-so be sure to click on the link). Draw ends June 27, 2012.

 

 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.

 

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91 comments

  • Jan says:

    I found it funny to read that Alexandra Balahoutis only wears fragrances that she creates herself.
    I’d like to win Vetiver 46, that has gaiac and pepper notes among others…

  • Anya McCoy says:

    How wonderful! I remember thinking of the generous spirit and forthrightness of both Alex and Fabrice when this was announced. Thank you, Cafleurebon, for this interview and insight into the Perfume Commune (the 60s hippie in me swoons at the name!)

  • farawayspices says:

    I was not aware of the friendship of these two niche perfumers,, it is wonderful, it really speaks to the artistry of Alexandra and Fabrice, that they do not operate out of a fear of competition, but in the spirit of mutual creation. I would love to win Tahitian Honey, with its notes of plumeria and honey.

  • scottie says:

    It is a pleasure to read about business principles and practices which are genuinely sustainable and based upon the desire to present alternative products. And when those principles include shared notions of community, art and a commitment to the best materials…this is quite a powerful message. Favorite quote: “The idea of a signature perfume you wear for fifty years without exception freaks me out. It’s like getting a tattoo”. I agree! I would most like to try Tahitian Honey (with notes of ginger and Temple Mandarin) , but I would also be VERY happy to try Vetiver 46 (with notes of labdanum & Pepper) as well. THANK YOU for a great draw, and a great read!

  • Monica H. says:

    I really like how Fabrice described their “Perfume Commune” – “this is about fun, about human encounters, adventure, entrepreneurship, sharing, contributing…. There is no other message than a simple beautiful connection and the will to dig together into new territories.”
    I’d love to win SIP Tahitian Honey with its simple list of notes (Fresh Ginger, Temple Mandarin, Plumeria Blossoms, Resins & Honey) it sounds like a holiday ready to happen!

  • Andrea Shanti says:

    “How present the essence of the creator is in the creation. ”
    beautiful
    i would love to win Tahitian Honey!
    thank you for the wonderful article.

  • Ellen Covey says:

    I like the idea of perfumers sharing a studio/gallery type space where they can work in parallel and sell their creations. I would like to try either Tahitian Honey (with honey, of course, and plumeria blossoms) or Vetiver 46 (with vetiver, of course, and labdanum)

  • Matthew Traeger says:

    I like the interpretation of the world “artist” to mean someone who controls the (creative) process from beginning to end…also I love how in their friendship they have shown that two similar but distinctively different businesses can augment each other’s sales…it is a long standing idea that have a variety of similar stores in the same area will actually draw more people in as a destination for shopping. I would love to experience Tahitian Honey!

  • cheesegan says:

    I think it’s great that two independent perfumers have combined their resources to share a brick and mortar space. My foavorite quote was Fabrice who said, “But I actually remember that the second time I heard about you; it was a few years after, when we opened our first store in LA on W3rd. You had sent an enormous bouquet of white flowers to welcome us In her home city, and wish us good luck ! I thought “ Are we in the 1930’s in Paris? That’s elegance !”

    If I won I would like the Vetiver46, some of it’s ingredients are pepper, gaïac, labdanum, cedar and vetiver.

    Thanks for the great interview and for the draw.

  • Ceil says:

    “To me, it felt right. I think it mainly references this bohemian ideal of coexisting and sharing a space. It felt like a fitting way to describe our idea for a fragrance destination more interesting than one brand to be experienced in a vacuum.” — I love this! I wish I could visit.

    I would love to win the Tahitian Honey… ginger and mandarin are listed… 2 of my favorite notes.

  • Francesca says:

    I love hearing their admiration and respect for each other, a wonderful element in a friendship. Their idea of a fragrance destination really hit the spot. I think sometimes the individual moves outside themselves and feels part of a greater movement, it may be a mental or a physical leap or both. The concept is so creatively interesting (at least in my humble opinion.
    Fabrice notes the complexity that Alexandra realises as a perfume artist. That really is an amazing achievement and dedication and must never be overlooked when considering her work. I am a fan and if I lived in Venice I’d probably be unashamedly a groupie!
    I’ll side with the Tahitian Honey because I am a botanical buff, its bound to be amazing.Intriguing notes of fresh Ginger, temple Mandarin and Plumeria Blossoms..

  • d3m0lici0n says:

    My favorite part of the interview is when they talk about the ingredients they use. SIP being botanical and Le Labo using synthetics, Fabrice said:
    but beyond the ingredients, it is the quality of intention behind our work that brings us together. We are not obsessed by the bottom line; our work is a passion, which happens to be a business, and eventually successful ones
    Interesting concept, I would love to visit the store. If I win I’d like to get Tahitian Honey which includes Fresh Ginger, Temple Mandarin, Plumeria Blossoms, Resins and Honey. Thanks!

  • Bonbori says:

    I liked this quote by Alexandra: “I think we both place importance on high-quality raw materials and we both create what we want to create. I think both brands are very individualistic. Having individuality in common would not allow us to be the same.”

    I would like to win Tahitian Honey – Plumeria Blossoms & Honey sounds inviting.

  • Zee says:

    I love the philosophy of both of these brands merging into a common space where both can be explored and inspire the exploring of the other. The focus on creativity over a bottom line being a commonality and the niche quality of each brand suggests that it will be a successful endeavor.

    I personally would love to explore Tahitian Honey – especially with it’s notes of resins and honey.

  • Kathryn says:

    I’m an avid lover of Le Labo, and I’m just starting to explore Strange Invisible Perfumes so I was quite surprised that I hadn’t heard of their business venture on Abbot Kinnot Blvd earlier.
    It’s nice to know that niche companies are in some ways banding together and supporting one another. Also great to know that both Alexandra and Fabrice are friends.
    I like Alexandra’s quote on the difference between them in regards to the way they approach perfumery, “I think both brands are very individualistic. Having individuality in common would not allow us to be the same”.

    While I adore Vetiver 46, I am more keen to own a bottle of the limited edition, Tahitian Honey by SIP, so please count me in the draw for that. The combination of honey, ginger, mandarin and resins, sounds divine.

    Thanks!

  • Len says:

    Great interview very impressive that Alexandra Balahoutis identified each essence and Fabrice Penot has a wicked sense of humor I really lol when he said he coats his surfboard with Tahitian Honey

    It’s really clear that both perfumers really respect each other as people first and of course as artists
    My choice is Vetiver 46 with pepper and labdanum

  • HollyJae says:

    I loved reading that Fabrice Penot described Alexandra Balahoutis as an artist, a great step forward for natural perfumery. I also really enjoyed the respect between these perfumers, and that collaboration/community can peaceably exist even though each has their feet planted in differing spheres of perfumery.

    Whilst I’m yet to sample either Perfumer, I lean towards SIP’s Tahitian Honey, being a sucker for Plumeria Blossoms (Frangipani), Resins & Honey.

    My thanks for a great article!
    Holly

  • Liz Cook says:

    I love this meeting of the minds. Where two people come from opposite ends of the spectrum in their industry, but they can appreciate each other’s perspective, and even learn from eachother; that’s what we should all strive for.

    Im a big fan of SIP’s Prima ballerina – I’d love to win Tahitian Honey (sounds divine!).

  • Connor M says:

    Le Labo is by far my favorite house out there. The ingredients are quality and the creations intriguing, but above all I enjoy the spirit of Le Labo. The passion in it.

    That being said Vetiver46 would be amazing. Haitian vetiver and gaïac wood are two of my favorite notes.

    Thanks for the draw. Awesome interview.

  • jamal Dookhy says:

    vetiver 46
    quote from Fabrice: Yes and even if we would want to send a message to the perfume industry, I am not even sure “it” knows how to read anymore anyways . No really, this is about fun, about human encounters, adventure, entrepreneurship, sharing, contributing…. There is no other message than a simple beautiful connection and the will to dig together into new territories.

    What is intersting about their friendfship is that one deals only with naturals and the other with synthetics, but still have a great friendship.
    jamal

  • Amer says:

    “And we try to not talk too much about perfumery as well as it becomes annoying after a while…” hahaha

    ’nuff said

  • Tanja Bochnig says:

    Very interesting article, thank you for the insight.
    I also found it interesting that Alexandra only wears her own perfumes, because that’s what I do as well, with the exception of hers. I have a few of her perfumes and value them highly. I would be honored to try Tahitian Honey. I love plumeria, honey and mandarin…
    Tanja

  • Amberosmanthus says:

    I love the portrayal of this friendship. I did not realize so many perfumers develop personal relationships with each other. It is really inspiring.

    I love that Alexandra said, “My shop has always been more for collecting. The idea of a signature perfume you wear for fifty years without exception freaks me out. It’s like getting a tattoo.” I couldn’t agree more! But then again, I can’t possibly choose just one.

    I would be ecstatic to try Tahitian Honey. Oh Ginger, Plumeria, Resins and Honey! Thanks for the chance.

  • Noxa says:

    Tahitian Honey with Fresh Ginger, Temple Mandarin and Resins?
    Count me in!
    The whole article is awesome, but I liked the line ““How present the essence of the creator is in the creation. ” especially.

  • einsof says:

    i love the way this perfume commune concept pushes my own ideas about synths & naturals being different worlds… Fabrice really hit the nail on the head describing Alex as having “scary intelligence”… when i met her- she was a quiet and very observant presence.

    kudos on bringing each other credibility and clout… artists embracing each other instead of competing as so much of our culture would have us believe is the more important and only route to success.

    i would love to experience Tahitian Honey with it’s temple mandarin, ginger and plumeria blossoms!

  • MariaA says:

    Lovely review, I had read about their collaboration before but this was a lovely article!! I agree with Alexandra the purpose of creating perfume is to wear it first youself!! I would love to win Tahitian Honey as the combination of Fresh Ginger, Temple Mandarin, Plumeria Blossoms, Resins & Honey sounds amazing!!!
    Keep up the good work guys!!

  • Hemla says:

    I liked Fabrice’s reaction to the white rose boquet,
    and love the idea, it inspires me to think how I can further share with other perfumers living in my country.
    I would like the Tahitan honey that includes notes of Fresh Ginger, Honey and Plumeria,

  • yash says:

    Both Le Labo and SIP hold dear places in my heart as their creations strike specific chords everytime I happen to wear them.
    Despite being in the same ‘industry’ Fabrice Penot and Alexandra Balahoutis who have different approaches to perfume making share ideas, opinions and philosophies with each other without an ounce of competition and solely on the basis of being friends and business neighbours, just shows how solidarity is important in the perfume community and even for businesses to prosper.
    I own the wonderful Vetiver 46 so I would love to win Alexandra’s Tahitian Honey just to see how gorgeous the melange of honey, plumeria and fresh ginger is.
    Thank you..

  • Susan says:

    How wonderful to have a cross-country friendship. My favorite quote: “Our two shops being next to one another does not pose the question: Le Labo or Strange Invisible? It offers a variety of fragrances and asks, which formula speaks to you at the moment? There is no dynamic of one brand versus the other.” I’d love to wearTahitian Honey; with ginger and mandarin in the mix, it will surely be lovely.

  • ana says:

    “Yes, quality indeed… but beyond the ingredients, it is the quality of intention behind our work that brings us together. We are not obsessed by the bottom line; our work is a passion, which happens to be a business, and eventually successful ones. But the success was not the obsession. Creation was, in both our cases.” As usual is the passion for what one does is the thing that moves me most , maybe because I haven’t found mine just yet. I’d love to be able to try Tahitian Honey with its notes of honey, plumeria, ginger and resins. Thank you

  • Ccc says:

    It is great they have a supportive and constructive friendship. Always great things are coming out of it.

    My fav quote: “Fragrance should have an element of fun because if it  doesn’t, than  how could it make us happy? ”

    I would love to try them both but if I have to pick one ….Vetiver 46 with Vetiver and labdanum.

  • Lisa BTB says:

    Favorite quote: “We wanted to create a little cohesion and amplify perfumery as a concept, rather than existing in a vacuum of petty competition.”

    I love the idea of the Perfume Commune and the whole spirit behind it. “I think it mainly references this bohemian ideal of coexisting and sharing a space.”

    If selected I would like Tahitian Honey with fresh ginger & honey.

    Thanks!

  • ringthing says:

    They sound like very good friends who have fun together outside the realm of industry. My favorite quote is from Alex who said “The idea of a signature perfume you wear for fifty years without exception freaks me out. It’s like getting a tattoo.” She follows that by saying that the perfume commune offers a variety of scents so that an individual can experience what speaks to them at the moment. It’s obvious that they share passion as a business aesthetic. I would choose Tahitian Honey. Fresh ginger and plumaria blossom with resins & honey sounds wonderful.

  • Maureen says:

    It is wonderful to read about friendly competitors sharing notions of community, art and a commitment to the best materials. Favorite quote: “The idea of a signature perfume you wear for fifty years without exception freaks me out. It’s like getting a tattoo”. and I seriously dislike tatoos ( so permanent, I’d get bored, plus I hate pain). I would most like to try Tahitian Honey (with notes of ginger and Temple Mandarin)l Thanks for a great draw.

  • missp says:

    I think their friendship and mutual admiration is sweet, and I like that they’ll be working on candles individually next. I’d love to try Tahitian Honey! The fresh ginger sounds yum. Thanks 🙂

  • Fernando says:

    Neat! I would love to visit the stores!

    My favorite quote is “The idea of a signature perfume you wear for fifty years without exception freaks me out. It’s like getting a tattoo.” My feelings exactly!

    Of the two on offer, I’m most interested in Vetiver 46, with all those “male” notes like vetiver, cedar, olibanum… (I’m a little scared of honey as a note…)

  • MaKo says:

    “Alexandra: I really only wear perfumes that I design (my jewelry designer friends are the same way), …” I must admit that this answer surprised me.

    I would like to win Vetiver 46 with labdanum and cedar.

  • Suzy Larsen says:

    I love the quote from Alexandra regarding the “perfume commune”. ” I think it mainly references this bohemian ideal of coexisting and sharing a space. It felt like a fitting way to describe our idea for a fragrance destination more interesting than one brand to be experienced in a vacuum.” It really captures the essence of their professional friendship and that idea of a fragrance destination is clever.

    I would love the Tahitian Honey with its notes of plumeria blossoms and fresh ginger. Sounds divine. Thanks so much for the draw and a really illuminating article!

  • Sherobin says:

    Great interview, and what a fabulous friendship! I enjoyed the story about Alexandra sending a welcome bouquet of white flowers to Le Labo, and Fabrice’s quote, “Are we in the 1930’s in Paris? That’s elegance!”
    I would love to win Tahitian Honey with its notes of Fresh Ginger and Plumeria Blossoms. Sound gorgeous with the honey!

  • Akimon says:

    I have always thought that really great perfumery is about creativity, integrity and working with quality ingredients, be it synthetic or natural, so to me this “Commune” makes total sense. Myself I wear mostly the all-natural perfumes (many of them by Strange Invisible Perfumes) but I do appreciate the craft of well made perfume made in “mixed” media.
    I think Alexandra’s quote about “signature perfume” is spot on as well.
    I would love to win Tahitian Honey – plumeria/frangipani is one of my favorite notes, and I love ginger as well. I am very intrigued by the Temple Mandarin in the notes: as I recall this one is made by SIP using special distillation technique.

  • Collins says:

    I found it interesting how they met, like it was destiny written in the stars. I’d love to win the Tahitian Honey, with its notes of temple mandarin and plumeria blossoms, sounds like it would be a lovely fragrance to wear in the summertime.

  • Tourbillion says:

    I found it amusing that Fabrice doesn’t remember how they met. Alexandra could have made something crazy up instead! I think I would like to win Tahitian Honey, since I love the scents of Plumeria and Honey.

  • Margo says:

    I like this phrase: “Fragrance should have an element of fun because if it doesn’t, than how could it make us happy?”
    I would like Tahitian Honey

  • mim says:

    Thanks for this article, and the draw! Both of these creators come across as lovely, gracious, bright people. Wishing their ‘commune’ much success!

    I liked hearing how they met! Identifying scents at the le labo counter is something I’ve tried as well, doubtless with much less success. It’s really fun though.
    I really liked the second how-they-met too: “…when we opened our first store in LA on W3rd. You had sent an enormous bouquet of white flowers to welcome us In her home city, and wish us good luck ! I thought “ Are we in the 1930’s in Paris? That’s elegance !”

    And, variety lover that I am: “The idea of a signature perfume you wear for fifty years without exception freaks me out. It’s like getting a tattoo.”
    I agree with this completely. It’s like wearing the same outfit every day no matter what or listening to only one song. I like different experiences.

    As I already love vetiver 46 (and have a small decant) I would love to try Tahitian Honey, with ginger, “temple mandarin” (wasn’t sure if this was flowery language or an actual thing so I wiki-googled: Tangor, also called the temple orange, a cross between the Mandarin orange and the common sweet orange) plumeria, resins, and of course honey.
    This sounds like it smells lucious and almost edible.

  • Maggie Mahboubian says:

    So glad to see this type of collaboration is taking place, a sign that times have changed for the better. It’s great to see two perfumers who work with such different palettes can respect and value each other’s work.

    I just caught sight of the Cafleurbon motto “fragrance is a language for translating the world”. This article proves our world is inclusive of all olfactory art. Thank you Michelyn for bringing home that message.

    Although I adore all things vetiver, I would love to try Tahitian Honey with its notes of honey, plumeria, resins and temple mandarin (will have to research a source so I can try this aromatic someday . . . )!

  • breathesgelatin says:

    I was most interested in hearing the goals and idea of the “commune” clarified and also how each of the two conceives themselves as artists. It’s very encouraging to see people thinking of their brands in these ways.

    I was also surprised that Alexandra only wears her own perfumes…!

    I would be more interested in winning Tahitian Honey with plumeria, mandarin, and honey!

  • Kate H. says:

    Great article! I thought it was interesting that Alexandra said “I really only wear perfumes that I design”. I would love Tahitian Honey and additional notes include temple mandarin and fresh ginger. Sounds beautiful!

  • rosiegreen says:

    We met at Le Labo in Nolita. I liked him. I was in his shop with a friend who started testing me on each of the essences in Le Labo’s little kit of raw ingredients. He concealed each label and had me smell each essence. Fabrice was in the back of the store on his laptop, and started to notice as I identified each one accurately. He walked over with an intrigued expression and asked if I was in the perfume business. I told him that I was and about my shop, which he was familiar with. We struck up a pretty enthusiastic conversation, exchanged mobile numbers, and kept in touch.
    A great interview. Thanks for introducing us to people who are passionate about their work. I would love to try Vetiver 46, I love vetiver,labdanum and gaiac wood.

  • susan f says:

    their relationship seems to have so much mutual respect and appreciation for working towards a better industry rather than in competition. they seem to understand how this can be possible and beneficial for both to exist in the same breath.

    i would love to try both, though tahitian honey is really speaking to me with temple mandarin and plumeria.

  • JessieB says:

    I loved the story of how they met! How fun. I would love to try Tahitian Honey. Ginger and plumeria? Yes, please.

  • Amer says:

    “And we try to not talk too much about perfumery as well as it becomes annoying after a while…” hahaha

    ’nuff said

    Oops, forgot to say I choose Le Labo Vetiver with its labdanum, guaiac and Incense. mmm

  • monster says:

    I like that Alexandra’s intentions with making nice to the new neighbor was pure friendliness and not some elaborate machination for the larger fragrance industry. Speaks to how people really live their lives even if they’re businesspersons.

    Vetiver 46 with its pepper and labdanum makes me wanna possess it.

  • Jasmine Black says:

    i like the conversation on sharing customers at the “Perfume Commune.”
    I choose Tahitian Honey with the plumeria and resins and honey.

  • sherapop says:

    Favorite quote: “Having individuality in common would not allow us to be the same.”

    I would like to win Vetiver 46, with labdanum, cedar, and incense.

    Thanks for a great interview and draw!

  • Lindaloo says:

    What I find interesting about their friendship is their respect for each other’s perspectives — none of that “no perfume is successful without some synthetic ingredients” vs “all synthetics are bad”.
    Their commonality seems to be use of quality ingredients and freedom to create.
    Favourite quotes: Alexandra – “We wanted to create a little cohesion and amplify perfumery as a concept….”
    Fabrice – …this is about fun, about human encounters, adventure, entrepreneurship, sharing, contributing….”

    Fun to read about their lunch date and the teaser about a new project by Fabrice.

    I would love to experience Tahitian Honey with its notes of fresh ginger and plumeria blossoms.

    Thanks so much for the interview and the generous draw offer.

  • Linnea Wiedeman says:

    “I think we both place importance on high-quality raw materials and we both create what we want to create. I think both brands are very individualistic. Having individuality in common would not allow us to be the same. ”
    I think Tahitian Honey sounds most appealing with the Fresh Ginger, Temple Mandarin and Plumeria Blossoms in the notes.

  • shannon says:

    favorite quote: “Fragrance should have an element of fun because if it doesn’t, than how could it make us happy?”

    Tahitian Honey sounds interesting with notes of mandarin, honey, and resins.

  • Mihaela says:

    Favorite quote: “I have ideas on vacations and the rest of the year, I just try to make them happen”.
    It’s my favorite quote because I identify with it. I tend to do the same.

    I don’t really like vetiver so I will choose Tahitian Honey because honey and mandarin sound awsome. 🙂

  • Barry says:

    I like the idea of a commune for perfume, or for anything. The cheese less pizza was good. I’d like the vetiver perfume if I win because I’m totally nuts about labdanum right now and it also has pepper and cedar a couple others that I love.

  • Lisa R says:

    I thought it was cool how Alexandra controls each aspect of her perfume down to the distillations of the fragrances. Also I was intrgued by the idea of cheese-less pizza 😛

    The thing that most surprised me though was how they mostly wore their own fragrances. I guess it makes sense to be testing out new blends and stuff, but still was a shock to hear.

    I would love some tahitian honey! With it’s plumeria, resins and honey it sounds delicious!

  • Pau says:

    I always liked people to whom success is not the obsession. So I liked the idea about creation as the main obsession. I would like to win Le Labo Vetiver 46 with gaïac and labdanum.

  • Amy M. says:

    I got a kick out of reading Alexandra’s comment, “The idea of a signature perfume you wear for fifty years without exception freaks me out.”

    The Tahitian Honey would be my choice were I to win. It includes one of my favorite notes – honey, as well as Plumeria blossoms. Thank you for the draw and great article.

  • Lean S says:

    Oh darn.. I forgot the notes. please disregard my previous post:

    I really liked this quote: “We wanted to create a little cohesion and amplify perfumery as a concept, rather than existing in a vacuum of petty competition. I don’t think prosperity relies on being the only one. That just means that people hardly have a choice.”

    I would love to choose Vetiver 46, with notes of gaïac, pepper, and cedar

  • siren says:

    I think the story of how they met was quite interesting, it was based on a few coincidences. I would prefer Tahitian Honey with plumeria and mandarin!

  • Irina says:

    favourite quote:” I think Alex is much closer to the status of artist as anyone, any other brand I know in the industry. She controls every step of the process, from the distillation process to the actual final creation. ”
    I think I would prefer “Tahitian Honey”with ginger, plumeria blossom and honey
    thanks a lot for the draw

  • TaffyJ says:

    I thought this was a very cool quote from the lovely Alexandra, as it illustrates how humor is important in friendship:

    “Fabrice is a good listener and a good friend, which, by the way, doesn’t mean he won’t make fun of you if you give him the opportunity.”

    If I were fortunate enough to win this fabulous draw, I would select Tahitian Honey, which notes include fresh ginger, temple mandarin, and plumeria blossoms.

  • TimeaZsofia says:

    I found very interesting, about their friendship, that they met each other accidentaly, and Fabrice did not remember that exactly, so my favorite quote is:
    “But I actually remember that the second time I heard about you; it was a few years after, when we opened our first store in LA on W3rd. You had sent an enormous bouquet of white flowers to welcome us In her home city, and wish us good luck ! I thought “ Are we in the 1930’s in Paris? That’s elegance !”

    I would choose “Tahitian Honey”, and the two notes are: Plumeria Blossom and Temple Mandarin.
    Thank you for this fantastic draw!

  • angiefunk says:

    There friendship sounds sweet and endearing. Two souls meeting by chance with a common interest.

    AB: “The idea of a signature perfume you wear for fifty years without exception freaks me out.”
    I would choose Tahitian honey~ Plumeria and honey
    sounds lovely

  • Cristina says:

    I say they make a nice couple.
    I’d close to kill for Tahitian Honey with Plumeria and Honey.

  • Fabrice says:

    My favourite quote was “Fragrance should have an element of fun because if it doesn’t, than how could it make us happy?”. I would choose Vetiver 46 (gaïac, labdanum).

  • Dana says:

    I agree with Alexandra about somebody wearing a signature perfume for 50 years. How is that even possible? Either your taste changes or the fragrance changes. The Tahitian Honey sounds wonderful with the mandarin and honey. If I would be so lucky….that’s what I would choose.

  • Holly F. says:

    What a great interview of two amazing artists! I love that the common thread in their friendship is quality- not just quality of ingredients, mind you,l but quality of intentions. I appreciate the sincerity behind that. My favorite quote: “There is no other message than a simple beautiful connection and the will to dig together into new territories.” Tahitian honey would be my choice, with plumeria blossoms, and resins- I can’t resist.

  • nekosan says:

    I like how they have different focuses but work well bouncing idea off each other.

    I would choose Tahitian Honey, with GINGER! and honey. =)

  • MNtwin says:

    Wow, that was a really interesting read. My favorite part was the question about commonality between them.

    Fabrice: “Yes, quality indeed… but beyond the ingredients, it is the quality of intention behind our work that brings us together. We are not obsessed by the bottom line; our work is a passion, which happens to be a business, and eventually successful ones. But the success was not the obsession. Creation was, in both our cases.”

    That’s a really great message, and something that all to often gets lost.

    I’d love Tahitian Honey, as I love honey and ginger. Seriously, I love those two notes, I’d be ecstatic to win this!

  • Jay K says:

    Very classy that Alexandra sent Fabrice flowers for his LA store opening! That is really sweet. I also thought it was funny that Fabrice forgot meeting Alexandra!

    Please put me down for Vetiver 46, which is an amazing scent that includes cedar, gaiac, and pepper.

  • Perfume Lover says:

    I love the idea of two alike companies settling down next-door to each other. It says we support each other, and profits are not the goal. A commune I’d join in a heartbeat.

    Tahiatian Honey sounds great with notes of Ginger and Plumeria, or Fragiapani. 🙂

  • Sujaan says:

    I loved Fabrice’s quote, “Yes, quality indeed… but beyond the ingredients, it is the quality of intention behind our work that brings us together.” I believe intention is everything and I am happy to hear that hers resonates with what I would expect from a company like SIP.
    Both of these lines intrigue me. I am on a quest to find my favorite in each. I would love to win Tahitian Honey with plumeria blossoms and ginger.

  • Tami H. says:

    My favorite quote is ” Fragrance should have an element of fun because if it doesn’t, than how could it make us happy? ”
    I would like to win the Tahitian Honey with resins and ginger.
    Thanks for the draw!

  • Irena says:

    I learned from the article that Alexandra and Fabrice are completle different persons, so their perfume shops are, too. But the quote: “two shops being next to one another does not pose the question: Le Labo or Strange Invisible?” explains everything – both perons are very individual in their own way.
    Would love to win Tahitian Honey with ginger and plumeria.

  • Miles V says:

    I like the story of how they met. I’m sure he was quite surprised to hear a complete stranger rattle off all the correct essences! I’d choose Tahitian Honey with its ginger, honey and temple mandarin.

  • Jane A. says:

    favorite quote: How present the essence of the creator is in the creation.

    I choose Tahitian Honey. Ginger and plumeria blossoms.

    Thanks for having this wonderful draw.

  • Joshua says:

    I enjoyed the part where they described what they like about each other.
    Alexandra: His mischievous sense of humor and sincerity.

    Fabrice: her scary intelligence, her independence, and her candor.

    Humor, sincerity, scary intelligence, candor – what you appreciate about others says a lot about yourself, and they seem like genuine, intelligent, and talented individuals. Also the friendship seems built out of genuine respect, and I love that they don’t really view themselves as competitors.

    I would take Tahitian Honey, with notes of honey, ginger, and resins.

  • Hugo says:

    That was a pretty cool article. I found it interesting that she’s a natural perfumer and he’s a vegan (I don’t know why). Vetiver 46 sounds pretty cool. I like cedar and pepper.

  • Jennifer S says:

    I love that they’re buddies and hang out! Also it’s so neat that they want to share customers instead of competing for them!

    I’d really like that bottle of Tahitian Honey. Mmm honey, mandarin and ginger.. yum!

  • Mr. Baker says:

    Ah I love that two perfumers are also friends. They should collaborate on a scent sometime.

    Favorite quote from Fabrice about the commune – this is about fun, about human encounters, adventure, entrepreneurship, sharing, contributing…. There is no other message than a simple beautiful connection and the will to dig together into new territories.

    Sign me up for Tahitian Honey (mandarin, plumeria blossoms, resin).

  • PatriciaC says:

    I found this quote to be pretty interesting!

    Fragrance should have an element of fun because if it doesn't, than how could it make us happy? Fabrice you never know, maybe "it" is listening…although probaly not. But one day.

    Very cute idea! Leave's things open to the imagination-I would love to try the Tihitian Honey-sounds wonderful for summer with the fresh ginger and honey.

  • Rachel says:

    I think it is really great that people can experience the work of both of these perfumers so close together! I am partial to naturals however, as I think the smell of something from nature is so much more dynamic. I think Le Labo will help people think more non traditionally about perfume which is great. People need to open up their minds and noses, but I think Alexandra represents the future direction of scent. Perhaps that is my “natural” perfume bias, but I think she creates works that are way more out of the box and interesting than say a great synthetic sandalwood. But a lot more people will be able to recognize that in the long run as a result of houses like Le Labo.

  • carol duke says:

    Since I work with naturals in my line of perfumes which I call “ARCHIVE” (since my blends are reminiscent of the way perfume was created and was an important part of our lives a long time ago), I am always on the search for natural elements that are of such high quality there is no question about them.
    But I am curious about the” high quality synthetics” that Le labo uses-does the company create their own? How are synthetics high quality when they are created from chemicals? And are any of these high quality chemicals available to the small scale indie perfumers?
    Lots of questions…..can anyone answer them for me to try to shed some light on this confusion?

  • collars says:

    I liked this quote by Alexandra: “I think we both place importance on high-quality raw materials and we both create what we want to create. I think both brands are very individualistic. Having individuality in common would not allow us to be the same.”