- Barry Southers Perfumer:
Barry Southers is a remarkable figure in the world of perfumery, wearing multiple hats with equal aplomb. He is not only a talented perfumer but also a professor and an MRI researcher, bringing a unique blend of scientific acumen and creative artistry to his fragrance creations.
His journey into the captivating realm of scent began in an unexpected way. One fateful night, while watching "The Amazing Race," an episode set in Grasse, France, at the House of Fragonard piqued his interest. Contestants were tasked with smelling various perfumery materials to recreate a basic formula, and this spectacle fascinated Barry. Immediately, he embarked on a self - learning odyssey. He delved deep into researching fragrance materials, poring over notes, and devouring countless old publications. His passion led him to purchase an array of natural and synthetic materials to experiment with, taking his first steps in the art of formulating fragrances. His initial attempt, an ill - fated mimicry of Royall Mandarin aftershave, taught him valuable lessons, despite its less - than - ideal outcome.
Barry's academic and research background in MRI has had a profound impact on his approach to perfumery. His work in hospitals and research labs, especially the research study with Givaudan on olfactory responses in the brain, has given him a unique perspective. Although he hasn't yet fully integrated his brain research into his fragrance brand, it remains a future plan, as understanding which materials evoke the highest brain activation is a concept that intrigues him greatly.
As the founder of Olfactum Fragrances, Barry has crafted a collection of scents that showcase his skills. For instance, the fragrance "Bavard" has an interesting backstory. Born out of gratitude to a fellow fragrance enthusiast from the Base Notes DIY forum, "Bavard" was inspired by the bold and loud fragrances of the 1980s, such as Drakkar Noir and Polo. Barry meticulously researched aromatic fragrances from that era and incorporated a harmonious blend of herbal, citrus, and spicy notes, complemented by a base of oakmoss, labdanum, leather, and cedar. The result is a fragrance that pays homage to the past while presenting a modern and unique twist.
Barry Southers continues to explore the boundless world of scents, combining his love for fragrance with his scientific knowledge, and his creations are eagerly awaited by fragrance connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
