As the launch of Christopher Street looms ever closer, I’m starting to feel oddly nostalgic… remembering what first inspired me to open Charenton Macerations and why I felt now was the right time to do it. It seems lately (especially with the unveiling of Chandler Burr’s scent exhibit at The Museum of Art and Design) there has been so much talk in and around the industry, involving what the appropriate role for fragrance is… just how should we approach this invisible mystery of emotional stimulation? In my opinion, a brand’s approach to this question should be clear and transparent. For me, it’s summed up in four words: A Return to Innocence.
Returning to Innocence
When I look back at the multiple ways fragrance has touched people’s lives, I’m struck by one indisputable fact. Namely, fragrance’s incredible malleability… its flexibility. One of the main reasons I was first attracted to fragrance. You see, with multiple applications come endless possibilities. More than anything, this says to me that fragrance, be it labelled art or craft, is meant to be played with. It’s not just about what it is, but about what it can become… a sentiment that rings true with so many of us. A powerful statement of its role in beauty.
Over the years, this understanding has grown into a commitment to to the following basic principles in respect to scent and scent creation at CM:
Charenton Macerations – The Basics
- Fragrance is designed to capture and provoke emotional expression.
This is its ultimate purpose. - We believe in collaborative fragrance creation driven by philosophical dialogue.
A collective workshopping of ideas. Our concepts are designed to be engaged with. They are not closed discussions. Everyone from the initial creative team down to the final wearer is a vital component in this process. We respect each person’s point of view. - The process of fragrance creation involves a blending of fiction with non-fiction.
Therefore, we strive to be as transparent about that blending of worlds as possible. To not only discuss fragrance in terms of general perfumery (notes and ingredients stories), but to give equal attention to each scent’s historical basis, developmental evolution, and intended purpose. The fragrance story is our guide.
These principles represent a pact between creators and wearers of Charenton Macerations fragrances. Spray. Delay. Walk through the doorway…
For a sneak peek at some of the inspirational materials used in designing the Christopher Street fragrance, check out our West Village Underground Pinterest Board.
