Roberto Greco Porter Sa Peau Review (Rodrigo Flores-Roux) 2020 + Narcissus or its distorting mirror draw

 

Roberto Greco Porter Sa Peau

 Roberto Greco Porter Sa Peau

On October 15, 2020, between two lockdowns, art and perfume were finally back in Paris. In the heart of the Marais district and a stone’s throw from the Picasso Museum, famous photographer Roberto Greco was debuting his latest exhibition entitled, Porter Sa Peau (Wearing One’s Skin). Three years after Œillères, we discover a new series of his magnificent photos, linked to a perfume, (which he always refers to as an “objet parfumant”, a perfuming object).

 

Rodrigo Flores-Roux Givaudan

Rodrigo Flores-Roux, Master Perfumer and Vice President of Perfumery for Givaudan

 Roberto Greco chose to collaborate with master perfumer Rodrigo Flores-Roux (Givaudan), whom he particularly appreciates for his great understanding of fragrance history and culture, as well as Rodrigo’s ability to reinvent the classics in his own signature style: For Porter Sa Peau, I wanted to obtain a patina with retro accents, but with a slightly more modern twist to avoid categorizing the accord and confining it in an era or style”.

 

Roberto Greco photographer and perfumes

Roberto Greco self portrait

They worked  together for almost two years. Like Œillères, the creative inspiration began with the series of photos by Roberto Greco that ended as an olfactory accompaniment: “I try to put my artistic point of view into perspective, whether it is symbolic, dialectical or sometimes simply sensorial“.

 

Roberto Greco Porter Sa Peau Exhibition in Paris Oct 15, 2020

 Roberto Greco Porter Sa Peau exhibition 1

Roberto Greco Porter Sa Peau is first a series of photographs, all with a misty and grainy graphic treatment, where the omnipresence of pastel colorimetry contrasts with the very carnal aspect of the  purposely overexposed photos.

 

Porter Sa Peau exhibition 2

 Roberto Greco Porter Sa Peau exhibition 2

Roberto Greco Porter Sa Peu follows Œillères,  but this time seen through the prism of distorting mirrors, within 4 scenes/themes that respond to personal memories using specific 17th century art  symbolism, or inventing his own imagery. “Dogs and Italians, keep out!”, “Howling at the Moon”, “Mother Tongue” and “Reflecting my Narcissus” tell a story concentrated in that perfume extract signed by the Greco/ Flores-Roux duo. Photographs first, then the perfume: that was a real purpose while exploring the exhibition. All visitors discovered  “l’objet parfumant” at the very end of the tour, almost hidden behind an alcove.

 

Roberto Greco Porter sa Peau review

Reflecting my Narcissus

 The narcissus flower is at the center of Roberto Greco Porter Sa Peau, not only for its scent, but because it evokes the reflection of oneself (and one’s thoughts) in the mirror. In perfumery, narcissus has complex aspects, both green and carnal.  Using this duality, Rodrigo Flores-Roux has translated Roberto Greco’s photos foggy lighting using aldehydes; they illuminate the narcissus with their warm, almost soapy notes, and offset the iris powdery and “vintage” accents. Hawthorn is also present, supporting the nostalgic florals of Porter Sa Peau. And  as the fragrance evolves it becomes even more sensual; one can easily perceive the notes of leather, musk and ambergris that bring raw animalics to the opening.

 

Dogs And Italians Keep Out theme of Porter sa Peau by Roberto Greco

 “Dogs And Italians Keep Out”

Porter Sa Peau is an “objet parfumant” that entices and seduces more and more every day.  At first, it is reminiscent of  vintage chypre perfumes, a time when skin perfume was for oneself, when the sillage was not the first concern. On my skin, I found Roberto Greco Porter Sa Peau to be elegant, and then the surprise of a celluloid facet reminding me of my childhood dolls.  As time went on,  it was more animalic, thanks to the leather and ylang-ylang notes, keeping throughout the day that luminous aspect that makes this fragrance so sensual. The unfolding was slow, like a time lapse photography intensifying and highlighting its creamy, almost moist flesh side as time went on.

It is the perfume we spray a few minutes before going to bed, that accompanies us gently into the depths of our dreams and that, above all, is still on our skin when we wake up. Warm and soft. And which, even after a long hot shower, is still perceptible on our skin. The one we wear.

Will there be a third opus following Œillères and Porter Sa Peau? “Certainly,” says Roberto Greco. “But I have to admit that it will take me about 3 years to create a new photographic series and the perfuming object that accompanies it. Perhaps in 2023!

 Roberto Greco Porter Sa Peau is a limited edition of 500 pieces, numbered and signed.

Notes: angelica, hawthorn, aldehydes, sage, iris, jasmine, narcissus, rose, ylang-ylang, ambergris, oakmoss, musk, patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, leather, balms.

All artwork by Roberto Greco, unless otherwise stated.

Emmanuelle Varron, Contributor

Porter Sa Peau by Roberto Greco

Porter Sa Peau sample photo by Emmanuelle

Thanks to the generosity of Roberto Greco, we are offering 3 samples of Porter Sa Peau to three registered readers in Europe, the U.K and the U.S.  You must register here for your comment to count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what interested you about  Emmanuelle’s review of Porter Sa Peau and where you live. Draw closes 12/23/2020.

Note: Samples will be sent  to the winners in the first days of January.

Available at Jovoy Paris and Luckyscent

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebon @monbazarunlimited @robertogreco_photo @rodrigofloresroux

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38 comments

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    This sounds gorgeous–old school chypre sensibilities and narcissus…it is right up my alley! I also loved the previous Greco scent in all it’s green, pastoral, cuminey goodness. Thanks for this draw! I’m in the US.

  • Its interesting that a perfume is paired with a photography exhibit. I like the photo Dogs And Italians Keep Out featured in the article. I enjoy skin scents, this perfume sounds very special. Thanks for the draw, I am in the US.

  • am becoming drawn to more old-school simplistic packaging. i think more attention should be put on the frangrances, not the bottles. the older style bottles preserve the juices better anyway

  • I am interested to see what this fragrance is like; I enjoy chypres. I’m also interested to become familiar with the work of perfumer, Rodrigo Flores-Roux. I live in MD., U.S.A.

  • Someone just introduced me to Roberto Greco, and I haven’t tried them yet. Now having read this introduction, with its elegant wording and images, it looks like a must try–especially I am always into fragrances interacting with arts! Also thanks for introducing the term “objet parfumant”. (US)

  • I love how Roberto uses his own photography to tell the story of his scent. The reflection of the narcissus and how it shows the two sides of ourselves is perfect for this note that always has so many facets. I love that this is in the vintage style but, I’m sure done in a completely new way. I would love to smell this! Thank you for the draw. I’m in the US.

  • What a marvellous idea to combine photography and perfumery in the way Roberto Greco does! I love the choice of the name, Porter sa peau… So sensual and evocative, and from Emmanuelle’s review of the notes, it sounds amazing! It would be an immense pleasure to be able to try this fragrance! I live in Milan, Italy

  • Michael Lynady says:

    The inspiration of photography is quite interesting.
    I enjoy chypres and this one sounds very nice.
    Pennsylvania USA

  • Porter Sa Peau is an “objet parfumant” that entices and seduces more and more every day. At first, it is reminiscent of vintage chypre perfumes, a time when skin perfume was for oneself, when the sillage was not the first concern. On my skin, I found Roberto Greco Porter Sa Peau to be elegant, and then the surprise of a celluloid facet reminding me of my childhood dolls. As time went on, it was more animalic, thanks to the leather and ylang-ylang notes, keeping throughout the day that luminous aspect that makes this fragrance so sensual. The unfolding was slow, like a time lapse photography intensifying and highlighting its creamy, almost moist flesh side as time went on.

    It is the perfume we spray a few minutes before going to bed, that accompanies us gently into the depths of our dreams and that, above all, is still on our skin when we wake up. Warm and soft. And which, even after a long hot shower, is still perceptible on our skin. The one we wear.

    Will there be a third opus following Œillères and Porter Sa Peau? “Certainly,” says Roberto Greco. “But I have to admit that it will take me about 3 years to create a new photographic series and the perfuming object that accompanies it. Perhaps in 2023!”

    Roberto Greco Porter Sa Peau is a limited edition of 500 pieces, numbered and signed.

    Notes: angelica, hawthorn, aldehydes, sage, iris, jasmine, narcissus, rose, ylang-ylang, ambergris, oakmoss, musk, patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, leather, balms. A beautiful description by Emmanuel really fascinated me I am intrigued by the notes especially Rose, Patchouli and Musk. Thanks a million from the United Kingdom

  • The narcissus flower is at the center of Roberto Greco Porter Sa Peau, not only for its scent, but because it evokes the reflection of oneself (and one’s thoughts) in the mirror. In perfumery, narcissus has complex aspects, both green and carnal. Using this duality, Rodrigo Flores-Roux has translated Roberto Greco’s photos foggy lighting using aldehydes; they illuminate the narcissus with their warm, almost soapy notes, and offset the iris powdery and “vintage” accents. Hawthorn is also present, supporting the nostalgic florals of Porter Sa Peau. And as the fragrance evolves it becomes even more sensual; one can easily perceive the notes of leather, musk and ambergris that bring raw animalics to the opening. A beautiful description by Emmanuel I am intrigued by the notes especially Narcissus and Hawthorn the most. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • Narcissus flower at the center of Porter sa Peau evoking self-reflection caught my interest! Thanks Emmanuelle!
    Happy holidays from Puyallup, WA USA

  • So I love Roberto Greco self portrait.
    Usually I am not impressed by visual art, but these pictures made me search for more Roberto Greco and I was impressed with what I’ve found.
    This whole idea of a collection finalised with a perfume is great.
    I would love to win a sample.
    Hugs from Romania

  • I really enjoy how Rodrigo and Roberto collaborated to create a fragrance with culture and soul behind it! I really appreciate when a fragrance has depth beyond purely the scent, and takes you on a sensory journey. Shout out from NY, USA.

  • Cheveuxauxvents says:

    L’univers me plaît énormément visuellement et intellectuellement… et si je comprends la démarche conceptuellement j’adorerais la sentir olfactivement.
    J’espère en avoir l’occasion eventually 🙂

  • I find it interesting that has taken 2 years of collaboration to develop the fragrance. The description of how the scent develops on the skin made me even more interested in the fragrance. And a limited batch has its own appeal, too. I live in the EU.

  • Rodrigo Flores-Roux can do not wrong as far as I’m concerned so I will be interested to try this one. Interesting concept. I’m in USA.

  • This sounds very creative and lovely. I am always in the search of something to trigger my imagination and creativity. I hope to be able to smell something like this! It just sounds enchanting.

    California, USA

  • pimpompompam says:

    Beautiful pictures. It was interesting how they got translated to fragrance. Genius. Delicate, elegant almost minimalistic an so exclusive. I love what i am finding out here. I am from Chicago, IL aka. Windy City, and I would love to let the wind carry this fragrance into the air and fog the air with sensual aldehydes.

  • IAs soon as I saw that Porter Sa Peau was available in the U.S., I ordered a sample. I loved Œillères and this new one is equally exciting. Nonetheless, I enjoyed Emmanuelle’s description of the art work that accompanied it, and the accompanying analysis of how the scent unfolds on her skin. My first response to wearing it was, “This doesn’t smell like applied perfume. It smells more like something pleasant is emerging from under my skin.” Maybe it’s the animalic touches that made it seem so natural. I may own a sample already, but I would cherish another one! I am in the US, in North Carolina.

  • What interests me the most is the collaboration between the two people who created the scent. Working together to create a perfume from photographs must be really difficult. Many thank for a wonderful review and many thanks to Roberto Greco for making this draw possible. I’m in the USA.

  • More and more, I’m interested in the slow. I used to like to know what a scent was and what it would be. Part of it was sensitivity to smells…I’ve sprayed so many things on joyfully, only to find that the heart notes gave me a headache or turned sour. But as I’ve learned more about scent and been exposed to more (and better) things, I’ve come to love the journey and the mystery of waiting for the scent to unfold. I love the idea of a time lapse photo in this interview and waiting to see what fades and what comes into clarity. Just the way to pass the time trapped at home this winter.

  • vickalicious says:

    The note breakdown on this fragrance sounds amazing! I love that Roberto is an artist/photographer expanded into the realm of fragrance. I would love to try this one, it sounds phenomenal! Located in the US.

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the great writeup Emannuelle.

    I loved your line about fragrances accopnaying us to the depths of sleep. I often spritz a bit before sleeping and I love the smell when I cover up with blankets and it warms up. I also love the smell in the morning of the drydown.

    I love the sound of the notes on this one.

    Regards from WI, USA

  • Narcissus is a very under-utilized note in modern perfumery. I like the choice of putting it first and center. I will continue to follow Roberto. I live in Denmark, EU.

  • I am intrigued how the luminous aspect unfolds in this scent, “like a time lapse photography intensifying and highlighting its creamy, almost moist flesh side”.
    I live in the EU, thanks for the draw.

  • I always found capturing a fragrance’s true essence in a picture a real challenge, because one has to imagine a set that makes the viewer feel the scent only by looking and without involving other senses. I currently live in Romania.

  • I just love the intersection between photography and fragrance. I love to experience how the artist and perfumer demonstrate themes like luminosity. The notes of Porter Sa Peau intrigue me, especially the angelica and narcissus.
    I live in the USA.

  • wandering_nose says:

    I love an idea of an old school type perfume that envelops the wearer like a second skin. The narcissus with aldehydes, leather, musk and animalic ambergris sound irresistible. Emmanuelle’s review has enticed me to start using better quality perfumes before going to sleep – maybe that brings nicer and more carefree dreams? I am in Ireland.

  • This is an interesting concept to have a perfume accompanying a series of photographs. This description of Porter Sa Peau by Emmanuelle resonated with me – “It is the perfume we spray a few minutes before going to bed, that accompanies us gently into the depths of our dreams and that, above all, is still on our skin when we wake up. Warm and soft. And which, even after a long hot shower, is still perceptible on our skin. The one we wear.” The notes all look great, but it seems one will have to see the photos and wear the perfume and meditate on both to see the artistry of the perfumer and the photographer and the synergy between the two. Thanks for the draw and the review. Writing from the USA.

  • I was really interested in the way that the narcissus was described, being called both green and carnal. This is a floral scent that interests me. I live in Florida, US.

  • What was really interesting to me was the way that photography and perfumery would be combined. I usually don’t like floral fragrances but I find this one very fascinating and would be something that I would like to try. I live in Florida, US.

  • I really liked that this fragrance would be done in a vintage style and that to me was very interesting. I also like how he uses the notes of the narcissus to convey the idea of having multiple sides to ourselves. I thought that was a very clever way to do that. I like all the symbolism that is featured in this fragrance, I am very intrigued. I live in the US.

  • Thank you Emmanuelle for this review. I like the idea of a warm and soft perfume that’s worn to give comfort to self like when drifting off to sleep. I’m in USA

  • beginswithaJ says:

    An amazing Chypre! yes! I’d love to experience this journey of spraying before bed time 😉 What an interesting concept of wearing a fragrance with patina from the night before. Cheers from The Netherlands

  • I love this Porter Sa Peau. I have a passion for perfume. I enjoy being a part of the community.