Andrea Maack Parfums Presentation & Interview

Andrea Maack describes herself as an artist who accidentally founded a niche perfume brand. 

The fragrances represent a new approach to both art and fragrance.  Originally designed for a series of exhibitions, the artwork for each scent was created first.  It was then sent to a perfumer who was asked to craft a scent inspired by the art.  

Maack gave very little direction regarding the nature of the scents.  She wanted the scents to be new and modern, but no specific notes were prescribed.   In fact, it was not even a requirement that any of the fragrances actually be wearable as a perfume.  Each fragrance contains a number of fantasy accords that capture the creativity of both the artist and the perfumer.  The collaborations proved so succesful that a fragrance brand was formed to share the experience with a wider audience. 

SMART

Smart was the first perfume, created in collaboration with perfumers from Grasse. Andrea's drawing was sent to the perfumers, who were asked to create an olfactory interpretation of it. The original drawing was then cut into 200 pieces to be used as perfume blotters, similar to the presentation used at Elements Showcase. Andrea describes the fragrance:  "At first it is a light scent, but as you go deeper it has a darker, slightly erotic mood lurking under the surface."

CRAFT

Craft was created in collaboration with a French fashion designer. The artwork that inspired this scent is a sculptural dress made from charcoal sketches on patterned paper. The fragrance is an ode to Haute Couture, and the scent indeed has a touch of charcoal in it. "With Craft, you can feel the concentration, the charcoal colliding with paper and the sheer perseverance of the artist." [NLS chose this scent to accompany her art panel.]

SHARP

Sharp is the fragrance crafted to accompany a dress which Andrea carved in foam. The fragrance, dress and pattern have delicate, clean lines. "The precision of the artwork can be found in the essence of this scent, within the delicate layering of notes, which sharpen as the perfume is dissected." [This was Ida's favorite.]

DARK

Dark is predominantly a rose fragrance expressing its darker side, with sensual leathery overtones.  The fragrance opens very fruity but takes on a metallic edge over time. Andrea notes, "The heavy metallic note in the scent brings an unexpected surprise, while its animalistic and powdery side suggests certain comfort, both reassuring and protective." [Jeca chose this scent for the scent on her panel.]

SILK

Silk is inspired by a hand-painted silk scarf and is made to be sprayed on a silk scarf.  At Elements, Andrea wore a colorful silk scarf that matched the artwork on the wall and echoed the colors of the notes in this fragrance.  The scent is an airy floral with a gentle touch of powder. "The idea of Silk is to enhance the feeling of wearing a perfume—its powdery, airy, earthy, leathery aura makes you imagine a silky smoothness caressing your neck."

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Photo and Video from Elements by Fragrantica