Perfume Palate: A Matter of Taste [Perry Sun]

Perry Sun is the kind of girl that makes me thank the heavens for the internet (especially Twitter). When I first "met" her, she worked in Online Media Relations for LUSH Cosmetics, which she recently left to pursue another path, which may or may not involve the conspicuous consumption of mass quantities of pickles. And, like many of my online friends that I hold dearest, we made our connection first through fragrance. I soon discovered that Gorilla Perfumes at LUSH was a veritable treasure trove of excellent, inexpensive fragrances that smelled to me like more love and creative genius went into their creation than many high-priced niche firms. Perry, it turned out, was a little more fragrance-obsessed than even I realized, which only increased my fondness for her. So, look at her pretty face for a moment or two, then read on to find out more about this NYC native's olfactory story. 

First of all, please state your name and occupation:

Perry Sun, pickle aficionado experiencing a quarter-life crisis.

What is your favorite perfume at the moment? 

Orange Blossom from LUSH Gorilla Perfumes, it’s airy but substantial without being heavy.

What is your favorite fragrance house or brand of perfume?

Bond No. 9, I like Laurice’s take on different spots of the city being a born and raised New Yorker.

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

I wear perfume for when I need an extra boost in my day. If I know it’s going to be a long day, it helps to have something nice waft past your nose to remind you there’s more to life than work, work, work.

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

I think it adds to the appeal of the fragrance. Knowing that perfumers like Simon Constantine or Laurice Rahme or Maurice Roucel who have had years of experience crafting fantastic fragrances poured their heart and soul into the scent you’re wearing makes it a little more special. It’s hard to find something of quality or something special nowadays in the age of mass production.

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

I follow Laurice Rahme’s newest creations, just to see what nook of the city she’ll cover next. I think Ben Gorham of Byredo is just fascinating, I mean who builds a perfume around the concept of the color white?!

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

Lanvin’s Arpege. I remember thinking “I would never have guessed it held perfume”, it reminds me of the ancient Greek amphoras you studied in art history class.

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

Whenever I get a whiff of whatever it is I’m wearing, so probably 5-7 times a day.

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?

I don’t think I’ve ever asked anyone what fragrance they were wearing because most people just blurt it out after they say thank you! I also don’t know if I’d ever ask anyone what they were wearing because scent is so personal, it’d be like telling someone your bank card information.

In just three words, describe your ideal fragrance:

Fresh, mysterious and familiar.