Monday, August 6, 2012

A Smelly Post

Today we are all about perfume. Let's start with the article that reminded me of two of the treasures in Portland, Oregon:

http://news.yahoo.com/nose-crime-1-2m-french-perfume-nabbed-183534884--finance.html

It reminded of The Perfume House and its owner Chris Tsefalas. I was introduced to both several years ago when one on my clients took me on a walk through The Hawthorne District near where she lived. It turns out that Jade was Chris's brother. I learned more about perfume in the afternoon at The Perfume House than anyone could in a lifetime.

http://www.theperfumehouse.com/

Make sure you click on "heritage". You will discover that Mr. Tsfalas is a "nose", one of two hundred in the world. And is considered one of the twenty six best "noses" in the world. What is a nose? How do you become a nose?

"Perfumers, creators of fragrance, who are known as "Noses", are held in the highest esteem in the perfume industry and theirs is the final say as to whether or not a fragrance is acceptable. The primary requisite for becoming a Nose is a keen olfactory sense. It is not enough for the perfumer to be able to distinguish blindfolded between the fragrance of a rose and a tulip, but his sense of smell must be so acute that he can detect in a mixture of 100 or more ingredients the precise amount of the various substances that have contributed to the formula.

In order to become a perfumer one must be able to recognize various raw materials but must have the capacity and artistry to blend them harmoniously. One must be able to tell, for instance, whether a certain lot of labdanum is from Greece or Corsica; whether the oil of ylang-ylang comes from Madagascar or Manila; tell the difference between oils of the same species of plant cultivated in different countries, and which type will achieve a particular result. Lavender oil, for example, can have a top note that is floral, balsamic, sharp, sweet, green or nut-like. The Nose has his counterpart in the wine industry where the skilled expert can tell in an instant the region, type of grape, and vintage of the wine he is sampling. To get to be one of the top 26 noses in the world the prospective candidate must be able to recant all of the elements that comprises the essential elements within a fragrance before sprayed droplets of that perfume reach the floor."

Closing with an article about romance and scents that quotes Mr. Tsefalas.

http://www.oregonlive.com/living/index.ssf/2009/02/the_best_scents_for_those_who.html

If you want to order something from them I am sure they ship, if anyone visits Portland I will serve as your guide there. If you go alone, order off of the Internet, or contact them by phone tell them that Jade's former accountant, Bill, sent you there.

Now that you know more about perfume than you ever wanted to know comment away.

6 comments:

Lady DR said...

Interesting information. I wouldn't expect thieves to go after perfume, but what do I know.

The Perfume House sounds great and lucky you to get a complete tour!

I haven't worn perfume or cologne for years. Scents tend to attract bees and wasps and I was warned long ago to avoid just about anything with a scent. Makes my toiletries pretty "blah" (wry s), but it's worth it.

William J. said...

Hi DR

I was surprised that thiefs stole the perfume also. However, some of that perfume is pretty expensive.

I remember reading another article about The Perfume House a while back. The French government does a new goverment scent every 100 years. They chose The Perfume House to be their first vendor in the US. The way the perfume got her is they fly it here. They buy two first class tickets, one for the man or woman delivering the perfume and one for the perfume. I would imagine if you stole that perfume it would bring in a pretty price on the black market.

I where very light cologne. I usually get compliments on what I wear because it is so mild.

Bill

Pat said...

I had a "signature" scent when I was a teen/early 20s, maybe even beyond. It was "Aphrodisia" cologne by Faberge. I forget now when they stopped making it, but I was very sad to see it go, and never found a replacement, so I bop from one to another and most are okay, but just not the same.

I'm not sure I'd want to be recognized as one of the world's "200 noses", let alone one of 26, but I guess it's nice for Chris Tsefalas.

I see the third article may have been written by a relative. If not of mine, then of my husband's. Love his opening quote! Cool idea to have Napoleon's scent blend with Josephine's to make a whole new scent. I might even pay $80 to try them, together and apart. Maybe.

I've heard that pumpkin pie scent is extremely attractive to men. Hirsch's patents are intriguing, though I think I'd argue with their efficacy.

William J. said...

Hi Pat

I wonder if they have that signature scent in stock at The Perfume Houses.

In the perfume buinsess being a nose brings in a lot of cash to your business. It also allows the business to have special perfume delivered to them. However, I wouldn't want to be called a Nose.

Dennis Peck is a really good and long time writer for The Oregonian. Here is an article you might enjoy:

http://blog.oregonlive.com/oregonianeditors/2011/10/the_oregonians_dennis_peck_tea.html

My favorite scent on women is Obsession.

Bill

Pat said...

I think I tried Obsession and liked it okay but no better than anything else at the time. Funny thing about perfume--you can love one in the bottle or on somebody else, but if it doesn't work with your chemistry, it just doesn't work. My husband used to give me Chanel #5 until I pointed out to him that it just doesn't smell "right" on me. Too bad about that.

I'll check out the Peck article, even though he's really no relation. {s}

William J. said...

Hi Pat

I honestly didn't think he was related to you but I went with the flow.

Mens' scent works the same way. What is good for me, isn't good for someone else. I like mild scents someone else maybe not so much.

Bill