Perfume Palate: A Matter of Taste [Ji Baek]

Anyone who loves off-the-beaten-path nail polish shades and formulations and considers their creation to be a real art form, knows who Ji Baek is. She creates Rescue Beauty Lounge nail polish. Her designs create a mood in a similar way that perfume does. In fact, I've been known to do scent and nail polish pairings (yes, really-- like Ormonde Jayne Woman and Zoya Edyta). My favorite color she has created is Under The Stars, a deep midnight blue jelly-finish, with hidden multidimensional glitter that you can only see in certain types of light. Simply put, it is literally a Van Gogh in a bottle. I've got nicely shaped and healthy nails (if I do say so myself), so I've made them my canvas for accessorizing. It's a lot less expensive than a new Proenza Schouler bag.

Ji has inspired many and has legions of fans for her cult nail polish colors, but it's her indefatigable devotion to what she does, and to her customers that is truly beyond the pale. While the actual storefront salon is no more, take comfort in knowing that Ji is tirelessly working to outdo herself day after day by creating unique  products that practically anyone, anywhere can indulge in thanks to the magic of internet shopping. Ji is beautiful (see below), she's a bit of a firebrand in the beauty world, she's passionate and resides at the top of my very short and tidy list of color geniuses.

First of all, please state your name and occupation:

Ji Baek, Owner/Founder of Rescue Beauty Lounge. (rescuebeauty.com)

What is your favorite perfume at the moment?

I'm a complete loyalist and I've been a Serge Lutens devotee for over a decade--in the Summer I have the pleasure of spending luscious time with his Sa Majeste la Rose, which is the most beautiful rose with green undertones.

What is your favorite fragrance house or brand of perfume?

Serge Lutens and Frederic Malle.

How often do you wear perfume, and under what circumstances do you wear it?

All day long- in the morning before I leave for the day, in the afternoon if I have a lunch meeting, at night if I'm going out and before bed...

Is it important to you to know who the perfumer or creator is behind the perfumes you wear?

Yes, for me, I can enter their world and know why his A La Nuit has the most sophisticated blend of gardenia that keeps me in a trance.

Do you follow the work of certain perfumers, and if so, who?

I really stick to what I like and what works for me, when ever my mood strikes and Serge is the one and only for me right now. His blends are perfection.

Think of an iconic perfume bottle design from the past. What is it?

Joy by Jean Patou. 

How many times a day do you estimate that you think about perfume?

For me I really don't think about it until I leave a certain section of my day. A spritz before meeting my husband makes me feel sexy and insouciant. After I shower at night, before I go to bed makes me feel decadent and luxurious. 

Think of the last time you complimented someone on the fragrance they were wearing. Did you ask them what it was, and if so, did they tell you?

Actually, they ask me all the time and I do tell them. I have yet to smell something more exotic than Serge's Arabie. Also, I layer his perfumes and they all have this magical synergy together. Sometimes in the morning I can use A La Nuit, and at night I can mix it with Fleurs d'Oranger, which I keep in my studio. . 

In just three words, describe your ideal fragrance:

Mysterious, Seductive, Aromatherapy