Natural Perfumers Guild Founder Mandy Aftel's Living Perfume Exhibit - New York - April 18 - May 11, 2009

Living Perfume - An Interactive Exhibit Showcasing the work of
natural perfumer Mandy Aftel

Henri Bendel, the iconic New York retailer announced that it will hold an exhibit Living Perfume: The Natural Alchemy of Mandy Aftel April 18 – May 11, 2009, featuring the perfume, the craft, and the collection of leading natural perfumer, Mandy Aftel. Henri Bendel is the exclusive retailer of Aftel’s Aftelier line of hand-blended scents which are created from the world’s finest natural ingredients.

This interactive and historic exhibit will showcase the extraordinary materials that bring to life the art and science of natural perfume. It will be created and installed using the responsible design principles of sustainable materials and eco-friendly sourcing, and draw its inspiration from the natural world where natural fragrance originates.

"It is rare to have the opportunity to usher in a new art form, especially one that embodies such great beauty. We consider Aftelier to be the leader in natural perfume and are excited about sharing it with our customers through this historic exhibit" states Claudia Lucas, Senior Vice President of Beauty & Gifts for Henri Bendel.

The recipient of the Sense of Smell Institute’s Richard B. Solomon Award, Mandy Aftel stands in the threshold of a new art form – her beautiful collection is based on the ancient art of blending aromatics and essential oils with a new exploration into the art, science, and meaning of natural perfume.

“As potent as it can be, however, smell is the most neglected of our senses. Rational precepts and the industrial age have separated our minds, bodies and spirits, and further separated us from nature. Natural Perfume, created from natural materials and aromatics is multi-layered phenomenon: In a breath, we are able to reconnect with the natural world and ourselves in new and profound ways.” said Aftel.

Living Perfume: The Natural Alchemy of Mandy Aftel exhibit is dedicated to the sense of smell, aromatics, and the art of natural perfume, with interactive learning opportunities for the public. The Exhibit will feature Aftel’s body of work: her perfumes and oils, her research and writings, her personal library of rare books, graphics, and artifacts - to offer a unique and foundational view of this world.

Shown below is a drawing of the entrance to the exhibit,
featuring botanical and animal images.