Perfume is a new show exploring contemporary scent

By Josh Walker 03 : 07 : 2017 Beauty : Luxury : Fashion

London – The exhibition at Somerset House looks at 10 perfumes through visual, audio and tactile references.

As a whole, the display takes an approach that scent should evoke an unexpected place or moment, rather than just trying to mask an odour. For that reason, the exhibition highlights visceral smells, as well as unsavoury ones such as smoke and sweat.

One perfume featured is El Cosmico by David Seth Moltz. Drawing on American history and geography, it has been crafted to transport visitors to the Chihuahuan Desert. It is presented alongside a sand installation to further heighten the experience.

The exhibition also features a perfume laboratory that profiles the science, skills, tools and ingredients used by contemporary perfumers to create a fragrance. Throughout the exhibition, the laboratory will host perfumers-in-residence and one-day takeovers, inviting guests to experience the creative process of the perfume designer.

The Big Picture

Scent continues to provide opportunities for innovative and sensory experiences. For more, see the new museum in Paris dedicated to the exploration of perfume in our Briefing report
The Paradise Paradoxe is another exhibition, this time in Zürich, that has opened up the process of perfume-making