Just one whiff. And you're held captive. In a moment, a lingering aroma can trigger emotional memories - once buried deeply in one's psyche, now palpably dancing on the surface of the mind. A scent can be a portal to days long since passed, evoking memories from a childhood, a passionate embrace or an adventure to a faraway, distant land. This transformative power is what perfumer Dr. Marlen Elliot Harrison has harnessed in the spring 2014 debut of his fragrance line, King's Palace Perfumery.
Additionally, Harrison authored Basenotes.com's ADDICTED column (2005-2006) as well as contributing to many other blogs and publications, including The Washington Blade. Dr. Harrison's expertise in the perfume industry over the last two decades has earned him mentions in Forbes.com and NYTimes.com, as well as invitations to speak at Sniffapalooza and the American Society of Perfumers.
New research shows that the human nose can detect more than 1 trillion scents. It's safe to assume that Dr. M.E. Harrison, a former university professor and journalist, drew from trillions and trillions of scents accumulated during his extensive travels in order to develop this internationally-inspired fragrance line.
When the beautiful King's Palace press kit showed up on our doorstep, we could hardly wait to unearth the treasures. As you could imagine, every detail was perfect. From the damask-stamped stationary to the 1 ml ribbon-wrapped vials of Chang Samkhan and Din ka Raja, two of the perfumery's current offerings. A magnet card showcased the perfumery's logo and contact details, and immediately found a home on our magnetized desktop.
King's Palace's "multicultural provenance" is indicative in the carefully crafted product names, which have drawn inspiration from various languages and cultures. Raw ingredients have been sourced internationally from countries including Czech Republic, Italy, China, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria, France, India and Malaysia.
One is instantly transported by the depth of each fragrance, each intricate layer taking the mind on journeys through history's most decadent palaces and courts. Chang Samkhan was our favorite gifted sample - an Oriental floral harmoniously blending citrus notes of Lemon and Neroli with rich notes of Golden Sandalwood and Green Musk.
Of the additional fragrance offerings, we look forward to experiencing Copal Carlota - a Spicy Oriental blend of Copal, Black Pepper and Patchouli, coupled with various musks and woods.
Perhaps one of the best takeaways from this magical new collection is its philanthropic core. Dr. Harrison's mission in creating this brand was to "reduce the amount of harm to the planet and support its inhabitants through charitable works." Remaining true to his mission, Harrison will donate 10% of all sales to over a dozen organizations including UNICEF, UNESCO, TheHungerProject.com and the Ocean Foundation.
And while King's Palace Perfumery has certainly stimulated our sensory curiosity, GypsetMuse is more intrinsically pleased to know that while we "Smell Good," we can also "Do Good."
Thx so much for this thoughtful introduction!!!!
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