It’s Just Perfume

In this episode of It's Just Perfume, Steve and Dana spend time with Saskia Wilson Brown, the founder of the Institute for Art and Olfaction, a non-profit organization devoted to advancing education and public access to the olfactory arts. They discuss the impact of the IAO and Scent Bar on the burgeoning perfume scene in Los Angeles, transforming the city into an internationally recognized hub of scent creation.

Saskia's passion for perfume and its influence on culture motivated her to write The Cultures of Perfume, released by D.A.P. The book looks at various materials used in perfumery across many cultures over millennia and the associations we have with them. How did rose become associated with love? The answer involves both the Virgin Mary and Aphrodite. What was the scent associated with the decadence and abuse of power in the court of Versailles before the revolution?

The book is a must-read for anyone with a curiosity about perfume and the conversation around it was both enlightening and fun.

Perfumes mentioned in this episode:

00:36:06:25 Oranges and Lemons Say the Bells of St. Clements by Heeley

00:45:28:27 Avignon by Comme des Garcons available on Luckyscent.com

00:49:19:20 Chloe Sevigny Little Flower by Regime des Fleurs

00:50:10:25 Grace by Grace Coddington x Comme des Garcons

00:50:30:15 Rose Highland by Jorum Studio

00:55:22:08 Bee by Zoologist

00:58:17:28 Slowdive by Hiram Green Perfumes available on Luckyscent.com

00:58:34:07 Philtre by Hiram Green Perfumes available on Luckyscent.com

01:04:35:12 Wavechild by Room 1015 available on Luckyscent.com.com

Hosted by Steven Gontarski and Dana Kiley Buchanan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of It's Just Perfume, Steve sits down with journalist Ariel Baker from Marie Claire at Scent Bar Brooklyn. They talk about her career journey from health care into editorial and her personal journey from Jamaica to Massachusetts to New York City.

Ariel reveals her first perfume loves and her foray into niche as Marie Claire readers demanded more stories about the growing scent world. They talk about the relationships between brands, customers, journalists and content creators and how various generations discover perfume through different channels. We find out which bottles she grabs most often and what notes she's excited about. Iris, concrete anyone?

Perfumes mentioned in this episode:

02:33:18 Twilight Woods by Bath and Body Work

05:28:20 Beach Walk by Maison Martin Margiela

05:36:01 By The Fireplace by Maison Martin Margiela

09:58:10 Mango Skin by Vilhelm Parfumerie available on Luckyscent.com

12:21:09 Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules available on Luckyscent.com

15:38:23 Fahrenheit by Dior

16:37:23 Molecule 01 + Iris by Escentric Molecules available on Luckyscent.com

17:41:05 Angel Dust by Fugazzi available on Luckyscent.com

21:52:22 Cuir Béluga by Guerlain

22:35:15 Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21 by Guerlain

24:16:25 Rotano by Maison d'Etto available on Luckyscent.com

26:44:25 For Your Love by Mizensir

27:14:08 Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian available on Luckyscent.com

37:41:10 Love-O-Matic by Room 1015 available on Luckyscent.com

39:11:01 Sonic Flower by Room 1015 available on Luckyscent.com

39:58:15 You by Glossier

40:58:00 White Rice by D'Annam available on Luckyscent.com

41:52:15 Pomelo Oolong by D'Annam available on Luckyscent.com

48:37:08 God of Fire by Stéphane Humbert Lucas available on Luckyscent.com

50:09:00 Happy Dust by Narcotica available on Luckyscent.com

50:46:24 Beyond the Veil by Sorce available on Luckyscent.com

52:25:16 Peau Originale by Arnué available on Luckyscent.com

56:35:05 Mantes La Jolie by Astier de Villatte available on Luckyscent.com

Hosted by Steven Gontarski

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of It's Just Perfume, Steven Gontarski and Susannah Melvoin talk with perfumer Angelos Balamis of Angelos Creations Olfactives. Having collected vintage perfumes throughout her life, Susannah immediately recognized the unmistakable, special qualities of Angelos' perfumes. Sure enough Angelos revealed his love for the classics of the venerable French perfume houses such as Guerlain and Caron.

They discuss how the economic crash in Greece led Angelos to reposition his career path, inspiring him to pursue his passions. He discusses his thorough process of evaluating raw materials and conversing with them as he builds highly intricate, sophisticated blends.

Together they all sniff Soma Panorama, a perfume developed in collaboration with Sebastian Jara, The Perfume Guy and debuted at the inaugural ScentFest SF earlier this year. The two friends live in sister cities, San Francisco and Thessaloniki, and wanted the perfume to reflect their physical and cultural similarities and differences. It's a perfect example of Angelos' distinctive approach to perfume making combining elements of storytelling, his biography, perfume history and a deep understanding and appreciation of the olfactory building blocks.

Perfumes discussed in this episode

00:03:41:04 Tabac Blond by Caron

00:03:43:03 Mitsouko by Guerlain

00:03:48:10 Vol de Nuit by Guerlain

00:03:56:26 Djedi by Guerlain

00:04:01:11 Iris Gris by Jacques Fath

00:04:27:02 Jazz by YSL

00:04:33:15 Havana by Aramis

00:04:36:14 Fahrenheit by Dior

00:08:06:02 Soma Panorama by Angelos Creations Olfactives

00:17:11:27 Narcisse Noir by Caron

00:17:16:08 Narkissos by Angelos Creations Olfactives

00:32:06:03 Eau de Vertu by Angelos Creations Olfactives

00:33:38:17 Figue de Vertu by Angelos Creations Olfactives

00:37:17:29 Pnoi by Angelos Creations Olfactives

00:41:05:27 Pothos by Angelos Creations Olfactives

00:51:17:07 Vetiveria Animalis by Angelos Creations Olfactives

00:53:48:16 Thebes by Sultan Pasha Perfumes

00:58:25:05 Karikia by Angelos Creations Olfactives

00:59:26:03 Tabac Libre by Angelos Creations Olfactives

01:07:26:21 Fougeriste by Angelos Creations Olfactives

Episode hosted by Steven Gontarski and Susannah Melvoin

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of It's Just Perfume, Steve and Dana hang out with Emma Vernon, host of the Perfume Room Podcast. Emma was in town hosting a live game show where people tried to find a partner through scent. This opened up two questions: What fragrance do we find irresistible on others? What fragrance do we put on when we want to be irresistible to others?

We took an Instagram poll asking the public to name the sexiest scent to them and the results were both predictable and surprising. 

Due to a technical issue a portion of this episode is missing its video component. We hope you enjoy the slideshow in its place as Emma, Steve and Dana take a deep dive into matters of scent and attraction.

Perfumes mentioned in this episode:

03:08:24 Mandala by Param Sara

08:17:18 El Morocco Discovery Set by El Morocco

12:42:27 Highball for Lucius B

23:45:09 Angels' Share by Kilian

24:23:11 Ambre Narguilé by Hermes *

24:54:27 Tihota by Indult

26:26:20 Salomé by Papillon Artisan Perfumes

28:59:06 Heliodose by Marlou

29:36:05 Un Bel Amour d'Eté by Parfum d'Empire

30:36:08 Jazz by Zernell Gillie Fragrances

33:04:04 Seduction Theory by Universal Flowering *

33:21:09 Daddy by Universal Flowering

37:30:13 Black Afgano by Nasomatto

39:23:00 Benjoin Boheme by Diptyque *

41:25:06 Bowmakers by DS & Durga

43:39:13 Hinoki by Monocle x Comme des Garcons

43:49:18 Gendarme by Gendarme

45:14:28 Fierce by Abercrombie *

46:35:22 Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren *

46:59:07 Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche *

47:16:02 Cool Water by Davidoff *

48:03:14 Sicilian Leather by MEMO 

49:38:10 Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules

50:12:09 Molecule 02 by Escentric Molecules

52:12:20 Molecule 01 + Iris by Escentric Molecules

52:33:01 Molecule 01 + Black Tea by Escentric Molecules

55:21:02 BoraBora by Giardini di Toscana

56:47:18 Champs Lunaire by Rogue Perfumery

58:55:07 Monoscent G by What We Do Is Secret

01:01:22:18 Patchouli by Santa Maria Novella

01:20:45:26 Gothic I by Loree Rodkin

01:05:11:27 Orphéon eau de parfum by Diptyque

01:07:04:28 Aristo Chypre by Infiniment Coty

01:08:22:18 Fleur du Mal by Dries Van Noten

01:09:06:11 Apricot Innocence by Simone Anreoli

01:10:51:03 La Panthere by Cartier (not LS)

01:14:10:08 Covert Musc by What We Do Is Secret

01:15:06:26 Terra Former by Braindead

01:16:03:10 Acqua di Sale by Profumum

01:16:35:23 Melograno by Santa Maria Novella

*Not sold by Luckyscent

Hosted by Steven Gontarski and Dana Kiley Buchanan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'It's Just Perfume', Steve and Dana sit with Sebastian Jara, aka The Perfume Guy. Having made a name for himself in the perfume community through his well-established YouTube channel, Sebastian has introduced many to the niche world and continues to educate us on new releases. He recently added to his impressive list of accomplishments by spearheading ScentFest SF, the largest scent expo on the West Coast. 

Steve and Dana wanted to know how Sebastian got his start and which perfumes sparked his fascination with scent. They talk about his foray into YouTube and Sebastian's first encounters with Luckyscent. He describes the impetus for ScentFest and lets Dana and Steve try the stunning perfume collaboration he completed with perfumer Angelos Balamis. 

Perfumes mentioned in this episode:

03:41:18 Purple Fig by Vilhelm Parfumerie

04:08:02 The Ghost in the Shell by Etat Libre d'Orange

17:35:23 Cozé by Pierre Guillaume Paris, Parfumerie Generale

20:31:14 Musc Maori by Pierre Guillaume Paris, Parfumerie Generale

21:04:14 Le Musc & La Peau by Pierre Guillaume Paris, Parfumerie Generale

21:54:08 Avignon by Comme des Garcons: Incense

22:05:27 Costes Signature Candle by Costes

25:39:15 Relique d'Amour by Oriza Legrand

26:45:05 Horizon by Oriza Legrand

28:18:22 L'air du desert marocain by Tauer Perfumes

28:35:21 Ambre Precieux by Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier

28:39:19 Ambre Russe by Parfums d'Empire

36:48:11 Soma Panorama by Angelos Creations Olfactives

49:12:26 Philosykos by Diptyque

49:14:24 Premier Figuier by L'Artisan Parfumeur

51:56:15 Not a Perfume by Juliette Has a Gun

52:09:25 Monoscent G by What We Do Is Secret

53:59:24 Bois Imperial by Essential Parfums

56:10:27 Fleur du Mal by Dries Van Noten

57:24:02 Camomille Satin by Dries Van Noten

Hosts: Steven Gontarski and Dana Kiley Buchanan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'It's Just Perfume' Steve and Dana chat live in front of an audience gathered at ScentFest, the West Coast's largest perfume expo. The weekend was filled with scent discoveries and the warmest meetups with fragrance lovers from around the world. Steve and Dana talk about their impressions of ScentFest then sniff perfumes featuring unusual notes with the audience. Oyster, pollen anyone?

The sniffing session was followed by a Q&A segment where Steve and Dana recalled their most nostalgic scents, revealed the notes and styles they'd like to smell more of and investigated Dana's perfume application methods that transform her into a walking scent sculpture.

Perfumes mentioned in this episode:

01:12:24 ScentFest Sample Pack

05:26:07 Still by CBCB

07:47:22 Cocoyster Bananita by Salum

12:15:26 Pony Boy by Jorum

13:01:05 Debaser by D.S. and Durga

13:14:25 Delulu by Oddity

14:05:10 Rhubarb Thief by Heretic

15:19:10 Gun Girl by CBCB

19:21:00 Molecule 01 + Patchouli by Escentric Molecules

20:26:09 Morel Map by Clue

20:35:04 Coven by Andrea Maack

21:15:25 Musc by Bruno Acampora

22:52:22 Moon Magic by Sorce

24:42:03 Vampire Husband by Sorce

24:45:00 In Dreams and Fairytales (Vanilla)

26:54:10 Metal Lavender by Matiere Premiere

27:12:11 La Nuit des 300 by Hellenist

28:39:16 Les Dieux aux Bains

29:48:23 Flower Glyph by Liis

32:53:03 Noel au Balcon by Etat Libre d'Orange

34:02:01 Unspoken Gesture by Jorum

35:28:05 Still by CBCB

43:26:20 Saskia by Grandiflora

43:28:16 Madagascan Jasmine by Grandiflora

44:11:00 Mossy Glen by Villa Erbatium

45:33:28 Neo-Animism by Mami Wata

48:02:21 Angelos Creations

48:26:26 Chypre Siam by Rogue

48:41:09 Aristo Chypre by Infiniment Coty

48:57:14 Spoturno Paris

Hosts: Steven Gontarski and Dana Kiley Buchanan

Recorded in San Francisco, 6/27/26

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22. Report from the Runway - A Conversation with Merle Ginsberg

In this episode of 'It's Just Perfume' Steve sits down with writer, fashion icon and one of the original judges of Ru Paul's Drag Race, the legendary Merle Ginsberg. From a young age, Merle expressed her identity through clothes and words, always keeping her senses, including scent, keenly attuned. Steve and Merle have talked perfume for many years at Scent Bar and have selected her signature scents together. They take a deep dive into her perfume history, stop by Scent Bar to discover a new scent and end the episode by pairing fragrances with outfits. 

Perfumes mentioned in this episode

06:53:15 Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules

L'Eau d'Issey by Issey Miyake

Eau d'Hadrien by Annick Goutal

Filles en Aiguilles by Serge Lutens

21:54:00 Black Amber by Agonist

23:35:03 Coffee White Flowers by Bohoboco

28:39:19 Grev by Slumberhouse

33:50:09 Bo by Liis

40:00:02 Nuit Elastique by Premiere Peau

41:52:19 Vanille Camouflage by Dries Van Noten

42:36:02 Mantes La Jolie by Astier de Villatte

43:09:05 Dandelion Butter by Clue

44:07:10 Tokyo Bloom by The Different Company

44:55:24 Monoscent G by What We Do Is Secret

46:34:24 Green Vanille by Regime des Fleurs

47:03:00 Vanille Riviera by Maison Rebatchi

53:02:04 Carine by Carine Roitfeld

56:02:25 Crimson Rocks by Amouage

Be sure to keep up with Merle's fashion news on Loose Threads, a regular newsletter in The Hollywood Reporter, Hollywoodreporter.com

Host: Steven Gontarski

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'It's Just Perfume' Steve sits down with songwriter Steph Jones. Having written hits for artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Blackpink, Selena Gomez and Jade she's one of the most in-demand talents in the music industry. Perfecting her impromptu songwriting skills at church, Steph naturally develops melodies and lyrics for people as she discovers their personal stories and soaks in their vibes. Along with her passion for tunes Steph has been fascinated by perfumes from an early age and tells Steve about her Hall of Fame fragrances and what they mean to her. 

Perfumes discussed in this episode:

Aromatics Elixir by Clinique

Tubéreuse Astrale by Maison Crivelli / Available on Luckyscent

Towédé by Notes de Bas de Paje

Gris Charnel by BDK / Available on Luckyscent

Gris Charnel by BDK / Available on Luckyscent

Lait Concentré by Chabaud / Available on Luckyscent

Sunflowers by Elizabeth Arden

CKin2U by Calvin Klein

Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules / Available on Luckyscent

II (Deux) by Trudon / Available on Luckyscent

Tihota by Indult / Available on Luckyscent

B683 by Marc Antoine Barrois / Available on Luckyscent

Quentin Bisch

Poivre Samarcande by Hermes

Pacific Park by Simone Andreoli / Available on Luckyscent

Jardins de Misfah Extrait by Une Nuit Nomade / Available on Luckyscent

Fleur Narcotique by Ex Nihilo / Available on Luckyscent

Portrait of a Lady by Frederic Malle

Cool Water for Women by Davidoff

Black Tie by Celine

Molecule 01 + Iris by Escentric Molecules / Available on Luckyscent

Supernova by Andrea Maack / Available on Luckyscent

Carine by Carine Roitfeld / Available on Luckyscent

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of It's Just Perfume, Steve and Dana bask in the holiday glow and talk about their favorite warm, spicy, cozy scents to wear at festive parties or for quiet times at home. They discuss the biggest note trends of the year and smell through their favorite scents of 2025.

It's been a great year for perfume releases - what were some of your favorites in 2025?

Perfumes mentioned in this episode:

Bowmakers by DS and Durga

Ambre Liquide by Astier de Villatte

Hammersmith Tea & Biscuits by 4160 Tuesdays

Unknown Pleasures by Kerosene

Empire des Indes by Oriza Legrand

Myrrh Shadow by Bon Parfumeur

Molecule 01 + Cistus by Escentric Molecules

Ouarzazate by Comme des Garcons

Tobacco Memories by Chambre52

Encore Une Fois by Infiniment Coty

Japanese Whiskey by D'Annam

Monoscent G by What We Do Is Secret

Carine by Carine Roitfeld

Venice Rococo by Arquiste

Green Vanille by Regime des Fleurs

Blood Spider Orchid by Regime des Fleurs

Apricot Innocence by Simone Andreoli

Cedrat Ceruse by L'Artisan Parfumeur

Witchery by Sorce

In Dreams & Fairytales by Sorce

Vampire Husband by Sorce

Joyeux by Sultan Pasha Perfumes

Nightchild by Epichron

Taipei by One Day

White Rice by d'Annam

Dirty Rice by Borntostandout

Rice Makgeolli by Villa Erbatium

Delicious Rice Milk by Federico Cantelli

The LIttle Mermaid by The Mischief Academy

Kyoto by Le Gout de Peau

African Rooibos by Chris Collins

Savant by Chris Collins

Milk & Matcha by Obvious

London Fog by Brandt

Jasmine Freak by Room 1015

Bianco Latte by Giardini di Toscana

R & B by Zernell Gillie

Cafe des Delices by Maison Mataha

Hosted by Steven Gontarski and Dana Buchanan

Produced by Emi Brown and Claire Jelinek

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of It's Just Perfume, Steve sits down with legendary master perfumer Olivier Cresp. They talk about his distinctive style, which Cresp refers to as minimalist and figurative, valuing simplicity with key ingredients. 

They touch on Olivier's generational roots in the perfume industry and his upbringing in Grasse. He discusses the various steps of the creation of Thierry Mugler's Angel - an iconic perfume that forever changed the landscape of perfumery - and the various ideas that went into the formation of Akro, a brand Olivier started with his daughter Anais, celebrating life's guilty pleasures.

Perfumes mentioned in this episode:

Bake by Akro

Crush by Akro

Angel by Thierry Mugler

Juniper Sling by Penhaligon's

LIght Blue by Dolce & Gabbana

My Devotion by Dolce & Gabbana

Rise by Akro

Smoke by Akro

Hosted by Steven Gontarski

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'It's Just Perfume', Steve talks with actor, musician and member of the Scent Bar family, Ronald Prokeš. They talk about the scents Ronny wore as a teen in the Czech Republic and his more recent fascination with chypres, fougeres and vintage perfumes. He describes how he sometimes uses scent to disassociate from social settings and how "an empty bottle is a happy bottle."

Fragrances mentioned in this episode:

Fierce by Abercrombie and Fitch

Fahrenheit by Dior

Kenzo Jungle L'Elephant by Kenzo

Maai by Bogue Profumo

Cocoa Kimiya by Atelier des Ors

Eau Noire by Dior

Varuek by PRIN

Grand Chalet by Astier de Villatte

Memoir Man by Amouage

Nuit de Bakelite by Naomi Goodsir

Iris Silver Mist by Serge Lutens

Rauque by Roberto Greco

Oeilleres by Roberto Greco

Opium by Yves Saint Laurent

Hosted by Steven Gontarski

Produced by Emi Foster and Claire Jelinek

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of 'It's Just Perfume' Steve sits with Chris Collins and asks him about his background in fashion and his pivot into perfume, one of his lifelong passions. He remembers the fragrances his father wore and the scents that inspired him to start his own brand. From knocking on the door of Robertet in Grasse to channeling his admiration for Prince's music into a new perfume, Chris shares many stories that describe the rewards and challenges of founding and directing a perfume line.

Fragrances mentioned in this episode:

Old Spice by Shulton Company

Grey Flannel by Geoffrey Beene

Blue Jeans by Versace

Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein

Polo by Ralph Lauren

L'eau d'Issey Pour Homme by Issey Miyake

Renaissance by Chris Collins

Musc Ravageur by Frederic Malle

Straight to Heaven by By Kilian

African Rooibos by Chris Collins

Babycat by YSL

Lust Oud Delice by Chris Collins

Savant Manhattan Cherry by Chris Collins

Hosted by Steven Gontarski

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Susannah Melvoin is known to many as a stellar musician and songwriter, having contributed to legendary albums by Prince and Madonna among others. Her passion for music is only rivalled by her passion for perfume. In this episode of 'It's Just Perfume', Steve sits with Susannah as they talk about the interplay between music and scent in creating atmospheres. She shares her earliest memories of her parents' perfumes, her first scent and her current go-to bottles while dropping some iconic stories. Want to know what the set for Prince's 'When Doves Cry' video smelled like?

Perfumes mentioned in this episode:

- Tihota by Indult

- Encore Une Fois by Infiniment Coty

- Molinard de Molinard by Molinard

- Salome by Papillon Artisan Perfumes

- Chanel No 19 by Chanel

- Perfect Veil by Sarah Horowitz

- Delulu by Oddity

- Carine by Carine Roitfeld

- Numero Uno (I) by Adamo Parfum

- Isvaraya by Indult

- Kagiroi by Di Ser

- Mortel Noir by Trudon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zernell Gillie has made his name as an international DJ and founder of a much-loved perfume brand inspired by musical genres. In this episode of It's Just Perfume, Steve talks with Zernell about his his journey from early days at high school sock-hops to his sets at Berghain, the legendary Berlin club. Music, fashion and scent have always coexisted in the club scene and have inspired Zernell for decades. Find out which fragrances have meant the most to him and how they have influenced his olfactive interpretations of his favorite music.

Perfumes mentioned in this episode:

- Polo by Ralph Lauren

- Bowling Green by Geoffrey Beene

- Halston Z14 by Halston

- Egoiste by Chanel

- Ivory Route by Xerjoff

- Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani

- Dior Homme Intense by Dior

- Pi by Givenchy

- Sweetie Aoud by Roja Parfums

- Geschopf by PMP

- R & B by Zernell Gillie

- Jazz by Zernell Gillie

- Hip-Hop by Zernell Gillie

- Coco by Chanel

- Stetson by Coty

- Tango by Masque Milano

- Sweet Botswana Mystery by Modern Mark

- Hypnotising Fire by The Harmonist

More information on Zernell Gillie can be found on zernellgillie.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of It's Just Perfume, Steve and Dana talk about their Back to School fragrances. Whether or not you're in school, this time of year is full of moments to reset and begin a new cycle - scent can certainly help mark this renewal. As the long days of summer start to grow shorter, sometimes the smell of spices, woods and amber can provide all the coziness you need in a new season.

Fragrances discussed:

The Jungle Book by Mischief Academy

La Danza Delle Libellule Exceptional Edition by Nobile 1942

Matcha Ice Cream by Theodoros Kalotinis

Matchbox Romance by Binaurale

Dead Air by Oddity

Psychedelique by Jovoy

Empire des Indes by Oriza Legrand

Jazz by Zernell Gillie

Jardins de Misfah Extrait by Une Nuit Nomade

Love Is Coming by The Different Company

Nightchild by Epichron

All That Matters by Anamor

Breathe by Akro

Eau Sacree by Heeley

Crush Balls by D.S. & Durga

Fire at Will by Jovoy

Orgasmo by Hilde Soliani

Tales of Amber by Goldfield and Banks

Hosted by Steven Gontarski with Dana Buchanan

Produced by Steven Gontarski, Emi Foster and Claire Jelinek

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Few people deserve the status of Fashion Legend as much as Carine Roitfeld. As the editor-in-chief of Paris Vogue for a decade, through her collaborations with Tom Ford and Karl Lagerfeld and through her current publication, CR Fashion Book, she has indelibly shaped the direction of style and high fashion.

In a conversation with Steve, Carine Roitfeld talks about the various titles she's adopted over the years from 'Combattante' during the student strikes of Paris 1968 to 'Magic Grandma' of today. She talks about the decision to create a fragrance brand as soon as she left Paris Vogue and her discussions with master perfumes like Dominique Ropion and Aurelien Guichard to create scent portraits of herself and several loves of her life.

Perfumes mentioned in this episode:

- Carine by Carine Roitfeld

- Eau Vive by Carven

- Fracas by Robert Piguet

- Opium Pour Homme by YSL

- Fleurs d'Oranger by Serge Lutens

- L'Heure Bleue by Guerlain

- Kar-Wai by Carine Roitfeld

- Sebastien by Carine Roitfeld

- Vladimir by Carine Roitfeld

- George by Carine Roitfeld

- Black Orchid by Tom Ford

- Forgive Me by Carine Roitfeld

Hosted by: Steven Gontarski

Produced by: Claire Jelinek, Emi Foster, Steven Gontarski

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dimitri Weber has an extensive background in perfume, having worked for luxury brands such as YSL and Shiseido for decades in Antwerp, Belgium. After changing course and moving to Australia, he was surprised by the lack of perfume brands in his new country - a country spoiled by its high quality raw materials already used by European and American brands. Dimitri leaned into his experience and knowledge of European perfumery to honor the natural wealth and beauty of Australia, and Goldfield and Banks was born.

The brand rose to fame almost overnight because of online attention, so Dimitri and Steve discuss the current role of social media in the perfume business and how it can help and harm. They look into the future and speculate what's next in this relationship between TikTok and scent.

Perfumes discussed in this episode:

Barynia by Helena Rubinstein

Nina by Nina Ricci

Diorissimo by Dior

Anais Anais by Cacharel

Paris by YSL

Jacomo di Jacomo

Cacharel Pour Homme by Cacharel

Fahrenheit by Dior

Pacific Rock Moss by Goldfield and Banks

Ingenious Ginger by Goldfied and Banks

Purple Suede by Goldfield and Banks

Sunset Hour by Goldfield and Banks

Pacific Rock Flower by Goldfield and Banks

Tales of Amber by Goldfield and Banks

Hosted by: Steven Gontarski

Produced by: Claire Jelinek, Emi Foster, Steven Gontarski

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While smelling through some of her forever favorite fragrances, Steve chats with Luckyscent’s Emi about their shared love of Gap Dream, patchouli, “capital P perfumes”, “pretty” perfumes, and more. Having known each other for a few years already, Steve had predicted some of Emi’s favorites, but was surprised by a few of them, as well.

Fragrances mentioned:

Classique from Jean Paul Gaultier

Safanad from Parfums de Marly

Le Feu d'Issey from Issey Miyake

Drakkar Noir from Guy Laroche

Dream from Gap

Music from Harajuku Lovers

Cucumber Melong from Bath and Body Works

Molecule 01 from Escentric Molecules

Fat Electrician from Etat Libre d'Orange

You Or Someone Like You from Etat Libre d'Orange

Noel Au Balcon from Etat Libre d'Orange

Molecule 01 + Patchouli from Escentric Molecules

Tzora from Anat Fritz

For Her from Narciso Rodriguez

Un Bel Amour d'Ete from Parfum d'Empire

Blanche Bete from Liquides Imaginaires

Ganymede from Marc-Antoine Barrois

Korrigan from Lubin

Reflet Sur L'Okavango from Ella K

Gris Dior Esprit from Dior

Hosted by: Steven Gontarski

Produced by: Claire Jelinek, Emi Foster, Steven Gontarski

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve and Sergio discuss the latter’s love of the ornately carved 'Sniff Bottles' that his father brought back from his trips to China. This fascination ultimately inspired him to create vessels made from semi-precious stones, gold and ebony, containing custom-designed perfumes. These sculptural objects led the way to the luxurious Xerjoff line of perfumes that we know today.

Featured Fragrances:

Equipage from Hermes

Acier Aluminium from Creed

Patchouli

Homme Anniversary from Xerjoff

Elle Anniversary from Xerjoff

Nio from Xerjoff

Mefisto, Casamorati from Xerjoff

Fiore D'Ulivo, Casamorati from Xerjoff

Tony Iommi Monkey Special from Xerjoff

NeoRio from Xerjoff

Black Moonlight from Xerjoff

Purple Accento from Xerjoff

Erba Gold from Xerjoff

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Steve sits down with the legendary Luca Turin to hear which fragrances are in his Hall of Fame. The two discuss what made Luca decide to stop writing about perfume altogether-- and what made him change his mind several years later. They also tackle the question of whether or not it's appropriate to ask a stranger what perfume they're wearing... and so much more!

Perfumes discussed in this episode:

- Fracas by Robert Piguet

- Angel by Thierry Mugler

- Cherry Bliss by Claire's

- Slogan by Courreges

- Ruade by Parfums d'Empire

- Le Cri by Parfums d'Empire

- Un Bel Amour d'Ete by Parfums d'Empire

- Une Rose / Rose Tonnerre by Frederic Malle

- L'Heure Perdue by Cartier

- Songe de Narcisse by Sentire

- Bon Monsieur by Rogue Perfumery

- Arc by Mallo

- Jasmin Antique by Rogue Perfumery

- Bois d'Armenie by Guerlain

- Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

- Taipei by One Day

- Salm by One Day

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of It’s Just Perfume, Dana and Steve chat about their roles as judges for The Art and Olfaction Awards.

Then, they have a chance to speak with some of the winners about their personal backgrounds and the inspiration behind the fragrances they created.

The guests on this episode are Nutt Wesshasartar of Siam1928 (Artisan Category Winner), Jerry Lin of OrDioLab (Artisan Category Winner), Michael Nordstrand, Chad Hodge and Diandra Barsalou of TALE Parfum (Independent Category Winners), and Stefan Radut of Caeleste (Newcomer Award Winner).

Fragrances mentioned: Bad Lily by TALE Parfum, Mekha Aranya by Siam1928, Mint Rose by OrDioLab, Principalities by Caeleste, Cabochard by Gres, Cannabis Rose by Fresh, Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche, Rive Gauche Pour Homme by YSL, Black by Bvlgari, Oqachol by Prin.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of It’s Just Perfume, Steve sits down with Simone Andreoli, perfumer and founder of Simone Andreoli Diario Olfattivo to chat about his pursuit to become a perfumer, starting from a fateful, childhood trip to Grasse which opened his mind to the possibilities of olfactive art. A classical perfume training brought Simone back to Grasse as a young adult and gave him the skills and experience to return to his native Italy to create his own brand.

We learn about Simone's approach to developing new fragrances which he considers to be entries to an olfactive diary. His nomadic spirit and sense of adventure has brought Simone to all corners of the globe and he likes to honor them and recreate them through scent.

Join us as Simone Andreoli talks in depth about several fragrances from his brand including:

- Tulum Junglescape

- Sunplosion - Aloha State of Mind

- Vicebomb

- Oceans of a Midnight Moon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Those of us who work at Luckyscent hate choosing favorites… We love so many perfumes! But on this episode of It’s Just Perfume, Steve sits down with Claire to smell and discuss her personal fragrance Hall of Fame. This episode is part two of a series that we’ll continue to do with other Luckyscent staff members!

P.S. If you’d like to smell along, a sample pack of Claire’s picks is available for purchase at luckyscent.com!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of It’s Just Perfume, Steve sits down with Sarah Horowitz-Thran, perfumer and founder of Sarah Horowitz Parfums and “the godmother of Los Angeles perfumery,” to chat about Sarah’s trajectory as a perfumer and the changing landscape of the fragrance industry in Southern California, all while smelling through some of her fabulous creations.

Fragrances mentioned:

Origin Story by Sarah Horowitz Parfums*

Gendarme - Eau de Cologne by Gendarme

Perfect Gardenia by Sarah Horowitz Parfums*

Perfect Veil by Sarah Horowitz Parfums

The Now by Sarah Horowitz Parfums*

Kai- Eau de Parfum by Kai

Youth Dew by Estee Lauder*

Original Musk Kiehl's by Kiehl's*

Gothic I - Eau de Parfum by Loree Rodkin

Gothic II - Eau de Parfum by Loree Rodkin

Perfect Coconut Milk by Sarah Horowitz Parfums

aRitual by Sarah Horowitz Parfums*

Perfect Vanilla by Sarah Horowitz Parfums

*Currently not carried by Luckyscent or Scent Bar

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you ask anyone who works at Luckyscent what their favorite fragrance is, they’ll do anything to avoid answering the question. Choosing favorites is too hard! But this time on It’s Just Perfume, Steve and Dana have each managed to pick a handful of personal favorites for their Halls of Fame. This episode is part one of a series that we’ll continue to do with other Luckyscent staff members!

P.S. If you’d like to smell along, sample packs of their picks are available for purchase at luckyscent.com!

Fragrances discussed in this episode:

Wulong Cha by Nishane

Mediterraneo by Carthusia

Incense: Avignon by Comme des Garcons

Relique d'Amour by Oriza L Legran

Invasion Barbare by MDCI

Mississippi Medicine by DS & Durga

Melograno by Santa Maria Novella

Patchouli by Santa Maria Novella

Muschio Oro by Santa Maria Novella

Muschio by Santa Maria Novella

Gothic I by Loree Rodkin

Eau de Protection by Etat Libre d'Orange

Paradisi by Jorum Studio

Paper Soap by J-Scent

Mantes La Jolie by Astier de Villatte

Premier Figuier by L'Artisan Parfumeur

Philosykos by Diptyque

Bois d'Ascese by Naomi Goodsir

Fahrenheit by Dior

Lys 41 by Le Labo

Bora Bora by Giardini di Toscana

Olene by Diptyque

Annabel's Birthday Cake by Marissa Zappas

Bois d'Argent by Dior

Dauphine by Goest

Essential Faith by Essential Faith

Monoscent G by What We Do Is Secret

Siren by For Strange Women

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This time on It's Just Perfume, we're diving into the building blocks of perfumery with perfumer Ashley Kessler. If you've always wanted to know more about the aroma chemicals that make up your favorite fragrances, this episode is for you-- we'll get into Iso E Super, Ambroxan, and more!

Fragrances discussed in this episode:

Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules

I Am Trash by Etat Libre d'Orange

Chanel No. 5 by Chanel 

Bambini Soap by Villa Erbatium

Angel by Mugler

Pink Sugar by Aquolina

Acqua e Zucchero by Profumum Roma

Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

London Fog by Brandt

Molecule 02 by Escentric Molecules 

Comete Paradis by Parle Moi de Parfum 

Tonka Bodykon by Pierre Guillaume Paris

Angels' Share by Kilian

Eau Sauvage by Dior

Mantes la Jolie by Astier de Villatte

Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche 

Wake Up World by Parle Moi de Parfum

Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier

No. 4 Apres l'Amour by Thomas Kosmala 

It's Just Perfume

The Luckyscent Podcast

Guest: Ashley Eden Kessler

Host: Steven Gontarski

Producers: Emi Foster, Claire Jelinek, Steven Gontarski

Theme Music: Steven Gontarski

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Steven and Dana talk about recent trends in perfume and the dominance of gourmand fragrances. Pistachio, milk, tea and rice - we can't get enough of the smells we want to eat. Will these scents continue to dominate?

Perfumes discussed in this episode:

Pistachio by D.S. and Durga

Pistachio Latte by Theodoros Kalotinis

Frangipane al Pistacchio by Kyse

Ciao Bello PIstachio by Jousset

Red Keela Split by Fomowa

Matcha Soft Serve by d'Annam

Roasted Green Tea by J Scent

Wulong Cha by NIshane

London Fog by Brandt

African Rooibos by Chris Collins

Molecule 01 + Black Tea by Escentric Molecules

White Rice by d'Annam

Taipei by One Day

L'Eau Papier by Diptyque

Dirty Rice by Borntostandout

Mossy Glen by Villa Erbatium

Compliment by Maison Violet

Thai Soda by One Day

Odeur du Theatre du Chatelet Acte 1 by Comme des Garcons

It's Just Perfume

The Luckyscent Podcast

Hosts: Steven Gontarski, Dana Buchanan

Producers: Emi Foster, Claire Jelinek, Steven Gontarski

Theme Music: Steven Gontarski

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.