“Fragrances are reflections of all of us, whether you are fragrancing a room, selecting a personal fragrance or using fragrance to calm an upset baby,” said Joy Atkinson, president, Symrise Fine Fragrances, USA. She urged everyone to continue to come up with new ideas to keep the fragrance industry moving forward. Thia Breen, worldwide president responsible for global development, Estée Lauder, read the proclamation from New York’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg, officially declaring New York Fragrance Week, from October 16 through October 20. Breen noted that 75 global fragrance companies are located in New York, and it is a $7 billion industry in the U.S. Fragrance Week, which was being celebrated simultaneously in Los Angeles and San Francisco, features annual retail participation and special events as well as exhibitions pertaining to such aspects of the industry as technological innovation, gourmand experiences and sensory exploration.
In addition to the sculptural displays and special presentations at Trump Tower, other events included a wine tasting sponsored by Robertet, with fragrance expert Stephen Dente and wine connoisseur Harriet Lembeck, who hosted a sampling experience designed to enhance the appreciation and enjoyment of the relationship of aroma to wine. In addition, a variety of presentations were held at retail sites Sephora, Macy’s, Bond No. 9, Donna Karan, Dior, Fresh, Givenchy, Guerlain and Hanae Mori.
International Flavors and Fragrances presented a collaboration with Visionaire, combining the talents of creative perfumers with contemporary artists, chefs and photographers. Takasago hosted Temptations and Libations, focusing on the ways in which foods and beverages inspire creative perfumery. There was also a special advanced copy of The New York Times Beauty Edition, containing fragrance insights from Chandler Burr. The book was distributed at various Fragrance Week venues, and a Vintage Perfume Bottle exhibit was hled at the Manhattan Art and Antiques Center and hosted by perfume bottle expert Ken Leach.
