Personal Signatures Created By Azzi

q: What prompted you to start a perfume brand? a: ‘The Perfumer's Story’ was born out of the encouragement I received from both Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter and their total excitement about my fragrance creations. I also saw a massive gap in the market. Nobody was creating fragrances that would capture an individual’s style and character. Most perfumes are based on fragrance ingredient trends like oud or neroli, rose or a Fresh Fruity. I wanted my perfume compositions to be based on a person’s character and style, each with an artistic true story and reference. So if your character and style fits Bohemian/Loving/Unique where you like mixing vintage clothing with brands and the high street to make your own style then Twisted Iris would match you well - "Iris is beautiful, creative, and carefree with this incredible quirky side to her that is truly irresistible.” I could see a demand from people to be more individual and to stand out from the crowd. My perfumes are easy to choose, as each of them gives you the fragrance character as opposed to the industry buzzwords ‘fragrance family’, which nobody seems to understand. They have this magical feeling, which always gets many compliments from others when they are worn and seems to have an almost magnetic quality. They are adored by others and totally loyal to the wearer, and that gives confidence and empowerment. They are a bespoke signature for that person, which creates memories for years to come. q: How do you go about sourcing your ingredients? a: I source my perfume ingredients from around the world. The quality of my ingredients are carefully selected and hand-picked, as it is important that they have the depth of character that is required to fulfil my story. I carefully select the fragrance ingredients, firstly as the main characters a bit like a film director chooses his main stars and then my supporting ingredients to help tell the different stories in my collection of perfumes and candles. q: Can you tell us the steps and procedures you take when creating a personalised scent for someone? a: As it is extremely hard for anyone to choose a fragrance from so many perfumes found in a beauty hall or even in a perfume boutique to know that they have found the right one especially when they are confronted by the fragrance language of ‘top notes’ or ingredients such as ‘it contains Oudh in it’. This is not the information that consumers necessary want to hear or even relate to. I have been very fortunate in working with many Hollywood actors over the years mainly because they all, individually find it hard to choose their signature scent from what is on offer from the fragrance market place. This is one of the main reasons why I create fragrances differently to most other perfumers where I match their individual character, personality and their own unique style to the fragrance composition. In the same way a bespoke outfit is made for them. The process is - to work very closely with each of my clients. Some say it's a bit like a ‘fun therapy session’, but really, it’s all about getting to know their personality and their character and how they would like to portray themselves to the outside world. When I have a clear picture of them – a bit like a DNA print – I then look at their own fashion style. I study their clothing, accessories, and hair and skin, and I match these elements when formulating their signature bespoke fragrance, so when you smell the result it just seems to work for them and also for those around them. Most people are all individual and don't tend to have the same character or personality or even style. I match their own DNA print into the fragrance, a bit like telling their story through their scent, so when you smell the result it just seems to work for them and also for those around them. The happiness that it brings to people when they have their own bespoke perfume for life, is a fantastic feeling for me to live with. I feel that I am adding some sort of value to people's lives, which is one of the reasons why I love what I do and enjoy life. q: What is the favourite perfume or candle you’ve made so far and for whom was it for? a: This is a difficult question as I love all of my candles as they have been formulated to style an entire house and bring unique character and style to the different interiors and living experiences around the home. One of my favourites though, as it always received so many comments as people enter my house is Black Moss which has been designed for the entrance and hall way to your home. It smells like no other scent you have experienced, beautiful, rich with an aristocratic character that is filled with warmth and luxurious heritage. Originally this was and is still loved by Johnny Depp and he orders lots of them. q: How would you describe your personal scent? a: My Personal signature scent is Sequoia Wood, which I have worn for around 10 years now. I wanted to release it mainly due to the incredible comments and admiration I have had over the years from many people and still do. The composition is layered around the sensual and deep richness of red Sequoia Wood, which appears mainly in the heart of the fragrance. It is enhanced on the top by a slight flirtatious freshness of Neroli and Palmarosa with a kissable base of Cedar, Patchouli, Oudh and White Musk oils. The formulation is sensual without being floral or sweet and unisex. I get five or six comments every day on how wonderful I smell. This is one of the nicest compliments anyone can get. The character and style of the perfume would be described as sensual, creative and avant-garde. q: In your opinion, why are scents and aromas such an important part of life? a: Scent is probably one of the most powerful senses around. One would never want to be with someone that does not smell good. We are all animals and the sense of smell is part of our DNA where its importance is part of survival and destiny. Fragrance can be manipulative; it is very powerful when you get it right. It is, ultimately, the finishing touch. People judge not only the way you look but also the scented vibes you give off, from yourself, to your home and to the aura you build around you. My own signature perfume, Sequoia Wood, which is now part of my collection, gives me so much joy that it has become a part of me. q: How did you find out about Curated Crowd? a: I found out about Curated Crowd through a very dear friend of mine who is extremely stylish and creates the most fabulous dresses too. She thought we would both collaborate well and she was totally correct. I really appreciate the style and the true values that Curated Crowd own. When I was introduced to the founder, Ada Zhao, I found her totally inspiring and she has taken design and style to new intensive, thoughtful and creative levels which I love.