- Alexander Chesebro Perfumer:
Alexander Chesebro is a remarkable figure in the realm of perfumery. He co - founded Fitzgerald and Guislain, a niche perfume brand that has carved out a unique space for itself.
Chesebro's journey into perfumery began with a chance encounter at Perfume Mendo in the coastal town of Mendocino. There, introduced to a wide range of fragrances from classic French houses like Caron and Guerlain, as well as American niche perfumers such as Ineke and Yosh, it was the works of Olivia Giacobetti that truly inspired him to pursue a career as a perfumer. Her compositions, with their strong sense of place and carefully - chosen essences, left a deep impression on him.
Chesebro's background in historical research has significantly influenced his approach to perfumery. He was drawn to the world of mid - nineteenth century perfumery, the era before synthetic aroma chemicals. Intrigued by the complex methods of ingredient production like enfleurage and maceration, which were made obsolete by the rise of absolute extraction, he decided to focus on natural perfumery.
At Fitzgerald and Guislain, the vision is to create hybrid perfumes. These blend the finest modern botanical ingredients with historical techniques and sensibilities. Since many of the materials used by Victorian perfumers are no longer available in the industry, Chesebro and his team make their own essences, such as extraits d’en fleurages, in - house. This connection to the past, combined with a modern approach, is what makes their perfumes stand out.
For instance, his latest perfume endeavor pays homage to Ernest Dal Troff and Michel Morsetti, the legendary perfumers behind Caron's most beloved 20th - century fragrances. Disappointed with the modern reformulations of classics like Tabac Blond and Poivre, Chesebro set out to create a series of natural perfumes inspired by the original versions. Noyo à l’automne, the first scent in this series, not only nods to Caron's spicy vintage concoctions but also to the Noyo Harbor, where labdanum bushes fill the autumn evenings with their heady aroma of amber and incense.
In addition to his work with Fitzgerald and Guislain, Chesebro also shares his knowledge and passion for perfumery through workshops. For example, at the Botanical Perfume Blending Workshop, he teaches participants the fundamental principles of crafting perfumes from botanical essences. This includes how to evaluate and classify botanical essences, blend seamless aromatic accords, troubleshoot common blending problems, create a balanced final composition, and set up a perfumer's workspace.
Overall, Alexander Chesebro's contributions to the world of perfumery, both through his unique brand and his educational efforts, make him an important and influential figure in the contemporary perfumery scene.
