Event Report: Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2023 + Niche and Indie Perfume Swag Bag Giveaway

Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2023

                                     Team Karen: Karen Adams of Sniffapalooza, Hernando’s badge, and Mulberry Street

For Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2023,  on October 21st, the prediction of rainy weather was a concern. With ten stores to visit and shop at and lunch, the rain can be a downer. Fortunately, it held off, and our group of 65 fragrance aficionados was able to make our way around scent alley.”

Much has stabilized on Elizabeth Street since the pandemic decimated many of the retail boutiques. The ‘scent trek’ has risen back up to ten stores.

Malin + Goetz Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2023

Malin + Goetz at Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2023

Beginning at 10 am, with an open house-style drop-in, our first stop was Malin + Goetz which hosted us for a light breakfast. The attentive staff presented an extensive collection of skin, hair, and body products, and hot at the moment, the new Strawberry eau du parfum and candle. It’s their reimagined interpretation of the common garden strawberry – deconstructed and unexpected.

LE LABO Soho

LE LABO Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2023

Le Labo’s Flagship boutique went through a renovation earlier this year and the better to showcase their quintessential fragrance and candle collections. Ancillary products like laundry wash, Body-Hair-Face, and Men’s Grooming Collections are equal to the task. A must-stop for the group.

Ryan Hunts of Beach Geeza and Scent Bar NYC store manager, Vijay Uttam Sniffapalooza fall ball 2023

Ryan Hunts of Beach Geeza and Scent Bar NYC store manager, Vijay Uttam 

The one and only ScentBar fulfills a fragrance lover’s every desire. Fragrance specialist and store manager, Vijay Uttam and his knowledgeable staff greeted us warmly. The assortment of top-notch selection of independent niche brands is most impressive. Recent releases that got attention include Fragrance Du Bois Voyage A Paris, Creed Carmina, Ex Nihilo Blue Talisman, and Giardini di Toscana Christos & Borabora to name a few.

Korres is one of Greece’s iconic beauty brands. They have been producing skincare since 1996. Known internationally for its all-natural line of cosmetics and grooming products, the seed-to-skin brand focuses on clean, ingredient-first Greek beauty formulations. Everything is sourced exclusively from Greece, supporting Greek farmers. Korres is certified by Peta.

Retail Manager, Shannah Pryatel The Naxos Apothecary

Retail Manager, Shannah Pryatel with Sniffapalooza fragrance shoppers The Naxos Apothecary

The Naxos Apothecary is the sister boutique to Korres. The luxury natural fragrance and personal care brand evokes the history, culture, heritage, and endemic flora of the Aegean Island of Naxos. Combined with scientific expertise in phyto-therapy, this sophisticated apothecary offers personalized herbal cosmetic remedies as well as soulful storytelling through fragrances and candles.

Olfactory NYC Soho Boutique

Olfactory NYC Soho Boutique Fall Ball 2023 

On Mott Street is Olfactory NYCThe attraction here is to younger-skewing scent base in part due to the fragrances created by a number of fragrance’s top perfumers at a fraction of the cost. The guided customization and personalization program allows each scent to be styled to one’s specifications and bottled on-site, which ensures a freshly made creation every time.

Mizensir Soho Boutique

Mizensir Soho Boutique Fall Ball 2023 

A recent addition to the neighborhood on Prince Street is Mizensir, a new boutique that features the splendid creations of Master Perfumer Alberto Morillas. General Manager, Jennifer DiCesare was available to present the extensive and impressive collections of fragrances and candles. Blue Gin was a fave with notes of Mandarin Orange, Juniper Berries, and Tonka Bean.

Diptyque‘s NYC flagship boutique on Prince Street staff showcased the Holiday Edition L’Eau Papier eau de toilette (White Musk, Mimosa, Blonde Woods Accord) penned by Fabrice Pellegrin along with the wonderful holiday Classic Candle Collection with Gold Lids and sampler sets.

D.S. & Durga Mulberry Street

D.S. & Durga Mulberry Street Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2023

 Husband-and-wife team David (D.S.) and Kavi (Durga) of D.S. & Durga intertwine their passion for music, art, travel, and design in their brand. The scents, candles, and the design of their uber-hip store reflect their ethos. Recent releases Deep Dark Vanilla, Steamed Rainbow, the limited edition Salem Gothic, and Award Winning Pistachio highlight the depth of their imagination. The Candle Collection is also a big draw. D.S.& Durga opened a Venice, CA boutique earlier this year.

 Sniffapalooza fall Ball 2023

TRUDON Soho Boutique Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2023

Trudonhaving dropped the Cire has re-opened now on Spring Street much to our delight. The well-appointed boutique is stunning and the wonderful staff make it a pleasure to shop here. Founded in 1643, Trudon is the world’s oldest candle manufacturer. They still produce their hand-crafted masterpieces at their atelier in Normandy. A must-visit!

Lunch at Little Italy’s La Mela is a five-course affair paired with a line-up of seven speakers. Much ado about everything!

Lunch Presentations:

Nateeva fragrances, Beach Geeza Fragrances and Euphorium Brooklyn at Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2023

Jay McSherry, Co-Founder of Nateeva Fragrances, Ryan Hunts, Perfumer/Founder of Beach Geeza and Stephen Dirkes – Perfumer/Founder of Euphorium   Brooklyn

Co-founders Jay McSherry & Hope Freeman love exotic travel and the islands are their second home. The fragrances are inspired by the native flowers of each of these locations. Jay presented St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the latest creation of the Nateeva Collection. Notes of Night Blooming Jasmine, crisp mandarin, and cool coconut water. Enhanced with plumeria, orange flowers, and violet leaves, this new creation lives in a cloud of extravagance. A favorite of our Grenada scent trip.

Ryan Hunts, Perfumer and founder of Beach Geeza presented his latest creation, Monkey’s Blood (bring on the blood orange and dark cherry). With materials like Nagarmotha from New Guinea and Dark Indonesian Patchouli Monkey’s Blood has a macabre essence to it that’s perfect for the Halloween season. His Bay rum was one of the favorites from the Sniffapalooza Grenda excursion.

Stephen Dirkes launched his new fragrance, Bay Rum as part of his Caribbean perfumery offerings, “Euphorium West Indies”. Having just returned from his 6th SCENTS OF GRENADA fragrance festival with a Sniffapalooza group, where he had pairings, tastings, cocktails, workshops, distillations, tours, dinners, and teas all related to BAY RUM. Botanicals found in BAY RUM are mostly grown, harvested, and distilled, in the Caribbean.

Best Ormonde Jayne perfumes

Ormonde Jayne table display Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2023

Travis Lund North America Sales Executive of Ormonde Jayne presented us with an overview of the recent developments at the British brand. and the most recent collection, the Limited Montabaco series. The brand has updated the bottles which feature their trademark 8-sided shape with newly designed shoulders, holding 88mls. Using high-grade glass and increased lead content, the bottles are polished to a crystal finish.

It’s always captivating to listen to Amy Marks Mcgee of Trendincite present her look into upcoming trends. With the assistance of her family, she highlighted what to look for in Luxe Laundry Scents, Menopause Beauty, Refillable and Sustainable in Beauty and Fragrance, and Tasty Tacos. The Trendincite newsletter is a trove of superb information for those who want to be in the know. Don’t be left behind.

Carriere Freres table display Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2023

Nils Beeman, Sales & Marketing Manager for Carriere Freres explained the brand’s history dating back to 1884 to the present. Part of the succession line of The Royal Wax Factory, today known as Trudon they manufacture in the Trudon factory in Normandy. The candles are all handcrafted and come in a range of singular scents inspired by exotic or indigenous oils. The brand has a close association with the National Museum of Natural History and highlights one of their mutual values: the preservation of Earth’s biodiversity.

Mind Games perfumes

David Ecker Presenting Mind Games

David Ecker presented Mind Games a niche, unisex fragrance collection inspired by chess that launched in 2022. The luxury fragrances are precisely calculated by master perfumers who value the heat of the play above neutrality. Partnering with niche fragrance house Symrise, creators Alex (founder and CEO of The Fragrance Group) and Mariana Shalbaf  collaborate with perfumers such as David ApelAlexandra CarlinAnnick Menardo, and Nathalie Benareau to name a few.

Karen Adams and Karen Dubin of Sniffapalooza

Team Karen Karen Adams and Karen Dubin of Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2023

Thank you, Team Karen (Karen Dubin and Karen Adams) for a scentually wonderful Fall Ball 2023 to remember. Looking forward to seeing you at the Spring Fling 2024!

~Hernando Courtright, Senior Events Contributor and New York City Brand Ambassador

All Photos by Hernando of ÇaFleureBon unless otherwise stated

Best indie and niche perfumes at Sniffapalooza Fall ball 2023

Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2023 Gift Bag

We have a fragrance-filled Sniffapalooza swag bag filled with dozens of samples from the Fall Ball brands and presenters, ScentBar, Diptyque, D.S.& Durga, Euphorium Brooklyn, Korres, Mizensir, Trudon, Le Labo, Mind Games, Beach Geeza, and Nateeva Fragrances.

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 Fall Ball 2023 report and which brand or perfume you are really excited to get your nose on. The draw closes on November 4, 2023.

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebonofficial @CourtrightMgmt @Sniffapalooza @lelabofragrances @luckyscent @ vj_in_hk @dsanddurga @olfactorynyc @malinandgoetz @diptyque @mizensir @korres @trudon @ormondejayne @thenaxosapothecary @beachgeeza @carriere_freres @mindgamesfragrance @trendincite @nateeva_fragrances @symriseag

This is our Privacy and Draw Rules Policy

We announce the winners only onsite and on our Facebook page, so Like ÇaFleureBon and use our Blog feed…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

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26 comments

  • Lisa Binkman says:

    What an exciting inspiring report, Hernando! I wish I could have been there and I’ve really been curious to get my nose on the mind games line.
    This generous grab bag draw is a dream.
    Lisa US

  • ericwaynebiscuit says:

    Very much appreciate being taken along this journey down Scent Alley through Hernando’s report! Loved being able to learn more about the brick and mortars of fragrance brands I know and enjoy. I’ve got my eyes on several of the brands listed in this incredible swag bag, but I’m hopeful Steamed Rainbow by DS + Durga is there cause I gotta get another whiff of it after my sample broke right after receiving it!
    I’m in VA, USA.

  • What I enjoyed about Hernando’s very detailed Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2023 report were the releases that got attention, which included Fragrance Du Bois Voyage A Paris, Creed Carmina, Ex Nihilo Blue Talisman, and Giardini di Toscana Christos & Borabora, which were a few that were named. I’m excited to get my nose on some Beach Geeza. Thank you for the opportunity. From New York, USA.

  • I have read so much about D.S. & Durga that I would love to try their Pistachio or their Deep Dark Vanilla. The detailed reviews made me so jealous of the day everyone spent experiencing, discussion and learning about perfume and scent. Also, Korres or the Naxos Apothecary…anything from there would smell divine, in my opinion. I love hearing about the sniffapalooza, thank you! I’m in the US (Wa state).

  • It’s amazing that he was able to visit all of the boutiques in one day.
    He visited many of my favorite houses.
    DS, Mizensir, Ormond Jayne and Korres wh8ch I think is underrated.
    Hope to win.
    Oklahoma USA

  • Good evening from Indianapolis.
    I’m glad you drew attention to some of the non perfumerie (?) fragrances that these companies are making available. Like the laundry detergent, candles, etc. it’s nice to see that they’re making these awesome scents available in ways other than personal fragrance. Thanks for pointing that out!
    I’m excited for Beach Geeza and Mind Games. I look forward to their offerings and getting my nose on some of their wares.

  • Brad Woolslayer says:

    The game of chess sounds like a really interestiing concept for a fragrance line, and I would love to smell something from the lineup. I’ve also been curious about the D.S. & Durga house for awhile, and would love to sample some fragrances from that house as well. I live in Maryland USA.

  • Thank you Hernando, that was a captivating day that is well reported. I rather like being able to sniff different fragrances from different brands and the icing is to have people in the know who give you the backstories. This is really an exciting giveaway for one who is still seeking out new fragrant experiences. I’m in TX USA

  • That sounds like a fun day! Wish I lived near a bid city and could go to all those shops. I’m excited for Trudon, Diptyque, in fact all the brands. NY state. Thanks for the drawing.

  • This is an interesting read. I must say D.S. Durga’s store has that Brooklyn feel to it. I do wonder why Ormonde Jayne went for 88 ml size. Any specific reason? I am in US.

  • Hello from Florida, and thank you to Hernando for this wonderful account of the event!

    It’s amazing that a candle company founded in the 17th century is still around, so I enjoyed reading about Trudon’s shop. I’d be most interested in trying samples from them, Mizensir, and Nateeva.

  • I found Hernando’s comprehensive Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2023 report particularly enjoyable, especially the featured fragrance releases that garnered attention. It’s truly remarkable that he managed to visit all the boutiques in just one day. I’m looking forward to trying fragrances from D.S and Durga, as well as other brands I’ve been eagerly anticipating.

  • Always enjoy the photos of people whose names we read. Would be exciting to get my nose on some Beech Geeza I haven’t tried. US

  • sillage4ever says:

    The blood orange and dark cherry and patchouli of Monkey’s Blood has gotten my interest in the Beach Geeza brand, so fit for the season. Many of these new perfumes sound good to me, liking these directions for the industry.

  • About half way through my head started to spin around in circles: this sounds like an amazing, overwhelming and delirious day of fragrance heaven! I wish I’d been in attendance! If I have to pick only one brand I’m interested in from this listing, I’d have to go with D.S. & Durga because of the newest offering and my past experiences with their work. love it!

  • AromaDulce73 says:

    Nice to get a little tour of Sniffapalooza by Hernando. I’ve been to a couple of those place when I was in NYC earlier this year.

    Some of the brands or fragrances I’m excited to try are Monkeys Blood by Beach Geeza. Stephen Dirkes Bay Rum sounds interesting & anything from Ormonde Jayne would be great.

    Los Angeles Ca. USA

  • Wow, alot going on there in the sniffappolooza. Too many niches houses to remember but leave in to cafleurbon to bring em to ya. The Ormande Jayde release you feature with the oud in it sounds right up my alley. Since Steven’s review of Monkeys Blood I have been wanting to check that out. It doesn’t seem like something you can find at any old decant site. I hope to win the contest and get my hands on anything available. Jacksonville NC

  • foreverscents says:

    The Sniffapalooza Fall Ball must have beeb a blast to attend. I spent a day perfume shopping in Greenwich Village in 2019 and it was one of the best days of my life. The staff at the independent boutiques, especially ScentBar and Diptyque, were so kind and knowledgeable. I would really like to sample St. Vincent and the Grenadines from Nateeva Collection and Monkey’s Blood from Beech Geeza.
    I live in the USA.

  • Can’t imagine how much fun and walking that must be. All that sniffing!! All the perfumes sound so interesting and I would love to win. Beach Geeza Monkey Blood and DS and Durga Salem Gothic as well as Nateeva and Ormond Jayne appeal

  • Amazing report by Hernando right here.
    I would love to attend Sniffapalooza next year, and I am probably going to do it.
    I enjoy all the brands reunited and that people that attend these events can know as many fragrances as they want.
    I am really excited to get my nose on many fragrances listed like: Deep Dark Vanilla, Fragrance Du Bois Voyage A Paris, Creed Carmina and many of the brands that are available.
    US here.

  • The walking, neighborhood focus of Sniffapalooza makes it a unique and fun event; glad it could return for 2023 and attendance was strong, even if the number of stores is still bouncing back after pandemic closures. ScentBar seems like a particularly fun visit, with its wide range of niche brands, and welcoming space. The D.S. & Durga space also looks like a fun visit—those tall neon lights stand out in event photography. Trudon’s heritage candle making also looks terrific. Regarding the speakers, I love bay rum, so I’m intrigued by Stephen Dirkes “Euphorium West Indies” launch and would love to try his Bay Rum.

    I’m in the CON USA.

  • Thank you, Hernando, for the report.
    I am most excited hearing about Nateeva Fragrances and Diptyque. Sniffapalooza Fall Ball 2023 sounded like such a fun gathering, with lots of experienced and knowledgeable people sharing the rich histories behind some of my favorite perfume brands.
    Followed on Instagram. Much love from NY,US!

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the fun writeup on your visit Hernando.

    I would have loved to sniff the Ormonde Jayne collection and visit the Euphorium Brooklyn booths

    Cheers from WI, USA