News: 573 posts

Latest news from the fragrance world and other interesting reading

Meet Me in Taipei

A special announcement for my readers in Taipei. I will be participating in a discussion about Ukraine on Tuesday July 23rd. You can find the information below as well as via this link. Please stop by and say hello.

When the Russian-Ukrainian war broke out in 2022, the Taiwanese media constantly compared Russia to China and Taiwan to Ukraine, reflecting the fear of the war in Taiwan.



In 2023, Faces published Victoria Belim’s family history “The Rooster House”, which was written by the author who grew up in Ukraine and moved to Chicago, USA at the age of 15. In this book, the author uses an autobiographical style, starting with the disputes among family members regarding different historical views and political positions on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The author returns to Ukraine and, from the clues of his time with his grandmother, in the secret police unit “Rooster House”, archives and museums around the world, she pieced together the past of a family that was silenced during the socialist era in Ukraine, allowing the author to understand the authoritarian legacy that is still affecting the present from a more historical and profound perspective.

In addition to viewing this war as a projection of Taiwan’s anxiety about being invaded, two years after the war began, can we have a deeper understanding of the impact and changes in the meaning of this war on Europe, on Ukraine, and on Victoria Bellim and her family? We invited Chi-Xin Liu, the author of “The Making of Truth” – who used to work with a team of reporters to record the “invisible” people and events in the Ukrainian war through first-hand interviews, and wrote “Ukraine’s Impossible War.” Through the conversation, we will explore everything that Ukraine is facing at the moment, how Taiwan can learn from it, and when totalitarian forces infiltrate the people, is there a possibility of reconnection after division.

Lecture information To Register

Date|7/23 (Tuesday) 19:30 – 21:00
Dialogue|Victoria Belim (author of “The Rooster House”), Chi-Xin Liu (author of “The Making of Truth”, host of the podcast “Excuse Me”)

Location|Xianliulu Store (1F, No.26, Lane 25, Sec.3, Chongqing N Rd, Taipei; 3 minutes walk from Exit 3 of MRT Daqiaotou Station)

Date: 2024.7.23 19:30 – 21:00

Ticket|NT$150 (Line Pay, Cultural Coin)

Registration by appointment + on-site payment, the venue is limited to 35 people, and registration will be closed when the quota is full.

Taiwan Recommendations

My book The Rooster House is available in Chinese (traditional characters), titled 公雞之家 and published by Faces. I will be in Taiwan in July for a few events, including a seminar about Ukraine. I will share more details soon. In the meantime, I wanted to ask my friends and readers about your Taiwan recommendations. I’ve been to Taipei and Hsinchu twice, but this time I will also take a week to explore more of the country. Any food recommendations are more than welcome too.

On this note, if you have any recommendations for books about Taiwan or by Taiwanese writers, I would be most grateful.

Photography by Bois de Jasmin

Japanese Incense Class, Jasmine, Tuberose and Vintage Perfumes

UPDATE: all of the current classes are sold out. I still have a couple of spots left in the Japanese Incense Class.

The Bois de Jasmin new class schedule includes new classes on Vetiver, Balsamic Notes, Musk and Japanese Incense. We will decode these fundamental perfume materials and analyze fragrances that use them. We will also learn about Jasmine, Tuberose and Incense.

In the Art and Culture of Japanese Incense we will explore the rich history and cultural significance of Japanese incense. We will delve into the traditional art of “Kōdō” (the Way of Incense), learning about its origins, rituals, and the various types of incense used in Japanese culture. We will study the most important ingredients used in Japanese incense and their combinations. Students will receive a brochure detailing the most popular Japanese brands and their offerings, with suggestions on where to purchase different types of incense.

Those who will visit me in my Brussels studio will have a chance to smell through the iconic fragrances of the 20th century in their original compositions. This session also includes a class on Rose–we will smell legendary rose perfumes, rose materials that I have sourced from all over the world and learn to make a rose accord.

The class size is small to ensure that everyone gets attention and a chance to interact. The class is run as a lecture interspersed with guided smelling exercises. My style of teaching is personal and interactive. You will have a chance to ask questions throughout the class and there will also be an allotted time at the end for your questions on any fragrance-related topics. These classes are for students of all levels of interest in perfumery.

To register for the online courses, please go to the Online Perfume Classes page or take a look below:

Perfume Seminar Online: The Art and Culture of Japanese Incense

A seminar that delves deep into the fascinating story of Japanese incense. I will also share my favorite brands of Japanese incense and links to the online stores where they can be purchased.

Location: Online, Zoom
Date: July 14th, Sunday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now / $60 Book Now

Perfume Fundamentals Online: Jasmine
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: June 22nd, Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
SOLD OUT

Perfume Fundamentals Online: Tuberose
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: June 23rd, Sunday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
SOLD OUT

Perfume Fundamentals Online: Incense
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: June 29th, Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
SOLD OUT

3-Class Package: Jasmine, Tuberose, Incense
SOLD OUT

Perfume Fundamentals Online: Vetiver
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: July 6th, Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
SOLD OUT

Perfume Fundamentals Online: Balsamic Notes
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: July 10th, Wednesday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
SOLD OUT

Perfume Fundamentals Online: Musk
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: July 13th, Saturday, 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
SOLD OUT

3-Class Package: Vetiver, Balsams, Musk
SOLD OUT

Brussels Studio Classes

We will explore perfume materials, rare fragrances, talk about history and legendary creators who made our favorite perfumes. Together we will learn the evolution of perfume history by studying some of the most iconic examples of the perfumery art in their original formulations. You will also perform exercises to sharpen your sense of smell. Some of the workshops include creating your own perfume accord.

Perfume Workshop (Brussels Studio): Vintage Perfumes and Stories

Journey into the captivating world of rare vintage perfumes. Uncover the history and artistry behind some of the most sought-after fragrances from past eras. Participants will learn to identify and appreciate the unique characteristics of vintage scents, explore the evolution of perfume-making, and gain insights into the cultural contexts that shaped these timeless creations. Hands-on sessions will include sampling rare perfumes and understanding their complex compositions. Perfect for fragrance enthusiasts and collectors alike, this class offers a rare opportunity to experience the magic of vintage perfumery. Students will have access to my perfume collection and try iconic fragrances from Caron, Guerlain, Coty and Chanel.

Class location: Brussels
Class duration: 2.5 hours
200€/per person   (50€ to be paid as a reservation deposit, the rest is payable in person on the day of the class)

SOLD OUT 

Perfume Workshop (Brussels Studio): Rose
We will smell natural and synthetic rose materials, vintage and modern fragrances that use rose. I will then show you how a classical rose accord is constructed. You will have a chance to create your own rose composition.

Class location: Brussels
Class duration: 2.5 hours
200€/per person   (50€ to be paid as a reservation deposit, the rest is payable in person on the day of the class)

SOLD OUT

To request another date, please  email me.

Continue reading →

New Classes: Vetiver, Musk, Japanese Incense and Vintage Perfumes

Bois de Jasmin new class schedule is now available for late June and early July. This will be the last session before my summer vacation. The new online schedule include 4 new classes on Vetiver, Balsamic Notes, Musk and Japanese Incense. We will decode these fundamental perfume materials and analyze fragrances that use them. I will give you different smelling exercises to learn nuances of these aromas and guide you on selecting perfumes that use them to the best advantage. The topic of Japanese incense is something I feel passionate about, and I look forward to initiating you to this rich, vibrant world. We will also learn about Jasmine, Tuberose and Incense.

Those who will visit me in my Brussels studio will have a chance to smell through the iconic fragrances of the 20th century in their original compositions. This session also includes a class on Rose–we will smell legendary rose perfumes, rose materials that I have sourced from all over the world and learn to make a rose accord.

The class size is small to ensure that everyone gets attention and a chance to interact. The class is run as a lecture interspersed with guided smelling exercises. My style of teaching is personal and interactive. You will have a chance to ask question throughout the class and there will also be an allotted time at the end for your questions on any fragrance-related topics. These classes are for students of all levels of interest in perfumery.

To register for the online courses, please go to the Online Perfume Classes page or take a look below:

Perfume Fundamentals Online: Jasmine
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: June 22nd, Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now / $60 Book Now

Perfume Fundamentals Online: Tuberose
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: June 23rd, Sunday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now / $60 Book Now

Perfume Fundamentals Online: Incense
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: June 29th, Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now / $60 Book Now

3-Class Package: Jasmine, Tuberose, Incense
Price: €155 Book Now / $168 Book Now

Perfume Fundamentals Online: Vetiver
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: July 6th, Saturday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now / $60 Book Now

Perfume Fundamentals Online: Balsamic Notes
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: July 10th, Wednesday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now / $60 Book Now

Perfume Fundamentals Online: Musk
Location: Online, Zoom
Date: July 13th, Saturday, 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now / $60 Book Now

3-Class Package: Vetiver, Balsams, Musk
Price: €155 Book Now / $168 Book Now

Perfume Seminar Online: Japanese Incense

A seminar that delves deep into the fascinating story of Japanese incense. I will also share my favorite brands of Japanese incense and links to the online stores where they can be purchased.

Location: Online, Zoom
Date: July 14th, Sunday 12:00pm-1:30pm EST/6:00pm-7:30pm CET
Price: €55 Book Now / $60 Book Now

Brussels Studio Classes

We will explore perfume materials, rare fragrances, talk about history and legendary creators who made our favorite perfumes. Together we will learn the evolution of perfume history by studying some of the most iconic examples of the perfumery art in their original formulations. You will also perform exercises to sharpen their sense of smell. Some of the workshops include creating your own perfume accord.

Perfume Workshop (Brussels Studio): Vintage Perfumes and Stories

This seminar will give you a rare chance to smell legendary perfumes in their original formulations. You will have access to my perfume collection and try iconic fragrances from Caron, Guerlain, Coty and Chanel. You will also explore some of the best materials used by fragrance industry professionals and discover why your nose is more sensitive than the most sophisticated machine.

Class location: Brussels
Class duration: 2.5 hours
200€/per person   (50€ to be paid as a reservation deposit, the rest is payable in person on the day of the class)

Date: June 16th, Sunday, 12-2:30pm SOLD OUT

Date: June 23rd, Sunday, 12-2:30pm Reserve Now

Date: July 7th, Sunday, 12-2:30pm Reserve Now

Perfume Workshop (Brussels Studio): Rose
We will smell natural and synthetic rose materials, vintage and modern fragrances that use rose. I will then show you how a classical rose accord is constructed. You will have a chance to create your own rose composition.

Class location: Brussels
Class duration: 2.5 hours
200€/per person   (50€ to be paid as a reservation deposit, the rest is payable in person on the day of the class)

Date: June 30th, Sunday, 12-2:30pm Reserve Now

Date: July 14th, Sunday, 12-2:30pm Reserve Now

To request another date, please  email me.

Continue reading →

May-June 2024 Online and in-Person Perfume Classes : Registration is Open

Update: the May classes are sold out. The new schedule is now available.

It’s been such a pleasure to teach my online classes this year. I’ve enjoyed interacting and smelling with you and every session made me discover something new. And so this spring continues with more new courses. Everyone’s favorites Citrus-Spices-Woods and Rose-Orange Blossom-Iris courses will return and there will also be new offers.

I will teach you the next classical trio of floral notes such as Lily of the Valley, Lilac and Hyacinth. I will explain what makes each of these notes unique and how they are used in perfumery. Since these flowers can’t be extracted by steam or solvents, I will discuss how different perfumers, from Guerlain to Chanel, employed them. I will explain different accords and give you examples of materials that are used to construct these accords, in case you want to try to make your own.

Next, I will devote three seminars to Amber, Vanilla and Tonka Bean, giving you a glimpse into the rich and luscious world of ambers, amber-florals and gourmands. These classes are for students of all levels of interest in perfumery.

To register for the online courses, please go to the Online Perfume Classes page.

Besides the online classes, I would like to invite you to my Brussels studio to take an in-person class.

Brussels Studio Class: Perfumes That Influenced Fragrance History

This seminar will give you a rare chance to smell legendary perfumes in their original formulations. You will have access to my perfume collection and try iconic fragrances from Caron, Guerlain, Coty and Chanel. You will also explore some of the best materials used by fragrance industry professionals and discover why your nose is more sensitive than the most sophisticated machine.

We will step back in time, smell some of the iconic fragrance or examples of interesting genres from the past and also talk about people who made perfumes. Although contemporary perfume marketing focuses on perfume as a luxury item (or a tool for seduction), scents are more complex than this. A bottle of perfume contains an artistic message. It tells you something about the aesthetics of its time. Tastes of its contemporaries. Advances in science and trends in art and fashion had a big impact on the development of perfumery and on how perfumers were able to translate words and visions into scents. Together we will learn the evolution of perfume history by studying some of the most iconic examples of the perfumery art in their original formulations. You will also perform exercises to sharpen their sense of smell.

Class location: Brussels
Class duration: 2.5 hours
200€/per person   (50€ to be paid as a reservation deposit, the rest is payable in person on the day of the class)

Date: June 16th, Sunday, 12-2:30pm Reserve Now 

Date: June 23rd, Sunday, 12-2:30pm Reserve Now

To request another date, please  email me.

Continue reading →

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