Nose Dive: Raw Materials - Naturals & Their Synthetic Twins, 26 February

This Nose Dive Workshop is a deep dive into the raw materials of perfumery. It offers participants a rare opportunity to smell the material building blocks of fine fragrance - naturals and synthetics alike - sourced from the finest industry manufacturers. These are materials rarely encountered outside the perfumer’s organ.

The session provides participants an understanding of the crucial notes of perfumery - of which 12 materials are showcased. In addition, each natural ingredient is paired with a companion aromachemical, demonstrating how they enhance and extend the perfumer’s palette. Completing this, they are considered in the context of a finished fragrance. For instance, after smelling New Caledonian sandalwood, this is paired with Polysantol from Firmenich - a popular sandalwood synthetic. Finally, Duro (Nasomatto) is an example of a fragrance that uses this material.

Learning these references enhances one’s appreciation of the art and craft of perfumery. It aims to demystify in an approachable, hands-on, and highly interactive manner. It brings together like-minded individuals eager to make sense of what they smell in an intimate setting. Curiosity and questions are warmly encouraged. It is suitable for those new to perfumery and aficionados alike: no prior perfume knowledge, or an understanding of technical chemistry, is required.