- Whitney Swales Perfumer:
Company: Wit & West
Web: witandwest.com
Whitney Swales is a remarkable figure in the world of perfumery. She is the co-founder, owner, and olfactory artist at Wit & West, a Denver-based company.
Whitney's journey into perfumery was somewhat non - traditional. With over 20 years of experience in medium and large corporations, she decided to pursue her passion for perfumery later in life. She is mostly self - taught, having also studied under well - known natural perfumers.
In 2021, she launched Wit & West, naming it after herself and her husband, Rob Westendorf. The brand focuses on creating 100% natural, handcrafted perfumes. Whitney believes that natural perfumery can connect people to the sensory world in a way that synthetic perfume cannot. Her approach is centered around authenticity, and she sees perfume as an experiential art for both the wearer and the perfumer.
The Wit & West perfume line is quite diverse. It includes colognes with light floral and citrus notes, such as Fleur du Riad, Yuzu Pop, and Streetcar Magnolia. The signature collection, in eau de parfum concentration, features 10 fragrances like Brumaire Woods, Gavitella, and Rosa de Bolero. Rosa de Bolero, for example, is inspired by Spain's sensual bolero dance and combines saffron, pink pepper, osmanthus absolute, and rose to create a deep, mysterious, and enticing scent. The reserve collection has limited releases like Gardenia ‘Ono and La Valse.
Whitney's artistic sense was nurtured during her upbringing in her father's store in Colorado Springs, which specialized in luxury goods from Great Britain. This early exposure to scented items, precious raw materials, and beautiful products has clearly influenced her approach to creating perfumes. She handcrafts all her fragrances in her Colorado laboratory using traditional artisanal methods, producing them in small batches. The packaging is minimalistic and recyclable, further emphasizing her commitment to a holistic and authentic approach to perfumery.
