The realm of perfumery is vast and filled with exquisite and unique offerings that spark the imagination. Imaginary Authors, an indie fragrance line founded in 2012 by the talented perfumer Josh Meyers, offers an intriguing concept that combines scent with storytelling. Each fragrance in their collection is metaphorically linked to a fictional book, authored by an imaginary writer. This article focuses on two of their fragrances: Memoirs of a Trespasser and Soft Lawn, exploring the olfactory experiences they provide.
The Concept Behind Imaginary Authors Fragrances
Imaginary Authors believes in scent as an art form, and their fragrances are designed to provoke thought and evoke a story or a memory. With all fragrances presented as eau de parfum, the line features a majority released in 2012. The brand intends to transport individuals into the literary worlds these scents represent, although not every journey proves to be pleasant.
Memoirs of a Trespasser: An Exotic Journey Gone Awry
Initial Impressions
Memoirs of a Trespasser aims to encapsulate the essence of an author's enchanting travels. With notes including Madagascar vanilla, guaiac wood, myrrh, and ambrette seeds, the scent belongs to the oriental vanilla category. Upon application, it quickly envelops the senses with a sweet, musky vanilla that is paired with an unusual fruitiness reminiscent of a sweet tropical escape.
Evolution of the Fragrance
As time goes by, the fragrance evolves into a cloying blend, with a prominent bourbon vanilla note overshadowed by a soapy undertone. The initial excitement gives way to a combination of stale woodiness and dry, synthetic chemical nuances that may lead to a distinctly uncomfortable experience for some wearers. Those sensitive to fragrance notes may find this perfume's dry and synthetic elements overwhelming, creating an experience that feels abrasive rather than smooth.
A Lasting Impression?
Despite its interesting beginnings, the lasting effects of Memoirs of a Trespasser shift into an overly floral and synthetic territory. By the fifth hour, the scent consists mostly of a dry woodiness, interspersed with fleeting hints of the original vanilla. For many, this evolution feels disjointed, failing to represent an immersive narrative the brand promised.
Soft Lawn: A Fresh but Linear Experience
Setting the Scene
Soft Lawn draws inspiration from a fictional character—a tennis champion from Princeton in 1916. This scent immediately stands apart with its unique combination of linden blossom, ivy leaves, vetiver, oakmoss, and the unmistakable scent of fresh tennis balls. The opening notes explode with herbal brightness, evoking a crisp green landscape.
Character and Sillage
The scent's developmental stage, however, remains linear and uncomplicated. While there's a fresh floral aspect blended with grassy and synthetic elements, the lack of depth can leave some fragrance enthusiasts wanting more. In fact, as the scent progresses, the overwhelming synthetic elements appear to dominate the experience, creating a feeling of industrial crispness.
Overall Reception
Despite its intriguing concept and initial pleasantness, Soft Lawn ultimately presents itself as a superficial fragrance—one that mostly resembles freshly opened tennis balls rather than a nuanced olfactory tale. The fragrance’s persistence for around 11-12 hours, while notable, fails to add layers of complexity many seek in a high-end perfume.
Final Thoughts on Imaginary Authors
The journey through the fragrances of Imaginary Authors reveals an innovative approach to perfumery. While the brand succeeds in crafting concepts and stories that intrigue consumers, the execution of these scents often feels simplistic and lacking in sophistication. Memoirs of a Trespasser and Soft Lawn serve as prime examples of this divergence between concept and olfactory artistry.
FAQs about Imaginary Authors Fragrances
1. What inspired the creation of Imaginary Authors fragrances?
Imaginary Authors is inspired by the idea of blending literature and scent, with each fragrance tied to a fictional book written by an imaginary author. The goal is to create immersive stories through scent.
2. How long do Imaginary Authors fragrances last?
Imaginary Authors' fragrances typically last between 10 to 12 hours on the skin, depending on the specific fragrance and skin chemistry.
3. Where can I purchase Imaginary Authors fragrances?
Imaginary Authors fragrances can be purchased directly from their website, select retailers in Portland, and through online fragrance vendors. Samples are also available for those who wish to try before investing in full bottles.
4. Are Imaginary Authors fragrances suitable for sensitive skin?
Due to the use of certain synthetics, some individuals may find that these fragrances cause irritation or discomfort. It's advisable for sensitive individuals to sample the fragrances first to assess personal reactions.
5. How can I find the right Imaginary Authors scent for me?
Finding the right scent often involves sampling different fragrances to see which notes resonate with you. Consider the themes and stories behind each fragrance, as they may influence your connection to the scent.