A belated thanks to Christophe Laudamiel and Ro Miller for hosting an open house at Naked Ghosts for Sniffapalooza a couple of Sunday’s ago. It was such a pleasure for everyone to meet you Christophe. Karen and I appreciated it very much. Best, Dave P.S. For those of you who haven’t been to Naked Ghosts, check it out when you have the chance. It’s such a unique, relaxed space to get you nose on Chistophe’s magnificent work. They’re open Thursday through Saturday from 12-7 pm at 66 Greenwich Ave. in the West Village. @christophelaudamiel @sweetsmellingro @nakedghostsnyc @sniffapalooza @karendubin100

20% off “Derby” through Derby weekend. Happy Derby everyone. To celebrate Louisville’s signature event, American Perfumer is offering 20% off Derby” by Dawn Spencer Hurwitz through Sunday May 3rd. Both 50ml and 10ml bottles will be automatically discounted at checkout. Thanks, Dave About the design: “The pure relief of a cool breeze on a warm Derby day spent with 150,000 friends, old and new. A refreshing rush of clementine and bergamot—sunlit citrus that instantly lifts the air around you. Neroli adds a soft sparkle, while jasmine brings an easy, refined warmth. As it settles, ambergris and musk create a light, diffusive cushion that subtly protects you from the crush of the crowd. The whole scent feels like catching that perfect, unexpected gust: cooling and uplifting, like standing in your own pocket of fresh air.” Link to purchase “Derby” in profile.

partners in crime

After a few weeks of sinus junk and feeling worn down, it feels so good enjoying some Saturday sampling. I picked up this @american.perfumer discovery set at Fumed!, and didn't know much about the house prior to the event. Upon opening it I am appreciating the design. Having details about the scents inside the box is a great idea and so helpful. This sample set has a range of different scents, from fresh and green (Bluegrass) to rich and sweet (Tobacco). My favorite is Rhubarb My Love - there is a much more expensive rhubarb fragrance that I have been pining for, but this one I believe would fulfill my hopes and dreams in that regard, and for about half of what they are asking for that other one. Also of note is Spacewood, a unique fragrance that has me thinking of a summer night, possibly a romantic picnic dinner by the lake. If there are any in this set that you'd like to hear more about, let me know. In the meantime, happy weekend! #fragrancediscovery #discoveryset #americanperfumer #indyfragrance

Chypre Noir Manuel Cross - “The main drive behind Chypre Noir was my love of chypres, tuberose and leather; my favorite genres. These accords can be found throughout my fragrance line. I wanted to create a chypre with a darker tone (as the name suggests). For this I decided upon a dark, black leather to run top to bottom throughout the chypre foundation. Bitter green herbs and tuberose are the supporting notes. Musk ketone, oakmoss and costus are in the base to give it a vintage vibe.” “Chypre Noir” is a signed and numbered edition of seventy-five 30ml bottles of eau de toilette exclusive to American Perfumer®. Domestic shipping only. $125.00. Link to purchase “Chypre Noir” in profile. @rogue.perfumery

Available Now Manuel Cross “Chypre Noir” Edition of 75 It’s my pleasure to announce the 2026 release of “Chypre Noir” by Manuel Cross of Rogue Perfumery. As the leather chypre was foundational to my interest in fragrance, it was a privelege to work on this beautiful, complex design with Manny. Every time that I wear it, memories of the classic chypres that got me hooked on perfume come flooding back. - Dave Kern Manuel Cross - “The main drive behind “Chypre Noir” was my love of chypres, tuberose and leather; my favorite genres. These accords can be found throughout my fragrance line. I wanted to create a chypre with a darker tone (as the name suggests). For this I decided upon a dark, black leather to run top to bottom throughout the chypre foundation. Bitter green herbs and tuberose are the supporting notes. Musk ketone, oakmoss and costus are in the base to give it a vintage vibe.” “Chypre Noir” is a signed and numbered edition of seventy-five 30ml bottles of eau de toilette exclusive to American Perfumer®. Domestic shipping only. $125.00. Link to purchase in profile at american-perfumer.com

Big thanks to Hulya Aksu of Elevated Classics for interviewing me for her Founder and Perfumer Interview Series on YouTube. I appreciate the interest and I’m flattered to keep such terrific company. - Dave Kern, American Perfumer Links to both the video and the story can be found in our bio. @elevated_classics @nathaliefeisthauer @nathalie.feisthauer @rogue.perfumery @sarahmccartneythinks @antoinelieolfactiveexperience @ormondejayne @bastille_parfums @veronique.spoturno @gallivantperfumes @manosgerakinisparfums

And more from day one at FUMED

We’re bringing the house collection to Chicago this weekend in full sizes and travel sizes, as well as our discovery sets and a few special editions. We’ll keep you updated this week on where to find us!

I want to thank Saskia Wilson-Brown and the team at @artandolfaction for asking me to serve as a judge for the Art and Olfaction awards this year. I was humbled and honored to participate in such a significant way, and it was a pleasure to smell so much fantastic work from around the world. If the quality of these submissions is any indication, the future for artisan and independent perfumery is bright. - Dave @saskiacwb @j_s_e_l @minettaartolfaction