WHAT IS "HIGH PERFUMERY"? HOUSE OF MATRIARCH PERFUMER CHRISTI MESHELL SHARES HER MANIFESTA

Posted on March 04, 2017 by Christi Meshell

High Perfumery is a branch of Epicureanism.  Those familiar with the philosophies of Epicureanism know that the goals are beauty, inspiration and tranquility - the same goals of fine fragrance creation.  Here, I share my Manifesta of High Perfumery - the 8 standards which can elevate a perfume from a mere scent to a work of High Art. 

 

 1.  Contains noble materials – those which cannot be faked or reproduced by man - only by Time and Nature.
    
 2. Possesses a quintessence. The arrangement does not already exist in nature or anywhere else - it’s novel. It forms a new smell where none of the individual essences dominate.
    
 3. Evokes the desire to be savored and enjoyed - it has an air of luxury and rarity. 
     
 4. Improves with time like a fine compounded spirit or fine wine. No denaturant other than the fragrant essences may be used.
   
 5. Crafted and refined by “nose” from the base form of the raw ingredient in batches not larger than an individual perfumer can manage.  Made by hand, not machines.
    
 6. Offers a benefit to psyche and spirit by elevating or elating. 
  
 7. Causes no harmful effects within the body. Experimental and new essences with less than 70 years of safety data cannot be included.
  
8. Is created ethically and sustainably.
  

Epicureanism must be distinguished from hedonism, which always involves a negative aftermath - a price to pay.  If the restraint necessary for the practice of Epicureanism is lost, the pleasure is corrupted into divine discontent and dis-ease ensues.  A perfume can be exceptionally beautiful and alluring, however if it does not meet the standards of Epicureanism, it cannot be considered High Perfumery.

NATURE IS THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

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