Reminiscent

“Solve et Coagula” is a Latin term derived from alchemy that refers to the breaking down of elements and then their coming together to form a larger component. Perfumery acts in a very similar way. The different scents are borrowed from nature and brought together in one diffusive vial that, once opened, can have a lasting impression or draw back to a memory of the past. It's a true form of art and skill to be able to exist in the world, experience what nature has provided and then compose something complex and beautiful for others to enjoy.

Lily Aldridge has stepped into that world and discovered a new outlet for creativity in perfuming.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO EXPLORE THE WORLD OF PERFUMERY? SHARE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY OF CREATIVELY DIRECTING YOUR LINE.

I’ve always been intrigued by and interested in the world of perfumery, particularly after entering into the beauty world. I love fragrances, candles and perfumes – I basically buy the entire spa when I visit Blackberry Farm – so stepping into this world just seemed natural. I loved everything about the process of making this line. I was involved every step of the way. We created four fragrances, and it was so amazing going to the lab to test the scents and finding the different ways to really make the scents unique. It was fun to be creative and work on everything from designing the bottle to deciding what fonts would be used on the label and then packaging the final product.

DESCRIBE THE SCENT THAT WAS BASED ON YOUR TIME AT BLACKBERRY FARM. WHAT ABOUT IT MADE YOU FEEL INSPIRED?

My family has visited Blackberry Farm multiple times over the years. It’s a place we feel at home and comforted – we just love it. When I think about my memories of this special place, I think about being cozy, surrounded by the mountains and sitting by the fire in a tucked away cottage. Summit is the scent inspired by Blackberry Farm. It features deep and rich notes like leather, tobacco, cinnamon and cardamom – all of which remind me of my experience there. It reminds me a bit of a cologne; my husband is drawn to it. I am so excited to have this opportunity to showcase my love for Blackberry Farm in such a unique way!

THROUGH YOUR JOURNEY OF CREATING DIFFERENT SCENTS, WHAT WAS THE MOST SURPRISING THING YOU FOUND THAT YOU DIDN’T EXPECT?

I wanted to create four very different scents so people would want to try them all. I love how different scents have different essences and make you feel a certain way. Scents can bring back memories – the scent you wore at your wedding or your favorite high school perfume immediately return you to that time.

Perfumes evoke different feelings and moods. I love playing with different scents depending on the occasion. I actually wore Summit, the scent inspired by Blackberry Farm, to the MET Ball this year. I wanted to feel cool and edgy, very sexy, for this red-carpet night. Another scent, Haven, is what I love to wear at home with my family. It is a bright, fresh, floral scent that reminds me of my daughter.

DO YOU FIND YOURSELF DISSECTING SMELLS DIFFERENTLY NOW THAT YOU’VE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE PERFUMERY PROCESS?

Being involved in the creation of several different scents made me realize that smelling perfume is a lot like tasting wine. There are so many layers you don’t initially realize are in there, and different notes come through later in the day after wearing the scent for a while. It’s been a two-year process making the perfumes, and it’s been fun to start wearing the first scent again. I’m being reminded of the scent and the unique notes in it. It’s really fresh with bright florals, but has a nice undertone of musk. I love that you can have as many fragrances as you want, and they can go with you on your life adventures.

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE ACCORD ACROSS ALL OF YOUR PERFUMES OR CERTAIN PERFUMES, OR DO EACH OF THEM HAVE THEIR OWN UNIQUE COMPOSITION?

All of them are totally unique. If someone wanted to try all four – and I hope they do – they would get four very different scents. I loved the idea of creating four very different moods and feelings so that each scent can make you feel a certain way. I wanted to make something that I love, but I also wanted to create a journey for people as they experience the perfumes. When I give a gift to a friend, I want it to always be something that I truly love. The same goes with creating these perfumes.

Even more exciting is that each fragrance is aligned with a charity. So, people will have the option to donate a portion of the purchase to that scent’s charity.

CREATING A SCENT CAN BE A VERY PERSONAL VOYAGE. WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO KNOW THAT THESE SCENTS HAVE SO MUCH MEANING TO YOU, AND THAT THEY’LL BE INTERPRETED DIFFERENTLY BY PEOPLE WHO WEAR THEM?

I feel nervous, but so excited! These perfumes are like my babies. I just love them so much, and I have worked so hard on them. Scent is incredibly personal, and it takes a connection to be moved by scents. I hope these perfumes move some people and they find a new favorite, or a new staple, in their beauty routine. I can’t wait to see what people think.

WHO DO YOU IMAGINE WEARING AND ENJOYING YOUR PERFUME?

I created these perfumes for everyone – my mom, my daughter, my friends. Hopefully they’re enjoyed across the board. They’re truly meant to be ageless and timeless – incredibly unique scents that are different from what’s currently on the market.