Luxury of Scent
House of Sillage founder Nicole Mather shares her love and knowledge of scent.
|
||
| Indulge Made in France using some of the finest rare ingredients and blended by legendary Master Perfumer Francis Camail, Tiara is described by Mather as a seductive scent of vanilla and musk notes infused with delicate florals. It is packaged in a multifaceted hand-polished bottle shaped like a cupcake. The cap is made with customized Swarovski stones in a tiara design. “It is a luxurious and modern design that builds upon something universally familiar and traditionally loved,” Mather says. :: houseofsillage.com |
The scent in the air after it first rains. The aroma of baking cookie dough. The smell of a newborn baby. All of these fragrances bring to mind specific images and emotions most of us can relate to. And every day, we create new memories with the help of scent.
“Scent has the power to lift mood and empower,” says Nicole Mather, founder of House of Sillage, a perfumery based in Corona del Mar. “It can change how we think and relate with others. So to me, it’s a very important part of life. Experiencing new scents that can enhance our every day is an important part of life.”
It’s this magic surrounding scent that drew Mather to the world of fragrance and inspired her to open House of Sillage. Mather shared this passion in an interview with Coast.
How long has House of Sillage been in the works?
We have been designing our products for over two years. We just launched our first exciting new scent, Tiara [on November 1]. It is available on our website and will soon be available at select retailers nationwide.
What is your background in beauty and fragrance?
Although I have a degree in finance and worked in the financial services industry, I have always been passionate about the science of scent and the art of perfume making. The ability of scent to inspire positive moods, evoke distant memories and improve well-being has always fascinated me. During my time traveling and living in Europe, I began to research the history and art of perfume making.
What inspired you specifically to open House of Sillage?
In my travels, I had the opportunity to smell and learn about many scents that are mostly now unavailable. It seems the fragrance industry has become so mass-market-oriented that much of the true art in fragrance creativity and individuality has been lost. The industry is increasingly focused on very high unit volumes of lower quality for global distribution. It is often more about celebrity endorsement than the quality, originality and appeal of the scent itself. In creating House of Sillage, I wanted to return to the art of fragrance making using the best quality ingredients to produce exciting luxury scents that stand apart from the mass-market perfume houses.
Describe the design process.
I am involved in every detail of the design and manufacturing. Typically I will work with Francis Camail and our perfume house in France testing countless combinations of our preferred scent palette. We are always looking to do something modern and distinctive. Many times that entails looking back to the past for oils and ingredients that have not been used for a long time due to cost or availability. In the end, we look to create something that awakens the senses in new ways. It is important that it ages well on the skin without some notes fading at the expense of others – the way many less expensive scents do. Lastly, the “sillage” must keep admiring heads turning. [Sillage is the French word for the scent trail perfume leaves behind after the wearer has passed by.]
Now that Tiara is out, what other fragrances are on the horizon?
We are working on several amazing new scents. Additionally, each fragrance will be paired with a unique new bottle that is truly a work of art. Just like with Tiara, each design will use Swarovski stones and settings normally reserved for jewelry.
How would you describe the personality that House of Sillage fragrances will take?
Our fragrances are sensual, emotive and designed to wear unlike other mass-marketed perfumes. We present cutting-edge modernity in fragrance with timelessly beautiful bottles and packaging that truly represent the luxurious high end of the art form.
Any advice on how people can find the right fragrances for them?
Fragrance should be a “love at first sight” feeling. The right scent should instantly feel good and it should wear well throughout the day, even as it interacts with each person’s body chemistry. A quality fit in fragrance should enhance well-being, lift the spirit and improve how we engage with our other senses and those around us.
