It's Just Perfume

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 AkroCrush by AkroAngel by Thierry MuglerJuniper Sling by Penhaligon'sLIght Blue by Dolce & GabbanaMy Devotion by Dolce & GabbanaRise by AkroSmoke by AkroHosted 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 FitchFahrenheit by DiorKenzo Jungle L'Elephant by KenzoMaai by Bogue ProfumoCocoa Kimiya by Atelier des OrsEau Noire by DiorVaruek by PRINGrand Chalet by Astier de VillatteMemoir Man by AmouageNuit de Bakelite by Naomi GoodsirIris Silver Mist by Serge LutensRauque by Roberto GrecoOeilleres by Roberto GrecoOpium by Yves Saint LaurentHosted by Steven GontarskiProduced 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 CompanyGrey Flannel by Geoffrey BeeneBlue Jeans by VersaceObsession for Men by Calvin KleinPolo by Ralph LaurenL'eau d'Issey Pour Homme by Issey MiyakeRenaissance by Chris CollinsMusc Ravageur by Frederic MalleStraight to Heaven by By KilianAfrican Rooibos by Chris CollinsBabycat by YSLLust Oud Delice by Chris CollinsSavant Manhattan Cherry by Chris CollinsHosted 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 HarmonistMore 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 AcademyLa Danza Delle Libellule Exceptional Edition by Nobile 1942Matcha Ice Cream by Theodoros KalotinisMatchbox Romance by BinauraleDead Air by OddityPsychedelique by JovoyEmpire des Indes by Oriza LegrandJazz by Zernell GillieJardins de Misfah Extrait by Une Nuit NomadeLove Is Coming by The Different CompanyNightchild by EpichronAll That Matters by AnamorBreathe by AkroEau Sacree by HeeleyCrush Balls by D.S. & DurgaFire at Will by JovoyOrgasmo by Hilde SolianiTales of Amber by Goldfield and BanksHosted by Steven Gontarski with Dana BuchananProduced 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 RoitfeldHosted by: Steven GontarskiProduced 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 RubinsteinNina by Nina RicciDiorissimo by DiorAnais Anais by CacharelParis by YSLJacomo di JacomoCacharel Pour Homme by CacharelFahrenheit by DiorPacific Rock Moss by Goldfield and BanksIngenious Ginger by Goldfied and BanksPurple Suede by Goldfield and BanksSunset Hour by Goldfield and BanksPacific Rock Flower by Goldfield and BanksTales of Amber by Goldfield and BanksHosted by: Steven GontarskiProduced 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 GaultierSafanad from Parfums de MarlyLe Feu d'Issey from Issey MiyakeDrakkar Noir from Guy LarocheDream from GapMusic from Harajuku LoversCucumber Melong from Bath and Body WorksMolecule 01 from Escentric MoleculesFat Electrician from Etat Libre d'OrangeYou Or Someone Like You from Etat Libre d'OrangeNoel Au Balcon from Etat Libre d'OrangeMolecule 01 + Patchouli from Escentric MoleculesTzora from Anat FritzFor Her from Narciso RodriguezUn Bel Amour d'Ete from Parfum d'EmpireBlanche Bete from Liquides ImaginairesGanymede from Marc-Antoine BarroisKorrigan from LubinReflet Sur L'Okavango from Ella KGris Dior Esprit from DiorHosted by: Steven GontarskiProduced 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 HermesAcier Aluminium from CreedPatchouliHomme Anniversary from XerjoffElle Anniversary from XerjoffNio from XerjoffMefisto, Casamorati from XerjoffFiore D'Ulivo, Casamorati from XerjoffTony Iommi Monkey Special from XerjoffNeoRio from XerjoffBlack Moonlight from XerjoffPurple Accento from XerjoffErba 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.

On this episode of It’s Just Perfume, Steve chats with Andrea Maack about her background as an artist, how her brand was created from her own conceptual art piece, the inspiration she draws from the Icelandic landscape, and her latest release (and the line’s first floral!), Muse. 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 GendarmePerfect Gardenia by Sarah Horowitz Parfums*Perfect Veil by Sarah Horowitz ParfumsThe Now by Sarah Horowitz Parfums*Kai- Eau de Parfum by KaiYouth Dew by Estee Lauder*Original Musk Kiehl's by Kiehl's*Gothic I - Eau de Parfum by Loree RodkinGothic II - Eau de Parfum by Loree RodkinPerfect Coconut Milk by Sarah Horowitz ParfumsaRitual 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 NishaneMediterraneo by CarthusiaIncense: Avignon by Comme des GarconsRelique d'Amour by Oriza L LegranInvasion Barbare by MDCIMississippi Medicine by DS & DurgaMelograno by Santa Maria NovellaPatchouli by Santa Maria NovellaMuschio Oro by Santa Maria NovellaMuschio by Santa Maria NovellaGothic I by Loree RodkinEau de Protection by Etat Libre d'OrangeParadisi by Jorum StudioPaper Soap by J-ScentMantes La Jolie by Astier de VillattePremier Figuier by L'Artisan ParfumeurPhilosykos by DiptyqueBois d'Ascese by Naomi GoodsirFahrenheit by DiorLys 41 by Le LaboBora Bora by Giardini di ToscanaOlene by DiptyqueAnnabel's Birthday Cake by Marissa ZappasBois d'Argent by DiorDauphine by GoestEssential Faith by Essential FaithMonoscent G by What We Do Is SecretSiren 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 MoleculesI Am Trash by Etat Libre d'OrangeChanel No. 5 by Chanel Bambini Soap by Villa ErbatiumAngel by MuglerPink Sugar by AquolinaAcqua e Zucchero by Profumum RomaBaccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis KurkdjianLondon Fog by BrandtMolecule 02 by Escentric Molecules Comete Paradis by Parle Moi de Parfum Tonka Bodykon by Pierre Guillaume ParisAngels' Share by KilianEau Sauvage by DiorMantes la Jolie by Astier de VillatteDrakkar Noir by Guy Laroche Wake Up World by Parle Moi de ParfumLe Male by Jean Paul GaultierNo. 4 Apres l'Amour by Thomas Kosmala It's Just PerfumeThe Luckyscent PodcastGuest: Ashley Eden KesslerHost: Steven GontarskiProducers: Emi Foster, Claire Jelinek, Steven GontarskiTheme 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 DurgaPistachio Latte by Theodoros KalotinisFrangipane al Pistacchio by KyseCiao Bello PIstachio by JoussetRed Keela Split by FomowaMatcha Soft Serve by d'AnnamRoasted Green Tea by J ScentWulong Cha by NIshaneLondon Fog by BrandtAfrican Rooibos by Chris CollinsMolecule 01 + Black Tea by Escentric MoleculesWhite Rice by d'AnnamTaipei by One DayL'Eau Papier by DiptyqueDirty Rice by BorntostandoutMossy Glen by Villa ErbatiumCompliment by Maison VioletThai Soda by One DayOdeur du Theatre du Chatelet Acte 1 by Comme des GarconsIt's Just PerfumeThe Luckyscent PodcastHosts: Steven Gontarski, Dana BuchananProducers: Emi Foster, Claire Jelinek, Steven GontarskiTheme Music: Steven Gontarski Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.