Artisanal fragrance brand Perfumer H may be fairly young, having been established in 2015. However, Lyn Harris, the perfumer behind it all, carries a past of experiences and training that has allowed her to produce some of the more unique scents available today.
The British perfumer has come a long way since her tenure in a perfume store during her schooling days, having studied perfumery in Paris as well as Grasse. Thanks to that, the Malaysian crowd can now enjoy the brand’s iconic perfume selections such as Bergamot, Rain Cloud, Leather, Ink, and Smoke, each fragrance carrying a distinct character that sets itself apart from the next. This month, Men’s Folio Malaysia has a quick chat with Harris to learn more about her brand and craft.
There is something about childhood experiences that has led many perfumers to pursue their craft, such as your case. Why do you think you harboured this interest in fragrances since a young age?
I was raised in Yorkshire and Scotland. My grandparents had a small holding in Aberdeenshire, and I spent long, beautiful summers with them. They were self-sufficient, with two walled gardens side by side, one with vegetables and one with flowers.
It was this homely, idyllic setting with these two magical people who just never stopped doing things. It awakened my olfactory being — waking up with the smell of baking and my grandfather’s wood and tools — charcoal in his tools and hands. Those time spent played an important role in my creative process.
You have gone through classic perfumery training, founded another perfume brand, and now have the freedom to express yourself through fragrances. What is one thing you look back at and appreciate having gone through in your career?
Early in my career, I had the incredible opportunity to learn from Monique Schlienger, and I always felt it was an incredible privilege because she’s a woman. I often think it was one of the best decisions I ever made. It really shaped me as a perfumer, helping me find a combination of classical training and a contemporary approach that now defines my style.
What feelings and experiences do you wish to evoke in your audience when they try your fragrances?
Fragrance is so personal. It’s an expression of who we are on every level. With Perfumer H, I wanted to create beautiful fragrances that resonate with life and introduce naturals back into perfumery. Creations that lead to olfactory landscapes that represent individuality and touch you within.
What made you choose to expand to Malaysia?
We’re excited about expanding our footprint in Asia and connecting with so many of our customers overseas. I’ve always felt a strong connection with the people here. I feel that there are a lot of cultural similarities with my values and sensibilities.
In your opinion, which fragrances of yours have the best stories behind their creation?
I like them all for different reasons; however, if I were to choose right now, it would be Rain Cloud and Saddle.
Rain Cloud conjures humidity on white florals. This is one of my favourite natural smells, and making it wearable for the skin was my great achievement with this fragrance. The musk gives a beautiful trail to this floral heaven.
Saddle, my latest creation, is a scent I first developed with Cameron Smith, founder of Galerie Half, as a bespoke candle and room spray for their incredible space.
I am obsessed with animalistic smells and sweat, and I had this idea of the soap on the beautiful warm saddle, so I just put pen to paper. The fragrance emulates the body form on the saddle; it’s about the sculptural element of how the fragrance wraps itself around you when you wear it.
Photography Joe Ng
Styling Liew Hui Ying
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