Living Perfume
The Natural Alchemy of Mandy Aftel
Henri Bendel
712 5th Avenue at 56th Street
Third Floor
New York, NY
Mandy Aftel, the nose behind Aftelier Perfumes, is the author of three books on natural perfume including the award-winning Essence and Alchemy: the Natural History of Perfume, which has been published in seven languages. Dubbed the “angel of alchemy” by Vanity Fair, Aftel has designed custom blends for Hollywood stars, writers, and restaurants, as well as private labels. She is passionate about helping the art of natural perfumery, once near extinction, to evolve and thrive. The recipient of the Sense of Smell Institute’s Richard B. Solomon Award, Mandy Aftel stands in the threshold of a new art form – her beautiful collection is based on the ancient art of blending aromatics and essential oils with a new exploration into the art, science and meaning of natural perfume.
"I have learned to work with these essences by immersing myself in them and in the rich literature of the perfume masters of a century ago. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to create perfume with these precious essences and I see myself as custodian of a sacred art"
— Mandy Aftel