Aaron Potterman is an American Perfumer and a Musician
Aaron Potterman, an American perfumer who is inspired by vintage fragrances, got my attention when I posted a photo of Coco Chanel and Lucien Lelong together in Venice on my Facebook page a few months ago. Aaron left a comment that Lelong was a hero of his. It seemed so incongruous; although I knew Aaron was a perfumer he is also a musician and was part of of the underground Acid House Music phenom out of Chicago during the 1980s. I couldn't wait to read his profile! –Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief
Profile: One could say I am an “international man.” My family history is very blurred as my grandparents hid a vast amount of information when they came to the United States from Europe (Belgium). I was born and grew up in Illinois, but from an early age spent a massive amount of time traveling. To this day I still travel on a regular basis and spend very little time in one given place any given time. Nonetheless, home base is still in the heart of Illinois. I must admit, there's something about it I love and am continually drawn back to no matter where I go. Thus, why I call it home.
Aaron -adorable!
Growing up in Illinois was very interesting as I was always a rebel. My childhood was spent in large out on the farm and fairly isolated. It was a story of field flowers and corn fields. I hated the corn and loved the flowers with every single last shred of my existence. The fragrance fascinated me, but the business of agriculture bored me to tears. It was the flowers and the scents that I lived for. For as long as I can remember, I was doing everything possible to capture that scent of home. Peonies, roses, freshly mowed hay, honey vine….I loved it all plus some. It's always stuck with me. As I got older, the aesthetic of being a “farm boy” started to bug me. I rebelled against it and immersed myself in punk rock, new romanticism, and ultimately house and techno music. I spent a ridiculous amount of time studying art , fashion, perfume, and music – burning with an obsession with all things French, British, German, and Italian. It was then that I made a vow to myself to do more with my life in terms of art in order to get to these places. Luckily, I was able to travel a lot!
Where did You Go? Dist303 (Preview teaser clip from Aaron's new single out later this year)
My first foray was in the realm of music.. To put it lightly, I was obsessed with electronic dance music. I bought every synthesizer, drum machine, and electronic music making gadget I could get my hands on…anything to make music. I started making demos and expanding my arsenal with every opportunity I had -starting my small record label, Dist303 Music to distribute the music. One of the synthesizers that was the most successful for me was the Roland TB 303. Because of that machine, I traveled the world, met a crazy amount of people, raved for years, and became a part of the legend of Acid House Music (in the most underground of terms).
Rave Practice: Aaron rehearsing for a performance.The small silver box on the left is the TB 303 (The synthesizer he named the company after).
I was fortunate enough in my music to become involved in the fashion industry – a goal I had from the very beginning. Not only did I create music for fashion shows, I dj'ed it, and also modeled clothing for both indie designers and a few large regional chains. Looking back on it it was a magical time, but it was also a very trying time for me. I broke down and eventually cut my ties to all things in the industry. I pulled my records, I pulled the photo's, I withdrew and fled back into traveling and study. During this time, I spent a few years exploring the world and rediscovering my love of scent. I watched fields of flowers being processed in France. I enjoyed the loveliness of the breezes absolutely full of fragrance causing my imagination to blossom and an epiphany to manifest itself. I wanted to make perfume.
Coco Chanel and Lucien Lelong , Venice 1931
I soon returned to the United States and studied marketing at a large state university. My primary focus was marketing of perfume. I looked at the history of perfumes/cosmetics, and developed a great love of all things vintage whilst doing it. The history of the houses of Lucien Lelong, Houbigant, Guerlain, Charles of The Ritz, Revlon, and Schiaparelli particularly fascinated me. Every project I ever did was based on the story of perfume. During college there was a renaissance in my music and again started to produced and perform globally. Luckily, it got me through college. After college, I spent time in California, Florida, and then headed back to Europe to spend time in Italy and France. It was this go around that I decided to start my perfume house. It was named after the music and synthesizer that brought my success – House Music and the TB 303. Les Parfums de la Maison 303 (Maison 303) was born. I made it a goal to take it to the US and make it in the USA, and that's exactly what I did.
Frank J M Miles of Cheramy
I love the history of American Perfumery and cosmetics in the early 1900's. I'm particularly fascinated with Melba Manufacturing Company, which was based in Chicago. It's a tale of a lone farm boy and his will to make something of himself. A story I love. The history of Cheramy and its connection with Houbigant and Colgate (the brilliant perfumer and business man Frank J M Miles being a key in all of them in the United States) is always a fascinating subject with me. Richard Hudnut and his credo and empire was extraordinary.
Charles Revson, Founder of Revlon , 1957
The perfumes of Revlon and Charles of the Ritz are absolute classics in my book. What Revlon has done for American business is truly remarkable. When I think of how all of these companies started, it hearkens back to a time when hope, a dream, determination, and some grit could do huge marvelous things. It's my dream, our dream– the American Dream. I make my perfumes not unike the urn fragrances of Caron; from a small batch (sealed test tubes) into a refillable bottle and in very limited quantities.
Les Parfums de la Maison 303
On American Perfumery: It’s an exciting and challenging time right now (in light of the current economic environment). For me, it's a time of scaling back and exploring the art of what I do more fully It's a time to gather ideas, to rethink things through – to remake and remodel. To examine the differences between need and want. To get by with less in order to get more without compromising quality. To keep an eye out on regulations in the industry and finally, to rebel whilst still keeping the peace. In other words, it's challenging beyond all comprehension.
Madonna Into the Groove
Favorite American Artist: Oh there are so many as I love art in so many different forms. However, I think one artist that really strikes a chord with me is Madonna. She's a Midwestern girl that went for it full on. Her music, her style, her convictions, and just plain her makes me want to strive to achieve more. Her success is extraordinary and still going. Amazing.
–Aaron Potterman, Founder and Perfumer of Les Parfums de la Maison 303 (the site is currently under construction but you can check out his music here
Vintage 1940s Houbigant Chantilly ad
Thanks to Aaron we have a very special treat for our USA readers: 10 ml of Ode à la Mémoire (Notes-Top: Lemon Verbena, Citrus, Floral Aldehyde, Mid: Mimosa, Patchouli, Base: Amber, Sandalwood, Vanilla). This is the perfume he made in honor of the floral aldehydes and Orientals of Lucien Lelong along with a nod to the glorious Houbigant Chantilly by Marcel Billot (1941).
Ode à la Mémoire
To be eligible please leave a comment about what you found fascinating about Aaron's profile (there is quite a bit!). Draw closes July 28, 2014
Support our American Perfumers!!!
Please like CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery on Facebook and your entry will count twice.
We announce the winners on our site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize wil be just spilled perfume