ÇaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery: Aaron Potterman of Les Parfums de la Maison 303 + Get Into the (Vintage) Groove Draw

 Aaron Potterman Promo shot

Aaron Potterman is an American Perfumer and a Musician 

 Aaron Potterman,  an American perfumer who is  inspired by vintage fragrances, got my attention when I posted a photo of Coco Chanel and Lucien Lelong together in Venice on my Facebook page a few months ago. Aaron left a comment that Lelong was a hero of his. It seemed so incongruous; although I knew Aaron was a perfumer he is also a musician and was part of of the underground Acid House Music phenom out of Chicago during the 1980s. I couldn't wait to read his profile! –Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

 Aaron Potterman CafleureBon Profiles in Perfumery Maison 303

Profile: One could say I am an “international man.”  My family history is very blurred as my grandparents hid a vast amount of information when they came to the United States from Europe (Belgium).  I was born and grew up in Illinois, but from an early age spent a massive amount of time traveling.  To this day I still travel on a regular basis and spend very little time in one given place any given time.  Nonetheless, home base is still in the heart of Illinois.  I must admit, there's something about it I love and am continually drawn back to no matter where I go.  Thus, why I call it home.

AP_Baby

Aaron  -adorable!

Growing up in Illinois was very interesting as I was always a rebel.  My childhood was spent in large out on the farm and fairly isolated.  It was a story of field flowers and corn fields.  I hated the corn and loved the flowers with every single last shred of my existence.  The fragrance fascinated me, but the business of agriculture bored me to tears.  It was the flowers and the scents that I lived for.  For as long as I can remember, I was doing everything possible to capture that scent of home.  Peonies, roses, freshly mowed hay, honey vine….I loved it all plus some.  It's always stuck with me.  As I got older,  the aesthetic of being a “farm boy” started to bug me.  I rebelled against it and immersed myself in punk rock, new romanticism, and ultimately house and techno music.   I  spent a ridiculous amount of time studying art , fashion, perfume, and music – burning with an obsession with all things French, British, German, and Italian.  It was then that I  made a vow to myself to do more with my life in terms of art in order  to get to these places.  Luckily, I was able to travel a lot!

 

Where did You Go? Dist303 (Preview teaser clip from Aaron's new single out later this year)

My first foray was in the realm of music..  To put it lightly, I was obsessed with electronic dance music.  I bought every synthesizer, drum machine, and electronic music making gadget I could get my hands on…anything to make music.  I started making demos and expanding my arsenal with every opportunity I had  -starting my small record label, Dist303 Music to distribute the music.  One of the synthesizers that was the most successful for me was the Roland TB 303.  Because of that machine, I traveled the world, met a crazy amount of people, raved for years, and became a part of the legend of Acid House Music (in the most underground of terms).

RavePractice

Rave Practice: Aaron rehearsing for a performance.The small silver box on the left is the TB 303 (The synthesizer he named the company after).

I was fortunate enough in my music to become involved in the fashion industry – a goal I had from the very beginning.  Not only did I create music for fashion shows, I dj'ed it, and also modeled clothing for both indie designers and a few large regional chains.  Looking back on it it was a magical time, but it was also a very trying time for me.  I broke down and eventually cut my ties to all things in the industry.  I pulled my records, I pulled the photo's, I withdrew and fled back into traveling and study.  During this time, I spent a few years exploring the world and rediscovering my love of scent.  I watched fields of flowers being processed in France. I enjoyed the loveliness of the breezes absolutely full of fragrance causing my imagination to blossom and an epiphany to manifest itself.  I wanted to make perfume.

Chanel&LucienLelongVenise31

Coco Chanel and Lucien Lelong , Venice 1931

I soon returned to the United States and studied marketing at a large state university.  My primary focus was marketing of perfume.  I looked at the history of perfumes/cosmetics, and developed a great love of all things vintage whilst doing it.  The history of the houses of Lucien Lelong, Houbigant, Guerlain, Charles of The Ritz, Revlon, and Schiaparelli particularly fascinated me.  Every project I ever did was based on the story of perfume.  During college there was a renaissance in my music and again started to produced and perform globally. Luckily, it got me through college.  After college, I spent time in California, Florida, and then headed back to Europe to spend time in Italy and France.  It was this go around that I decided to start my perfume house.  It was named after the music and synthesizer that brought my success – House Music and the TB 303.  Les Parfums de la Maison 303 (Maison 303) was born.  I made it a goal to take it to the US and make it in the USA, and that's exactly what I did.

Cheramy's first perfume began with perfumer Frank J M Mile

Frank J M Miles of Cheramy

I love the history of American Perfumery and cosmetics in the early 1900's.  I'm particularly fascinated with Melba Manufacturing Company, which was based in Chicago.  It's a tale of a lone farm boy and his will to make something of himself.  A story I love.  The history of Cheramy and its connection with Houbigant and Colgate (the brilliant perfumer and business man Frank J M Miles being a key in all of them in the United States) is always a fascinating subject with me.  Richard Hudnut and his credo and empire was extraordinary. 

charles revson 1957 founder of revlon

Charles Revson, Founder of Revlon , 1957

The perfumes of Revlon and Charles of the Ritz are absolute classics in my book.  What Revlon has done for American business is truly remarkable.  When I think of how all of these companies started, it hearkens back to a time when hope, a dream, determination, and some grit could do huge marvelous things.  It's my dream, our dream– the American Dream. I make my perfumes not unike the urn fragrances of Caron; from a small batch (sealed test tubes) into a refillable bottle and in very limited quantities.

Maison303Line

 Les Parfums de la Maison 303

 On American Perfumery:   It’s an exciting and challenging  time right now (in light of the current economic environment).  For me, it's a time of scaling back and exploring the art of what I do more fully  It's a time to gather ideas, to rethink things through – to remake and remodel.  To examine the differences between need and want.  To get by with less in order to get more without compromising quality.  To keep an eye out on regulations in the industry and finally, to rebel whilst still keeping the peace.  In other words, it's challenging beyond all comprehension.

into the groove madonna  perfume

Madonna Into the Groove

Favorite American Artist: Oh there are so many as I love art in so many different forms.  However, I think one artist that really strikes a chord with me is Madonna.  She's a Midwestern girl that went for it full on.  Her music, her style, her convictions, and just plain her makes me want to strive to achieve more.   Her success is extraordinary and still going.  Amazing.

Aaron Potterman, Founder and Perfumer of Les Parfums de la Maison 303 (the site is currently under construction but you can check out his music here

chantilly houbigant vintage ad 1940s perfume

Vintage 1940s Houbigant Chantilly ad

Thanks to Aaron we have a very special treat for our USA readers: 10 ml of Ode à la Mémoire (Notes-Top: Lemon Verbena, Citrus, Floral Aldehyde, Mid: Mimosa, Patchouli, Base: Amber, Sandalwood, Vanilla)This is the perfume he made in honor of the floral aldehydes and Orientals of Lucien Lelong along with a nod to the glorious Houbigant Chantilly by Marcel Billot (1941).

 Aaron potterman  Ode à la Mémoire maison 303

Ode à la Mémoire

To be eligible please leave a comment about what you found fascinating about Aaron's profile (there is quite a bit!). Draw closes July 28, 2014

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27 comments

  • What I found interesting is that Revlon had so much impact on the industry. I’m glad American perfumery is gaining ground. I have liked American Perfumery on Facebook and I’m in the US.

  • What I found fascinating was the subtle nod to Roxy Music in Aaron’s take on American perfumery. 🙂

    I am in the US. Thanks for the draw.

  • I find it fascinating that this hunk of man has such requisite taste and class and had tied his farming roots into a small business that brings such joy. I loved reading this profile! X

  • I thought it was interesting that he has a background in marketing, which seems to have gone hand in hand with a very detailed knowledge of perfume companies and their history. Also, it is a little different to have a perfumer who calls the midwest his home! I am in the US, thank you.

  • Huge list of stuff to take in on this awesome bit of stuff himself 😉 I was fascinated with his choices in rebelling. The road we don’t take will always come back again. His travels have allowed him to see and experience things that are of great benefit to him now, like growing your own materials 😉 you can take the boy off the farm but it is forever in the soul! Fabulous profile.. I do love your music as well 😉 Thanks for the awesome Draw. I am in the US

  • He calls himself an international man – I think he’s more of a Renaissance man in the arts. That makes him fascinating. The rest are details…….US.

  • Uff!

    I grew up with women who thought Ariane by Avon was the Mexican Chanel No.5. The first time I used oils I knew I was of the type who wanted to mix her own and I still do. I wear a base of rose oil with ylang ylang jasmine neroli and a touch of amber or patchouli.

    Aaron sent me a vial of his scent for me before I left for my 2 year trip. Everytime I wear it on a full moon I swear love enters my room and it is always after an extended length of celibacy.

    What can I say as an aspiring Anthropologist? I am currently working as a WWOOFr in Valencia and returning to my Midwestern roots.

    I grew in the same town as Aaron and I left at 18 and only returned one for one year. I understand his lament.

    I wear Masion303’s Scheherazade. I can honestly say 2 test vials have lasted me almost 3 yrs. They are so intense. Even if wear them the night before a tryst….they still linger 24 hrs later where I applied them even in smaller notes.

    /ʃəˌhɛrəˈzɑːd(ə)/, Šeherzada, Persian transliteration Šahrzâd or Shahrzād (Persian: شهرزاد‎, šahr + zâd) (Arabic: شهرزاد ) is a legendary Persian queen and the storyteller of One Thousand and One Nights.

    Oh the stories and the men who could tell the night I put this on my my pulse points and wrists always on a full moon; A Catalan firefighter in the middle of Bahia Brazil, a former Brazilian platform diving champion in Minais Gerais and a Brazilian National breaststroke champion in GDL, MX just recently google Planeta Pedal.

    They all loved my scent. When I wear this perfume it becomes a part of me and it leaves an imprint on the recipient of my own ardor after all I am a woman with a Venus in Leo.

  • Aaron has led an interesting life so far! I am inspired by his focused drive and his curiosity. I wonder what US college he attended, as the marketing with a focus on perfume caught my eye. His perfume sounds lovely and I imagine it might have a retro feel? I am in the US.

  • Liked on Facebook! I am from Midwest farm country and I can relate to both the love of local flora and the need to rebel against it. It’s very cool how Aaron was in the right place at the right time for electronic music and that he was able to travel the world and explore different industry because of his music talent. The tie to classical perfumery and appreciation of the early American cosmetic industry is interesting too. Thanks for another great profile and draw.

  • Margret Caulton says:

    I loved reading this! Aaron is a fabulous and fascinating individual! I was especially interested in reading about his inspirations from vintage scents and his Midwest farm roots. I’m in the US.

  • I like the choice of past perfume inspiration this young American perfumer has chosen. 🙂
    USA
    ty

  • Ok, Veronica’s comment has me so…. intrigued… and even more infatuated with Aaron. Thanks for sharing Veronica 🙂

  • > Aaron is one of my dearest friends who I have had the pleasure of watching him making his dreams become a reality. I cannot tell you all of the flowers in his perfumes, just how I feel or want to feel when I wear then.
    > Nuit D’hiver is one of my favorite fragrances it warms me on a cold winters night sitting in front of my fireplace aglow with candles.
    > Pink Lady I wear when I need to feel like I am being flirty on a warm sunny spring day.
    > Selection One is a summer day looking at the gardens of many beautiful flowers after brief shower of rain.
    >Sur les Vents de la Mer I wear when I feel adventurous and I am going to conquer the world in my own little way
    > Royal Magnolia was made after I took Aaron to my mother’s memorial tree the Southern Magnolia. When I think of her or need her to be close to me I wear that perfume.
    > Aaron’s perfumes are a very individual, intimate and sensual. I love them all.
    >I live in the USA

  • What can be said about Aaron… Although this profile is impressive, there’s more than meets the eye with him. He is a very sweet and humble man, and anyone who knows him can vouch for that!
    I have had the pleasure of sampling some of his fragrances, and in my honest opinion, this guy is a genius when it comes to scents! What goes well with what, and what makes it even better is that he even grows his own flowers, and uses these year by year for his creations. Who even does that?
    I genuinely see a Thierry Wasser in the making…. Aaron’s expertise and knowledge with scents is going to get him very far some day! I just know it.
    Great guy, indeed! Oh and he’s totally hot as well 😉

  • I was fascinated by the circuitous route he took to become a perfumer, and that the inspiration came to him in a field of flowers in France. I’m in the US, but not on Facebook.

  • I’m very impressed that he is influenced by vintage perfumes of the past and that he is also an accomplished musician as well. I’ve liked American perfumery on Facebook. I’m in the US.

  • I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Aaron and Maison. 303
    I loved the teaser to his video and look forward to more music and perfumes from this handsome and talented man
    My mom wore chantilly by houbigant which is why I so want to win!

  • Being a musician myself, I thought it was cool that Aaron named his house after his brand of music and his synthesizer! I live in the US.

  • I find it interesting that Aaron made such a transition from a world that revolved around sound, to one that focuses on the sense of smell. And to succeed in both realms; I am impressed. I’m in the U.S and I did like Cafleurebon profiles in american perfumery. Thanks!

  • Agriculture would bore me to tears to, so I can identify with that. I would love to try some of this modern take on aldehydes. U.S.A. TY

  • Cynthia Richardson says:

    I always enjoy reading your profiles and following the paths that lead to perfume. Despite their uniqueness, they all share a a experience-rich background. I found Aaron’s journey from the farm to music to fashion to college to perfume fascinating.

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    now there is someone who shares my admiration for Lucien Lelong and Schiaparelli..Shocking is quite well known amongst hardcore perfumistas but i count indiscret as hidden gem,,its one of the most beautiful perfume from around WWII era..like Aaron, i am also curious about classic American brands like Mary Chess, Richard Hudnut, Charles Revson but lately i have become very conservative with vintage purchases because it is quite a luck to find a vintage perfume that has not turned… i am member of Facebook CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery page. I reside in the US

  • Caroline Tilden says:

    I have had the pleasure and the privilege of knowing Aaron for several years now. He is a charming, kind, caring and generous man, and truly humble.
    Don’t let his humility fool you, though; behind his gentle facade is the mind-and nose-of a genius. On several occasions Aaron has very generously sent me samples of his fragrances, and I was stunned and intrigued by their beauty and complexity. All of my friends have tried his fragrances and loved them, too.
    Aaron is truly a gifted perfume-maker, and I believe his perfumes are every bit as good as anything I have ever smelled from the great fragrance houses such as Guerlain, Dior, Chanel, etc.
    Aaron just KNOWS what works and what doesn’t, and it shows in the scent of his lovely fragrances. Truly a genius, and I can fully see him being a master perfumer someday in the not-too-distant future.

  • I wanted to stop by and see what everyone had to say and just give a great big THANK YOU to each and everyone one of you for your wonderful comments and your support! It really means the world to me!! Best of luck to all those eligible who commented on winning the perfume!! I hope you enjoy it and look forward to the winner!!! Love out to all of you and thanks to CaFleureBon for supporting snd hosting this! My gratitude is boundless!!

  • I have known Aaron for nearly 5 years…we fell into a fast wonderful friendship over perfume…was walking past him & he asked: “are you wearing Nina Ricci?”….no one I knew heard – let alone could identify my perfume…knew this would be someone I’d love for life just because of the recognize the scent I was wearing…we then xhatted about Tabu…Jean Pitou…Classics of yesteryear…the changing of ingridients used because of new laws – can go on for days talking about perfumes & music with him…I asked him to create an African musk type perfume…had smelled it when I was overseas a few years back…he duplicated the scent down to the last note…the magnolia perfume – heavenly…Pink Lady – bottles shaped like a lady at the Kentucky Derby…glorious…he has been creating a gardenia based perfume for my sister…she loves his ideas & he is absolutely a little powerhouse…he is also one of the most lovable people I know…love that he is my friend & also a awesome perfumer & an awesome musician; totally bought his digital singles as well…he is de-groovy!…;)…that is my boo!…love all his perfumes..definitely support American perfumers & he is my go to guy…:)…

  • Jack Miles says:

    Interesting reading this, especially the information and comments about Frank Miles, a relative.