DEMETER . SCENTS INSPIRED BY MEMORIES
From cookies baking in the oven to the smell of a bonfire, scents can evoke memories so powerful that you may feel as though you've been transported back in time. It’s known as “odor-evoked autobiographical memory” or the Proust phenomenon, after French writer Marcel Proust, and can be almost as enjoyable as the initial impression itself. As part of the CBB I was given the unique opportunity to curate and customize my own scent memory with the help of Demeter Fragrances. With over 300 scents to choose from it was difficult to narrow down the options, but the moment my eyes laid upon the scent Saddle a warm feeling washed over my body that simply couldn't be ignored. And with a single whiff of it's distinct leather scent I embarked on a journey through the blissful memories I formed throughout years of horseback riding.
THE SCENTS
Sunshine – The scent of sunshine is one that is countlessly tackled by fragrance companies, but rarely done properly. It took Demeter Fragrances over two years to master this scent, but they finally achieved the result they were after when they decided that cotton, warmed by the sun, was the smell that best represented the idea of sunshine. The fragrance instantly brings a smile to your face – it's a warm, bright, sunny scent that can be worn alone, or paired with a co-ordinating perfume, such as Salt Air, to further invigorate your olfactory memory.
Saddle – A saddle, like any leather-made product, has a wonderfully rich scent. Those who have horseback rode in their life will remember it's distinct scent from cleaning the saddle after a ride. It's a ritual you end up missing once you've left the horse world. But regardless whether you've horseback rode or not, you will love this scent if you own any leather products. I've been spritzing it on my leather jacket to renew it's scent, giving me that brand new jacket feel without having spent the money. You could also mix up an amazing 'manly' trio with Paperback and Mahogany – Anchorman anyone? I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany. Lol.
Poison Ivy – After doing a triple take that I truly was reading poison ivy I took a whiff of the perfume and was pleasantly surprised. It's arguably the most wearable singular scent of the three, featuring a clean, slightly floral fragrance. Who would have known poison ivy carried such a beautiful aroma! But what about a rash? Fun fact of the day: In order to capture the scent of poison ivy without causing any itching or scratching, Demeter had to eliminate the offending active ingredient that causes rashes, Urushiol. I'm sure happy they did because I'm addicted to this fragrance!
MY SCENT MEMORY
The moment I combine all three fragrances the scent memory is truly pulled together. I can picture myself riding along the acres of trails that backed onto the stable. Sun in my face, my hair blowing in the wind. Even the faintest smell of this mixture and I can instantly recall the sights, sounds, and emotions I experienced on those rides. The nature surrounding me, heat beating down from the sun, with the smell of summer in the air, and leather beneath my seat. That was truly my favourite place to be on a horse, alone in the trails with my thoughts. You see I used to compete as well, and while there is nothing more exhilarating than show jumping, the peace and tranquility you find while on a 'hack' with your best friend is far better than any adrenaline boost. This beautifully curated trio has certainly convinced me that I need to take up riding again as it was a great passion of my former years.
What will your scent trio convince you to do? Shop the 300+ scents here.
Let me know in the comment section below what fragrances you would combine?