The Official Nominees for the 2013 Indie FiFi Award

There are some truly amazing entries for the Indie FiFi Award this year-- the competition is stiff! Judging by a specially selected panel will be done next week, and the winner along with the runners-up will be announced during the Indie FiFi Award ceremony at the upcoming Elements Showcase in NYC on January 28 at 7:00 pm.  Best of luck to all nominees!

THE OFFICIAL “INDIE” NOMINEES OF 2013

Below find the official 30 Indie fragrance nominees recognized by The Fragrance Foundation and the “Indie” Committee in alphabetical order.

                       

Fragrance & Brand

                                                                           

Amber Oud                                                              

By Kilian, Inc.

                       

Boutonnière No. 7                           

Arquiste Parfumeur

                       

Bowmakers                                                  

D.S. & Durga

                       

Broderie                                                       

Hayari - Paris

                       

Calling All Angels                                     

April Aromatics

                       

Cuirelle                                

Ramon Monegal Perfumes Barcelona

Eau de Flog                                                          

Opus Oils

Eau La La                                                     

Edward Bess

                       

Eau Monumentale                             

Third Man Inc.

                       

Glam Monster                                                                         

Donato Style LLC

                       

Hothouse Flower                                          

Ineke LLC

                       

Intimacy eau de parfum                                                           

JoAnne Bassett

                       

Lady Day                             

Maria Candida Gentile

                       

Le Cherche Midi NO. 30 Eau d'Hiver                     

Le Cherche Midi

                       

Le Smoking for Denver Art Museum                                   

DSH Perfumes

                       

Lightscape                                          

Ulrich Lang New York

                       

Meadow & Fir                                         

Phoenix Botanicals

                       

Moss Gown                                

Providence Perfume Co.

                       

Purusa Root                                               

Sebastian Signs Fragrances Company (LLC)

                       

Qajar Rose                                            

Parfums Lalun, Lalun Naturals, Inc.

                       

Raw Spirit "Firetree" Fragrance Oil                                   

World Senses Pty Ltd.

                       

Rima XI                                                   

Carner Barcelona

                       

Rodin                                                             

Rodin Olio Lusso

                                                                                                           

Speakeasy                                           

P. Frapin & Cie

                       

Strawberry Passion                                   

Skye Botanicals

                       

Terrasse a St-Germain                      

JUL ET MAD

                       

Trayee 

Neela Vermeire Creations                    

Treazon                                         

Ayala Moriel Parfums

                       

Wild Roses                      

Aftelier Perfumes

                       

Woody                                                          

smell bent

Nominating Form for 2013 Indie FiFi Award

It's that time again folks! Nomination season is here for the 2013 Indie FiFi Fragrance of the Year award. Click on through to The Fragrance Foundation's website to the Indie section, where you'll find the nomination form (PDF) as well as other information on the Indie Committee and the Indie FiFi award. The deadline for all submissions is Wednesday, November 28th. We can't wait to see (and sniff) what this year's entries will bring. Good luck to all who enter!

Perfume Palate: A Matter of Taste [Mary Ellen Lapsansky]

I've been happy to work with Mary Ellen Lapsansky for the past year or so on The Fragrance Foundation's Indie Fragrance Committee, and have learned some basic (but increasingly rare in people) truths about her during that time. She is very down-to-earth, she's the picture of grace under fire (though she's too humble to accept that, I think), extremely reasonable and she really listens. She extends kindness and consideration where one may never even expect it. As committee co-chair, perfumer, author and my friend Mandy Aftel once put it to me, "she's a good egg".

I had to smile a little bit as I read Mary Ellen's answers to my questionnaire, because she responded  much in the same way I would. Perhaps she simply expresses herself from the perspective of someone whose life is largely focused on fragrance, as is mine. So without further ado, read on for a glimpse into the preferences of a pro (and a very cool lady).

First of all, please state your name and occupation:

Mary Ellen Lapsansky, Vice President, The Fragrance Foundation

What is your favorite perfume at the moment?

L'Artisan's Mure et Musc- I've rediscovered it!

What is your favorite fragrance house or brand of perfume?

There are so many that I am partial to that I cannot list them all.  Many of them are niche brands but some big houses as well. 

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

I wear fragrance every day and reapply throughout the day. If I am going out in the evening, I reapply the fragrance worn during the day or switch to another favorite.

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

Since I am in the fragrance business, I do like to know the perfumer/creator behind the fragrances I wear. But even if I weren't, I'd like to know the creator/artist of the perfumes that capture my attention. It is the same as knowing who wrote my favorite song(s) and painted favorite pieces of art. With fragrance I find that if I like a particular perfumer's creation, I usually like all of his/her other creations.

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

I do. Right now I am following the work of Ralf Schweiger of Mane since we just interviewed him for The Fragrance Foundation's website: www.fragrance.org

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

Schiaparelli's Shocking.

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

Quite often-- it's hard to give a number. 

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 am always curious about what other people are wearing. So when I smell something delicious on someone else I always ask them what they are wearing if I don't recognize it already. They usually do tell me because they are thrilled that someone noticed and appreciates the scent. 

In just three words, describe your ideal fragrance:

An "olfactive love affair".

Elements Showcase Forum on Monday August 20: Art and Commerce

Since I won't be in NYC for Elements Showcase next week, I'd like to urge any of my readers who will be in the area to register to be present for this panel discussion on the coexistence of art and commerce. It promises to be really interesting. Participating panelists include:

• Mandy Aftel of Aftelier Perfumes
• Carlos Huber of Arquiste
• Christopher Brosius of CB I Hate Perfume

[August 20th at 3pm EST at the Skylight West in NYC]

The Fragrance Foundation announces winner of the 2012 "Indie" FiFi Award!

Congratulations to Odin NY for winning the inaugural "Indie" FiFi award! I'm a huge fan of Odin fragrances (ALL of them) and am very happy for them. After all the Elements Showcase excitement (which I'm so sad I had to miss!), we're already working to making next year's "Indie" FiFi Award process even better. With the support and guidance of my fellow committee members, I believe that the field of possibilities is wide open. Thank you to the "Indie" FiFi committee, The Fragrance Foundation, all the incredibly talented perfumers who entered and to all who have been following along with us during this process!

The Fragrance Foundation Announces

Winner of the

2012 FiFi® “Indie” Fragrance Award

New York N.Y. February 1^st.  2012. The Fragrance Foundation is very pleased to announce

06 Amanu

Odin Fragrances New York

was revealed as the winner of the 2012 FiFi® “Indie” Fragrance Award at Monday night’s award ceremony that took place for the very first time at the Elements Showcase in New York City. 

The beautifully designed Elements Showcase provided a stunning venue to host the newly

configured 2012 “Indie” Fragrance Award allowing finalists to enjoy the spotlight among buyers, press, colleagues, friends and family.

The master-minds behind the showcase - Frederick Bouchardy, Ulrich Lang and Jeff Lawson - welcomed all the guests and the five finalists to the awards ceremony.  Mary Ellen Lapsansky, Vice President of The Fragrance Foundation took to the stage to open the sealed envelope, safe-guarded until that very moment by the accounting firm of Sperduto, Spector and Company. She then presented 06 Amanu, Odin New York with the coveted crystal FiFi® trophy, a recognized symbol of excellence.

“We are very proud to have won the 2012 FiFi® “Indie” Fragrance Award,” said the co- creators of 06 Amanu. “It was a labor of love to create a fragrance with such a romantic and exotic heritage.” This winning scent is described as a primitive ambiance of Southern Mediterranean peaks combined with the ancient fertility of Anatolian soils which bring forth a herbaceous blend of verdant Galbanum and raw Lentisque. The cortex of Amanu revolves around the woody rusticity of Cedarleaf and the heady complexity of Jasmine Sambac.  Rooting textures of Amberwood, Musk and Live Moss endow this earthy scent with a lush maturity.  The top notes: Blood Orange, Green Galbanum, Lentisque.  The middle notes: Aged Cedarleaf, Jasmin Sambac, Magnolia.  Bottom Notes: Amberwood, Sheer Musk, Live Moss.

Cos Policastro, Executive Vice President, Fine Fragrances at Givaudan presented 06 Amanu with a congratulatory check for $10,000.00.  "This is a true achievement and we wish 06 Amanu and all the "Indie" brands continued success in the future,” commented Mr. Policastro.  “These independent creators play an important role in our industry by engaging the consumer with their unique stories. Givaudan is proud to sponsor this award as our company is defined by these same attributes.”

The ceremony and cocktail party was graciously sponsored by RPG’s Chief Executive Officer Bruce Teitelbaum who added his own heartfelt words of congratulations and encouragement.   “RPG began in exactly the same way as these “Indie” brands so we appreciate, understand and value the creativity, hard work and passion they dedicate to their craft and wish them great success.” said Mr. Teitelbaum.

“We congratulate all the brands that submitted fragrances, we applaud the five finalists who made it through to the finals and we absolutely cheer for the 2012 FiFi® “Indie” Fragrance Award winner 06 Amanu!” said Mary Ellen Lapsansky.  “In these challenging times, nothing can hold back their entrepreneurial drive and their vision is the future of the business we all love.”

As part of the ceremony, each of the top five finalists received mini FiFi® Awards in recognition of their accomplishments.   The four other finalists were:

“Cuirs” Carner Barcelona                   

Come L’Amore, Bois 1920                 

La Fumée Miller Harris                                   

Siberian Snow by D.S. & Durga                     

The Five Finalists for the 2012 Indie FiFi Award have been announced!

Congratulations to the finalists, and every single person who entered. I'm proud to support independent and artisan perfumers here on my blog, and I really look forward to continuing that coverage in the future. 

Best of luck to the finalists!

~CM

For Immediate Release

The Fragrance Foundation Announces

Top Five Finalists for the 

2012 FiFi “Indie” Award

New York N.Y. January 19^th, 2012. The Fragrance Foundation is very pleased and excited to name the top five finalists who have made it through the judging for the 2012 FiFi® “Indie” Award with the winner to be revealed on January 30^th at the Elements Showcase FiFi® Award Ceremony and celebration.   A distinguished panel of expert judges had the difficult task of choosing five outstanding fragrance brands based on criteria provided by the Foundation and the “Indie” Committee.  The ballots were tabulated by the Foundation’s accounting firm Sperduto, Spector & Company.  “We were very pleased to receive so many entries and confirm thirty six  official nominees.  The competition was stiff and we applaud the judges for taking on the challenge of selecting the top five,” states Mary Ellen Lapsansky, Vice President of The Fragrance Foundation.  “We are excited to present these finalists with mini-FiFi® trophies and of course honor the winner with the official crystal FiFi® Award.” 

The five finalists are:

Carner Barcelona “Cuirs”              – Min New York

Come L’Amore, Bois 1920              – Bois 1920 (Perfume Holding Corp.)

Miller Harris La Fumée                   – Miller Harris

Odin New York 06 Amanu             – Foundry NYC

Siberian Snow by D.S. & Durga     – D.S. & Durga

"Congratulations to these five finalists who distinguished themselves from among so many worthy entries," said Cos Policastro, Executive Vice President, Fine Fragrances at Givaudan. "This is a true achievement and we wish all the "Indie" brands continued success in the future. Indie brands play an important role in our industry by engaging the consumer with their unique stories. Their creativity and innovation inspires the fragrance world and should be recognized and rewarded. Givaudan is proud to sponsor this award as our company is defined by these same attributes.  We look forward to the announcement of the winner and to present them with a $10,000 check to encourage them to continue to push the boundaries of olfactive creativity. "

Frederick Bouchardy, co-founder of Elements Showcase comments “The 2012 FiFi® “Indie” Award presentation at the Elements Showcase will be a terrific moment of recognition for the “Indie” category. It’s very exciting and we salute all these independent creators.” “We are very happy to be a part of this occasion by sponsoring the FiFi® “Indie” celebration,” added Bruce Teitelbaum, Chief Executive Officer, RPG, “the “Indie” brands deserve the spotlight and The FiFi® Award is a respected symbol of excellence.  Presenting the FiFi® in such a stylish, innovative venue as the Elements Showcase is just the kind of creative thinking that brings new energy to the fragrance community and new choices to the fragrance-loving consumer.”

To attend the ceremony on January 30^th, please visit

elements-showcase.com for complete event details & registration

“Indie” Committee Mission Statement:

To support the excellence, talent and artistry of ‘indie’ perfumes, celebrate their individuality and craftsmanship, give a voice to the “indie” brands, address any issues and concerns that are important to the group as a whole.

The “Indie” Committee Members:

Mandy Aftel (Aftelier Perfumes)♥Arnaud Adrian (Robertet ♥Frederick Bouchardy (Joya Studio)♥Karl Bradl (Aedes de Venustas)♥Virginia Bonofiglio (Fashion Institute of Technology♥ Denise Capozzalo (Barneys)♥Rodrigo Flores-Roux (Givaudan Fragrances Corp.)♥Victoria Frolova (Bois de Jasmin)♥Mary Ellen Lapsansky (The Fragrance Foundation)♥ Carrie Meredith (Eyeliner on a Cat)♥Ralf Schwieger (Mane)

Spotlight on 30 Indie Brands for 2012 Indie Fifi Award!

I am so excited to share this press release from the Fragrance Foundation Indie Committee regarding the entrants for the FiFi Award for Best Indie Fragrance. There was a really fantastic response and a lot of buzz has been generated around the submissions. I'm delighted that so many indie perfumers stepped up to this challenge!

Press Contact: Lyn Leigh, 212 725 2755 ext. 102

Lleigh@fragrance.org

For Immediate Release

The Fragrance Foundation:  

Spotlight on 30 Indie Brands

Entering

2012 “Indie” FiFi® Award

New York N.Y. December 15^th, 2012.  What an amazing response! 36 “Indie” fragrance entries representing 30 brands arrived at the office of The Fragrance Foundation by UPS, FedEx, mail, messenger and even hand-delivered by the perfumers themselves.  “Indie fragrance brand entrepreneurs are clearly excited and enthused to participate in the 2012 “Indie” FiFi® Award Category in partnership with Elements Showcase and have the chance to win the 

FiFi® Award along with the $10,000.00 congratulatory check generously sponsored by Givaudan to provide an extra measure of encouragement and support to these talented, creative free-spirits,” comments Mary Ellen Lapsansky, Vice President of the Foundation.  The award presentation will take place on January 30^th at the Elements Showcase in a fun, festive ceremony highlighting the five finalists and announcing the winner.

"Independent brands and the people behind them are driving innovation. Surely all the nominees are deserving of accolades," said Frederick Bouchardy, co-founder of Elements Showcase. "We are proud and thrilled to shine the spotlight on them next month."

In the meantime, The Fragrance Foundation and the “Indie” Committee are delighted to recognize and congratulate the Indie submissions that are now official 2012 FiFi® Indie Award nominees:

Fragrance:			Company:
A Dozen Roses Collection:			360 Degrees, Inc.
Gold Rush, Iced White, Shakespeare in Love
Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensee Cologne Absolue			Atelier Cologne
Blu Oltremare, Bois 1920			Bois 1920 (Perfume Holding Corp)
Burning Barbershop by D.S. & Durga			D.S. & Durga
Carner Barcelona "Cuirs"			Min New York
Come L'Amore, Bois 1920			Bois 1920 (Perfume Holding Corp)
Debonair: Eau Dandy			smell bent
Dimanche			Strange Invisible Perfumes
Divine Gardens
for Denver Art Museum			DSH Perfumes
Eau Pear Tingle by Opus Oils			Opus Oils
Eva Luna Eau de Parfum			Providence Perfume Co.
40notes Perfume Limited Edition Signature Perfume
Collection:			40notes Perfume
Spring Vetiver
Sampaguita Jasmine
White Winter Flower
Exotic Ylang Ylang
Cashmere Musk
Exquisite Amber
Oudwood Veil
Frapin "1697"			Min New York
Geisha Amber Rouge			Aroma M Perfumes
Hope by Tallulah Jane			Tallulah Jane
JOUANY Marrakech			World Scents
JOUANY Saint Barthelemy			World Scents
Miller Harris La Fumée			Miller Harris
Mountain High			smell bent
Nectar of Love			April Aromatics
November in the Temperate Deciduous Forest			For Strange Women
Odin New York 06 Amanu			Foundry NYC
Orcas by Ayala Moriel Parfums			Ayala Moriel Parfums
Pandora			DSH Perfumes
Painting - Picture Frame			Eclectic Collections
Perfect Coconut Milk			Sarah Horowitz Parfums
Petite Mort			Marc Atlan
Rose Bohème Eau de Parfum			Providence Perfume Co.
Royal Lotus from Anya's Garden Perfumes			Anya's Garden Perfumes
Secret Garden			Aftelier Perfumes
Siberian Snow by D.S. & Durga			D.S. & Durga
Signed, Sealed & Delivered			Eclectic Collections
SOIVOHLE Leather Krem			Liz Zorn Perfumes LLC
Sombre Negra			Yosh Olfactory Sense
"Staghorn Sumac" by D.S. & Durga with Joya			D.S. & Durga with Joya
untitled no. 9 for luckyscent			DSH Perfumes

“Indie” Committee Mission Statement:

To support the excellence, talent and artistry of ‘indie’ perfumes, celebrate their individuality and craftsmanship, give a voice to the “indie” brands, address any issues and concerns that are important to the group as a whole.

The “Indie” Committee Members:

Mandy Aftel (Aftelier Perfumes)♥Arnaud Adrian (Robertet)♥Rochelle Bloom (The Fragrance Foundation)♥Frederick Bouchardy (Joya Studio)♥Karl Bradl (Aedes de Venustas)♥Virginia Bonofiglio (Fashion Institute of Technology♥ Denise Capozzalo (Barneys)♥Rodrigo Flores-Roux (Givaudan Fragrances Corp.)♥Victoria Frolova (Bois de Jasmin)♥Mary Ellen Lapsansky (The Fragrance Foundation)♥ Carrie Meredith (Eyeliner on a Cat)♥Ralf Schwieger (Mane)

Deadline for Indie FiFi Submissions has been extended!

Press Contact: Lyn Leigh, 212 725 2755 ext. 102

Lleigh@fragrance.org

For Immediate Release

The Fragrance Foundation

Announces

2012 “Indie” FiFi® Award

Submission Deadline Extension!

New York N.Y. November 30^th, 2012.  “Indie” fragrance submissions are pouring into the office of The Fragrance Foundation. By UPS, by Fedex, by mail, by messenger and even hand-delivered by the perfumers themselves!  Indie fragrance brands are clearly excited and enthused to participate in the very first Fragrance Foundation 2012 “Indie” FiFi® Award in partnership with Elements Showcase.

Due to the fact that Mary Ellen Lapsansky, Vice President of The Fragrance Foundation has been responding to a deluge of phone calls and emails requesting information and guidance, the decision was made to extend the submission deadline to:

Wednesday, December 7^th

“The response has been amazing,” commented Ms. Lapsansky, “so obviously these wonderful indie brands are eager to compete with each other (on the friendliest possible terms of course) for the prestige of being finalists, with the winner stepping up to accept the 2012 “Indie” FiFi® Award at the Elements Showcase award celebration on Monday, January 30th . With all the buzz generated by this FiFi® Award category as well as the $10,000.00 prize generously provided by Givaudan in support of this first-time initiative, it’s  a great opportunity for indie brands to shine.

For all the submission criteria, forms etc. please go to www.fragrance.org and click on Indie Fragrance of the Year to open up the information window.