Aftelier is the Berkeley-based indie perfume house of Mandy Aftel, one of the early adherents of artisanal natural perfumery and the original founder of the Natural Perfumers Guild. Aftel originally became interested in perfume while researching material for a novel, and launched her first fragrances in 1995 under the name Grandiflorum Perfumes. Aftelier was established in 1997.
Aftel is the author of several books on perfumery, including Essence & Alchemy and Scents & Sensibility. Her 2004 book Aroma, co-authored with Daniel Patterson, is about cooking with natural essences (see article The Perfection of an Ingredient: a Perfumer in the Food World).
The Aftelier website sells a number of ready-made fragrances as well as a selection of essential oils. Other botanical products include scented teas and a collection of chef’s essences for cooking.
See reviews of Aftelier Cepes & Tuberose and Clean Well Hand Wash Ginger Bergamot.
Recent fragrance releases
Recent releases include Tango and Orchid (2006), Fir Solid Perfume (2007), Cognac (2007), Parfum Prive & Muse (2007), Cassis (2008), Lumiere (2009), Trevert (2009), Candide (2010), Honey Blossom, Memento & Wildflowers (2010), Haute Claire (2011), Secret Garden & Oud Luban (2011).
Where to buy
At Henri Bendel in New York, or through the website (see below), where you can also find a full list of retail locations.
Website
Further reading
See all posts on Now Smell This tagged Aftelier or Mandy Aftel.
Read an interview with Mandy Aftel at Bois de Jasmin.
