My Times story on 'natural perfumer,' Mandy Aftel

Last week, the New York Times ran my story on perfumer Mandy Aftel  'essences' in the Dining Section---in a cocktail story. I came to Mandy through Aubrey who runs with his partner Jesse the most amazing chocolate store in Portland, Oregon. "She's your equivalent in perfume," he said.

He's right. One of the things I learned from Mandy is that when she does events and passes scents around, people always identify synthetic rose as the real one. "It's what people expect," she said.

Such as last week at the Princeton Club I showed two sauvignon blancs, a 2011 Puzelat and a Kim Crawford. At first people were charmed by the NZ sauv. but after a few minutes, which one the race? Someone in the audience said, "This artificial wine, we were taught was good. It was what I expect. But this other one, is delicious." 

By the way, Mandy's perfumes are perfect for me, because they disappear quickly. It's just what I, someone who love perfume but am perfume phobic, want; something that doesn't last. The rose and jasmine, are my two favorites, but I wear some of her essences as well--such as the cacao.

Anyway, it's surprising, it's fun, and well, give it a read. 

Comments

[Mandy Aftel]

I’m so honored to be in your blog today Alice! Thanks very much for sharing details behind the amazing article you wrote about me for The NY Times.

[Ross]

Great piece, you have a great and fun writting style. By the way, liked your comment above about the length of time a perfume lasts. I do not want to be enveloped in the same scent for eight hours. it gets boring.
Thanks for the good read.
Ross Urrere
http://olfactoryrescueservice.wordpress.com/

[Alicefeiring]

Hi Ross, Thanks so much for the comments. For me, as a wine writer, it's a disaster to have something on my skin that has a competing scent, so natural is totally the way to go. Enjoyed looking at your blog. I often need some olfactory rescue!

[Alicefeiring]

Mandy! Thanks for stopping by, I'm honored, you have it wrong.