Listener @somestarrynight messaged us from Paris about the @maisonfranciskurkdjian installation at @palaisdetokyo (on until 23 November - so hurry if you want to see it!)

As it happens, Laurent from @ostens_official shared smelling strips from the expo at a recent dinner, a reminder of scent’s communal, artful side. So although we can’t get to see it, we *have* smelled the scents created for it)

Perfume: Sculpture of the Invisible (celebrating 20 years of MFK & @franciskurkdjian_official’s olfactive artistry - scenting galleries, theatrical performances, music, & places) “has opened up perfume to new forms and destinations, taking it out of the bottle.” - Jérôme Neutres, Exhibition Curator

#perfumeprescriptions

17-year old listener Sadbh asks for starting points in perfume shopping, balancing jasmine, fresh ginger, roses, amber, and not-too-sweet vanilla

Our guidance:

@marksandspencerstyle Spiced Amber EDT: powdery depths, amber heart, cedar and geranium

@marksandspencerstyle Apothecary Warmth EDP: cardamom, cinnamon, cedarwood, sandalwood for warming comfort

Nicola notes that niche shop @bloomperfumery’s site suggests related scents when you search a name, and well-trained staff at perfume departments can be invaluable - don’t be afraid to ask them for help.

@tocca Wonders Collection (stocked @theperfumeshop) – £55 for 6 x 5ml EDP:

Florence Eau de Parfum: green garden bouquet of gardenia, tuberose, iris; Parisian romance.

Cleopatra EDP: grapefruit, jasmine, patchouli—seductive and regal.

Stella EDP: citrus and florals with Italian sunshine; breezy, radiant.

Lucia EDP: sunlit lemon, vetiver, fig; slow living, luminous.

Laila EDP: luxurious indulgence, confident sensuality.

Colette EDP: citrus, floral, woods; Parisian literary spirit with daring edge.

New fragrances @oliverbonas

Fig & Tonka, Pomelo & Basil EDPs (£12.50 each)

Mandarin & Jasmine, Warm Oud & Saffron EDTs (£20 full size, £9.50 rollers)

Also at Oliver Bonas:

@floralstreet_: Wild Vanilla Orchid (£28/10ml); vanilla, jasmine, cassis with bamboo and sandalwood.

@ghostfragrances Orb of Night (£24/30ml EDP): Dark fruit, jasmine, roasted tonka—sundown to sunrise.

We’re plotting a full episode on this topic of helping those who feel overwhelmed by choice / want affordable starting points, & will also crowd-source tips from friends of the pod!

Nicola talks about the new scent from @granadobrazil Amazonica

The wonderful Claire @paperbackperfumes asks for a green / woodland-like, non-powdery violet scent…

Our picks:

@murphyanddaughters Violet Perfume Oil (Melbourne): violet leaf heart, violet flower high note; green and sparkling

@orizalegrand Violettes du Czar: violet-forward with green citrus undertones, smoky woods, iris in the background

@molinardparfums Violette: violet with black currant, bergamot, lemon; layered floral notes

@olfactivestudio Violet Shot: green grass, violet leaf, leather, patchouli; violet with edge