Fernanda Russo is an artisan perfumer who created the I AM collection in collaboration with Lora Nekrasova, founder of Bibliothèque de Parfum. In her workshop, she operates not merely as a technologist, but primarily as an artist. To her, a fragrance is not a formula on paper, but a story that can be read with the heart.
The artisan perfumery movement traces its roots back to the medieval apothecaries. They crafted essences in small, hand-made batches, with meticulous attention to detail. Today, this approach is preserved by independent creators who work outside the massive industrial scale, choosing individuality over standardization.
The conventional perfumer is typically employed by large brands. Their main task is to create a formula that aligns with global trends and the preferences of the mass market. Their raw materials are often sourced from large corporations, where everything is standardized and uniform.
In contrast, the artisan perfumer selects their ingredients independently. They hunt for them at niche fairs or specialized exhibitions, where small suppliers offer unique, specially cultivated raw materials. For the artisan, what matters is not just the sound of the note, but also its origin, authenticity, and character.
Take Guaiac Wood as an example. In mass-market perfumery, its scent is usually recreated synthetically—it's cheaper and easier to scale.
In the hands of an artisan perfumer, natural raw materials are used, preserving their depth and complexity. The scent of Guaiac in I AM SENSUAL, for instance, blends smokiness, woodiness, and the delicate sweetness of resin. This allows it to unfold as a multi-layered narrative: from the warmth of an evening bonfire to the depth of an old tree holding centuries of memory.
The I AM collection showcases the other side of perfumery: here, every note matters, and every scent carries an emotion. This is not a serial product; it is artistry created with inspiration.
By choosing I AM, you are choosing the artisan approach, uniqueness, and genuine perfume culture.