CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery: DelRae Roth of Parfums DelRae + A Tale of Two Cities Draw

DelRae Roth at home with Marcel

 

For readers who have known me as a fragrance writer, it should come as no surprise that one of my favorite Niche houses is Parfums DelRae. In  2006, I was introduced to Bois de Paradis, (by Chandler Burr), one of five fragrant collaborations between DelRae Roth and CaFleureBon's Honorary Contributor Michel Roudnitska ; it is among my top ten favorite fragrances of the 21st Century. Then came Mythique in 2009 and the talented and charming Yann Vasnier, which told the story of Diane de Pointiers, the beautiful mistress of Louis II King of France (who was married at the time to the legendary perfume lover Catherine De Medici). DelRae's perfumes are stories, not only as  intriguing briefs but on the skin.  I have great respect for DelRae Roth as she always acknowledged Michel and Yann as "co-creators," before it was fashionable to do so. She is working right now on her next perfume with Yann Vasnier and if you are like me your eyes just lit up and your nostrils flared.- Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

 

 

Photo of the Golden Gate Bridge: DelRae Roth 6/9/12

PROFILE: I was born in South Dakota and raised in Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, Iowa and California. I have three brothers and two sisters. We were all born in a different state! I think the fact that I saw many different parts of the country growing up was a benefit as I learned early on that there are many beautiful places in the world. I have lived in San Francisco most of my life and find that no matter where I travel to, I feel so lucky to live in such an amazing place. In San Francisco we have a culture of individuality. It is an environment that embraces new ideas, and most importantly, the pursuit of dreams.

Photo by DelRae Roth: Musees de Arts Paris 

I spent my childhood allowance on fragrant bubble bath and cologne, feeling even as a young child the enjoyment that fragrance can bring. My family said it was inevitable when I decided to launch Parfums DelRae. I had worked as an art director for many years. But there came a point where I really wanted my own business where I could combine all of the things I loved — design, perfume, Paris. And I had become quite dissatisfied with the world of perfume. I had some ideas for perfumes inspired by San Francisco and felt ready to take the chance. It was the year 2000 and really the whole niche perfume world was just beginning.

 

DelRae Roth drawing in Sierra

 

ON AMERICAN PERFUMERY: The American client is very open to small brands, in a way that doesn’t exist anywhere else. And through the internet, blogs and so on, there is a very lively debate and discussion. There is easy access to information. As a result of this, there exists many different kinds of products at all levels, prices and quality. The American industry is not regulated in the same way that it is in Europe for example. So there is more freedom for people to experiment. It is, like the culture we celebrate, quite diverse and quite democratic.

 For Parfums DelRae, I am interested in a very classical, disciplined approach and strive to create perfumes with this type of integrity and structure. Perfume speaks so much to the need for beauty in our lives. It is very satisfying to create a product that can offer this kind of enhancement to people.

Drawing by DelRae Roth

FAVORITE AMERICAN ARTIST: I love art and paint and draw for my own enjoyment. There is nothing I enjoy more than spending a day at a museum. I recently saw an amazing exhibit of Richard Serra’s large scale black and white drawings and there are many American artists that are inspiring.

–DelRae Roth, Founder and Owner of Parfums DelRae

Copyright Marc Virata

For our draw, DelRae is graciously is giving one fortunate CaFleureBon reader the opportunity to win one of the eight perfumes in the line:   Eau Illuminée  , Amoure use, Bois de Paradis, Début, Emotionnelle,  Mythique, Coupe de Foudre  or Panache . To be eligible to win a 1.7 oz/50ml  Eau de Parfum of your preference, please leave a DETAILED comment that includes the fragrance you most covet, three notes in its compostion  and what you found fascinating about DelRae Roth.Draw closes Monday June 25, 2012 EST.  

June 23, 2012 DelRae is also including a sample set with this draw

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

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73 comments

  • Collins says:

    I found it fascinating that she has lived in so many different places, and how interesting she has become as a result. I’m most drawn to the Amoureuse with its notes of cardamom, French jasmine and oakmoss.

  • Linnea Wiedeman says:

    I love that she is so fascinated with San Fancisco. It is a very vibrant and open city..I visit there often, only a couple hours from me. i love that she has had this connection to what she does and loves since she was a child. I think Amoureuse sounds lovely with the tangerine, oak moss and sandlewood notes in it.

  • Jan says:

    Funny how she and her siblings were each born in a different state!
    I’d like to win Eau Illuminée, which has lavender, vanilla and bergamot notes, among others.

  • Lean S says:

    I found it fascinating that she had noticed and desired to point out that the American client, particularly, has a unique openness to small brands due to the access of information. I have had these notions as well.

    I would really love to try Bois de Paradis with French Rose, Fig, and Amber.

  • Ceil says:

    I had to smile when I read that DelRae Roth used her allowance on fragrant bubble bath and cologne as a child. I also was a bubble bath fan as a child. And I liked the comment that “Perfume speaks so much to the need for beauty in our lives.” I really believe this is true. Especially as I sense an ever increasing attitude towards beauty in life as something that shouldn’t be part of every day life… like it’s something “frivolous”. The recognition and enjoyment of it is a daily necessary thing however. I would choose Bois de Paradis…I love the notes in it…especially citrus, fig and balsam.

  • Nina Z says:

    No question about it: I covet Bois de Paradis. I have the body cream, and it is to die for! Now I would love to have a bottle of the perfume to complement it. I adore the rose in Bois de Paradis, and the rich, complexity added by the fig, spices, and wood notes. I’m proud that DelRae is from San Francisco, as I’m a Bay Area resident, and love the fact that her perfumes are inspired by the natural scents of Northern California. While I already know I love her perfumes (I have Eau Illuminee), I didn’t know she was also an artist. Very impressive!

  • Alexis says:

    I love that at such a young age she fostered what she loved and she turned a passion into a career. It says a lot to me as a woman still trying to learn who she is. I am a HUGE fan of Bois de Paradis for the rose, woods and amber. The first time I smelled it, I learned that there’s so much more to the average rose scent!

  • Lala says:

    DelRae has great style, from what I can see in the first photo. I’m guessing from the high ceilings and beautiful moldings that she lives in an older home, and I’d love to see how she has it decorated. The little white terrier is darling and so is the leather vest!

    I’m a big fan of Amoureuse and Coup de Foudre, but would so love to try Bois de Paradis, with the fig, french rose and blackberry bud, it sounds quite unique. As always, thank you for the draw.

  • Suzy Q says:

    I have a sample of Coup de Foudre, which I like very much. But it is Bois de Paradis that knocks me out. I love it on cold winter days because the notes become icy and clear as a bell. The rose, spices and amber are not warming.

    I didn’t know DelRae was an artist too!

  • Tatiana says:

    The DelRae fragrance I most covet is Mythique with Florentine Orris butter, Sandalwood and Patchouli Indonesia. Mmmm. I find it inspiring and wonderful that as a former designer and art director she still finds time to paint and draw for her own enjoyment.
    This reminds me to think and be more creative in my own life.
    I am really looking forward to the release of her next fragrance.

  • scottie says:

    I was intrigued by DelRae Roth’s mention of Richard Serra- an artist who makes works of such stridency and complexity, but from a highly reductive formal vocabulary. I wonder if (and how) these transformations might be present in Parfums DelRae (I am at the beginning of my fragrance “journey”, so I have not yet experienced them). I would be most interested in trying Panache with notes of Vetyver, Ambrette and Jasmine.

  • cheesegan says:

    I find it wonderful that DelRae Roth finds that Americans are more open to small brands. In a culture of Walmarts and Starbucks, this gives me hope. It’s also good to know that the American perfume industry is not regulated as it is in Europe, good, I hope this saves oak moss from disappearing in perfume.
    I also think it’s awesome that she’s worked with Michel Roudnitska.

    I would like to sample Mythique, I love orris butter, sandalwood and bergamot.

    Thanks for the blog and for the draw.

  • NickLey says:

    I found it interesting that she would spend her childhood allowance on fragrant bubble bath and cologne. Even as a young child she had an appreciation of fragrances. To me that’s very rare!
    I am drawn to Bois de Paradis, with notes of French Rose, Amber and Incense.

  • LexfordRose says:

    I share DelRae Roth’s love of San Francisco (greetings from across the bay) and admire her efforts to capture n perfume the beauty and light in this remarkably blessed corner of the world. Very hard to choose but I’m going to pick Amoureuse, the “perfume of happiness,” with notes of tangerine, tuberose, and sandalwood.

  • Lindaloo says:

    Absolutely coveting Debut with its Lily of the Valley, Ylang-Ylang and Sandalwood.

    What I found fascinating about DelRae Roth is that she left employment in art direction to create her own business combining her loves of design, perfume and Paris. And that part of what prompted her was dissatisfaction with the perfume world. I appreciate her recognition of the valuing of niche among American (and Canadian?) perfume lovers.

    It was amusing to read that she and each of her five siblings was born in a different state. And Marcel looks pretty cute.

    Thanks for the generous draw opportunity.

  • yash says:

    I have experienced some of DelRae Roth`s perrfumes and I totally agree when she says that her appraoch to perfume creation is a classical one. Indeed the structure, richness and ambience her scents create are reminiscent of glorious prfumes of lore but with a modern twist. I fell in love with the brand when I learnt that Michel Roudniska was the nose and deeper in love when Yann Vasnier joined the team. His creation for Del Rae, “Mythique” ,with Diane de Poitiers as inspiration seems so mesmerising with the sublime Florentine Orris butter used with Ivy and Sandalwood.

  • Borko Boris says:

    Interesting article! I have not heard before of this house and that is why I have not tried any of DelRae perfumes.
    Really interesting that Roth combines art with perfumery. That can only give birth to magic things.

    I would like to win Bois De Paradise. A duet between Roth and Michael Roudnitska where they have mixed incense, fig, amber, balsam sounds like it would be out of this world.

    Thanks!

  • Alica says:

    Bois de Paradise with its 3 particular notes – incense, amber and balsam. I like DelRae company since they reside in the American city I love the most – SF.

    Thank you!!

  • Noxa says:

    I had no idea that Del Rae was an artist too! Though it does make quite a bit of sense now that I think about it.
    She has such a dreamy perfume line, it’s so hard to pick a favorite. But, since I have to, Bois de Paradise with its notes notes of fig, amber and balsam sounds just magical.

  • Eleanor T says:

    Ms Roth seems to be such a sophisticated but down to earth person
    I particularly was interested in her view that Americans are more open to niche brands than any other country and her artwork is stunning

    Her art and photography is spectacular
    When I was on the website it was very clear that she acknowledges Michel Roudnitska and Yann Vasnier and I think that shows her respect for them as artists
    Bois de Paradis is an amazing perfume I agree and I love it’s notes of fig amber and French Rose

  • Jade says:

    I found it interesting that she chose to launch her perfume line because she was dissatisfied with the world of perfume at the time. I also liked the fact that she tries to follow a certain structure with the creation of her perfumes.
    As for the perfume, I would like to win Coup de Foudre, as I love the scent of roses. The notes of Rose de Mai France Orpur absolute, Purple peony and Egyptian Jasmine absolute must smell lovely together.

  • Isa says:

    I find interesting that Del Rae Roth tells she was dissatisfied with the world of perfume, because I think that is how many of us, perfume lovers, feel about it. Fortunately, many things seem to be changing.

    I have tried some Del Rae perfumes but I can’t remember them clearly. That’s why I’m going to act guided by my intuition, so if I win I’ll pick Bois de Paradis. The description is wonderful.

    It contains French rose, fig and incense. Three of my favorite notes!

    Thanks!

  • brie says:

    I loved learning that Ms. Roth saved her allowance in childhood to purchase fragrant goodies (very much mirrors my childhood 🙂 !!). I also found it intriguing that she is a painter-and quite a good one!
    I would love Debut with notes of lime, linden blossom and lily of the valley.

    thank you for this generous draw!

  • missp says:

    It’s sweet that she spent her childhood allowances on scented items! I also found it interesting that she is so well travelled — and a painter! She’s certainly well-rounded. I would love to try Bois De Paradise, because I love incense, fig, amber, and balsam. Thanks! 🙂

  • ringthing says:

    I like the fact that all the threads of her passions came together at just the right moment: art, design, Paris, perfumes, all at the beginnings of the niche perfume movement. I think the independence and sense of place (and space) that come with living in the western US contribute to her creative talents. I would love to own Bois de Paradis, with it’s opulent feel of spices, fig, and incense/amber drydown.

  • Lauren says:

    Oh, how I’d love to win Amoureuse! It has 3 notes I love: sandalwood, tangerine, and cardamon.

    I’m intrigued by her almost-sepia still life. Ms. Roth also has a nice eye for photography.

  • d3m0lici0n says:

    It was a really interesting piece to read and the entire thing was interesting,, that since her childhood she was spending allowance for fragrance and also her view of american clients and being open to try new brands from small companies and that her fragrances are inspired by San Francisco.
    I’d love to get Panache with notes of Haitian vetiver, cadarwood atlas and oakwood. thanks!

  • TimeaZsofia says:

    I really like that ms Roth loves drawing and she is very talented as well! Also love they were brothers and sisters all together six, and they were all born different state.
    If I would win, my choose would be Bois de Paradise, because I adore cinnamon 🙂
    The three notes are: cinnamon, blueberry and amber.
    Thank you for this fantastic draw!

  • Ellen Covey says:

    I found it interesting that the article brought up the fact that perfumers have so often been treated in much the same way as ghost writers. It’s good to see that this is changing, at least in some cases. If I were to win, I would prefer Bois de Paradis.

  • Kate H. says:

    I found it interesting that “For Parfums DelRae, I am interested in a very classical, disciplined approach and strive to create perfumes with this type of integrity and structure.” I love anything Tuberose so if I won I’d love Amoureuse and 3 notes in this perfume are Tuberose, Sandalwood and Honey. Yum! Thank you for a great article and draw.

  • Aimee L'Ondee says:

    I am a big fan of Parfums DelRae, and what I find interesting about DelRae herself is that, with her art direction background, she seems to balance rigor and creativity. And that comes through in her perfumes. I am most eager for Panache, because I think the combo of magnolia, vetiver, and olibanum notes sound gorgeous.
    Thanks for the draw.

  • mim says:

    I found it interesting and adorable that as a child Ms Roth spent her allowance on bubble bath and fragrance! Also, her connection to visual arts as an enjoyer, creator, and art director:
    “I had worked as an art director for many years. But there came a point where I really wanted my own business where I could combine all of the things I loved — design, perfume, Paris.”

    I like the interplay of creativity in different fields.

    I would choose Bois de Paradis if I won: it contains blackberry bud, balsam, incense, and spices….sounds divine!

  • Elisa says:

    I love that she is supportive of the perfume blogosphere! Also that she used to spend her allowance on bubble bath — it wasn’t until I was in my late 20s that I really felt comfortable spending my own money on perfume! It’s a tough choice but I would pick Bois de Paradis, I love the sandalwood, rose, and fruity notes (listed as blackberry and fig but I get some blackcurrant too).

  • siren says:

    I think it’s fascinating that she contributes to American perfumery while collaborating with masters like Roudnitska and Vasnier.

    I’m very much interested in Debut as it features the combination of cyclamen, linden blossom and lily of the valley. I haven’t had any experience with either cyclamen or linden blossom, so this could be a first for me.

  • ana says:

    Thank you for another swoon inducing draw! I love the fact that Mrs DelRae dared to follow her dream and passion and that she balances rigor and discipline with creativity. If I were to win the draw(fingers crossed) I’d love to get Bois de Paradis as it sound deliciously irresistible with its mix of balckberries, figs, rose, wood and amber

  • just breathe says:

    What I find fascinating is that she lived in so many states and her siblings were all born in different ones. I also love that many of her fragrances are inspired by San Fran- a place I would REALLY love to visit!
    I would love to win Michelyn’s favorite-Bois de Paradis with notes of fig, blackberry and amber- YummY!
    thank you for this great draw!

  • monster says:

    How rare and refreshing to hear someone say nice things about American shopping habits!

    The story and notes of Mythique have most grabbed my interest with its Orris butter, sandalwood and patchouli.

    Thanks for the generous draw.

  • Maureen says:

    I think it is wonderful that as a child she spent her allowences on fragrant bubbles. I read that she is an artist and well traveled and was amused tht she and her siblings were all born in separate states. I would love to win Bois de Paradis with notes of fig, blackberry and amber.
    Thank you for this great draw!

  • TaffyJ says:

    That DelRae was one of the first owners to acknowledge her collaborators in perfume is admirable and I hope brings her much good karma.

    It is difficult to choose if I were fortunate enough to win, but I would choose either Amoureuse (Cardamon, French Tuberose, oakmoss) or Bois de Paradis (on the Editor’s recommenation, which means a lot!) (French rose, blackberry bud, woods)

    Thank you for this generous draw.

  • Sherobin says:

    I am a huge Delrae fan already, but would most covet a bottle of the beautiful Bois de Paradis, with notes of French rose, blackberry bud, and fig! I was fascinated to learn that DelRae Roth was one of six children, in a family with an equal number of girls and boys. This caught my attention because we have four boys and four girls now, but when we had six, it was evenly split genderwise even then. Kind of unusual, but definitely encourages creativity!

  • Francesca says:

    I also like Richard Serra’s work, I know him more for his sculpture however but what I found fascinating in his drawings was the feeling of the layers, the building of the sketch until I imagine he feels it reaches a peak-its enough.. like a piece of classical music where one can often feel the energy of the great disipline that is required for the piece. I can relate to all of that with creating a Perfume, the process of structure and building and knowing when its just right, not a note too soon in the most random sense of the word. I would covet Amourese (Cardamon, French Tuberose, Oakmoss) I imagine to be a work of Art and DelRae Roth an artist of immense heart!

  • Claudia says:

    I find it interesting that Ms. Roth was born in South Dakota and raised in Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, Iowa and California. She has three brothers and two sisters.They were all born in a different state! She comes from a large family, I only have a brother and sometimes wish I had a sister. MY choice would be Mythique notes are Mandarin, Italian bergamot, ivy, peony, jasmin concrete, Florentine orris butter, sandalwood, patchouli, ambrette musk and this was created by the amazing Yann Vasnier, one of my favorite perfumers.

  • Cynthia says:

    I have heard so many wonderful things about Mythique, which includes notes of peony, orris butter, jasmine and mandarin, that this would be my pick. I own Boise de Paradis which is a beautiful fragrance. I always am interested to read how many perfumers had a love for fragrance even as a child, as did Delrae.
    Thank you for the draw.

  • sherapop says:

    It’s interesting how many land-locked states Delrae lived in before making her way to the West coast. (-;

    Wow, Yann Vasnier really gets around!

    I’d love a bottle of Mythique, with notes of ivy, orris, and ambrette…

  • Kathryn says:

    I enjoy reading articles on perfumers who admit that their passion for fragrance began in their childhood. I think a lot of us can relate to that. I certainly can.
    Also interesting was her thoughts on American perfumery and the American client. As an Australian, I believe that our country too are very supportive of the ‘freedom to experiment’. I think it’s a good thing that perfumers, and even those within the art world, have that opportunity to expand and grow in their own unique way.

    I believe I would really enjoy Eau Illuminee with french lavender, orris and labdanum.

    Thanks for the draw!

  • Katie says:

    I loved reading all the perfume descriptions! I was torn between Emotionelle, because of my own strong ties to Paris, and Mythique for its historical context. The bottles are elegant, the ingredients exquisite and DelRae’s personal connection to each fragrance as a story unto itself is great fun. I love that she embraces a very classical approach to creation while also celebrating the great creative freedom available to American perfumers. It proves that it is indeed possible to be a classicist and open-minded at the same time! I would love to win a bottle of Mythique to experience the marriage of Jasmine Sambac, Orris butter, and Ambrette!

  • MariaA says:

    I was amazed by her story, living in all these diferent places and her brothers and sisters born in different states!! Also that it was inevitable she became a perfumer since she spent all of her allowance in bubble baths and colognes! Well I would like to win BOis de Paradis as her collaboration with Mr. Roudnitska must be wonderful like being amongst the woods and trees!! Citrus, spices, fig, amber ,balsam, incence ohh all sound so lovely!!

  • Ccc says:

    I love the fact “she always acknowledged Michel and Yann as “co-creators,” before it was fashionable to do so. She is working right now on her next perfume with Yann Vasnier ” . And this is exciting. I can’t wait to try it.

    I would love to have a full bottle of Amourese : Tuberose, Oakmoss, Sandalwood .

  • DelRae Roth says:

    … so fun to read the comments from everyone.
    I’ll also include a sample of each of the other 7 perfumes for the person who wins the draw…..
    xo

  • Eva S says:

    I’ve not heard of Perfums DelRae before, so this was very interesting. I found the comment about how she strives for a very classical disiplined approach and strives for the perfumes to have this integrity and structure.
    I would very much like to try Mythique with notes of orris butter, sandalwood and patchouli

  • Fernando says:

    DelRae is an interesting line. I was interested to hear Ms Roth say that she strives for a classical feel. I think that’s right, one can smell it in her perfumes. Of the ones my wife and I have tried, I think Bois de Paradis is the most interesting. I was fascinated to see that the notes I smell seem to be mostly the base notes: woods, balsam, incense, spices. It’s very nice.

  • farawayspices says:

    If chosen, I would love to try Amoureuse. Three notes in the composition are Tangerine, Tuberose, and Honey. It looks so decadent! I love DelRae Roth’s quote that perfume “speaks to the need for beauty in our lives.” I could not agree more, perfume brings beauty into the mundane, and once applied, our experiences exist in the filter of the perfume’s beauty.

  • Heather P says:

    I’d love to win Mythique…the orris butter sounds gorgeous, as do other notes such as mandarin and sandalwood. In reading this article, I was struck by the combination of Ms. Roth’s global perspective with an American focus on individuality and optimism. I’d love to meet her; she seems like a very interesting woman.

  • Sandi L says:

    I love the Profiles in American Perfumery series.. I always learn so much about the character of the perfumer. Would love Bois de Paradise. I have been coveting this for a very long time. Love the combinations in it, FIG, BALSAM and INCENSE. I can’t say I found it fascinating that DelRae list co-creators, I find it very honorable and shows the integrity of her soul, something that I truly value. I did love the statement “Perfume speaks so much to the need for beauty in our lives. It is very satisfying to create a product that can offer this kind of enhancement to people,” These two sentences truly show the heart and soul DelRae!

  • GinnyM says:

    I was impressed with DelRae’s sketching skills — and I love how her lineage is 100% American when she seems so very Continental; such sophistication! Rose, blackberry and fig with amber sounds absolutely divine, so my choice would be Bois de Paradis…woods of paradise, indeed!

  • Barbara says:

    I would like the opportunity to try Panache. The notes I like include rum extract, cardamom, and honey. It’s great that she says she spent her childhood allowance on bubble bath and cologne and that her family says it was inevitable that she started Parfums DelRae!

  • Cara says:

    It really rings true when she says that Parfums Delrae is inspired by classical and disciplined perfume tradition. Each of their fragrance is so intricately composed and with such attention to detail. I would love a bottle of Amoureuse with its notes, among others, of Jasmine, Sandalwood and honey.

  • Cristina says:

    I’d really love to try Panache. I love honey in perfume though I can’t think of any really well done. A bit concerned about those”captive musks” but curious how all that, the rum, vetiver, flowers and olibanum come together.

  • Sue says:

    I really enjoyed this thoughtful profile on DelRae Roth of Parfums DelRae. Her perfume line is simply exquisite and truly represents the values described in the interview: an American emphasis on freedom, providing creative ground to experiment without regulation, balanced with a classical, structured approach to perfumery where precious ingredients are displayed to their utmost. I love that while the line covers a variety of perfumes, ranging from the inspired cologne of Eau Illuminee to the woody-fig-blackberry Bois de Paradis, they all reflect Ms. Roth’s core values and common vision of diverse, thoughtful, and creative scents that fulfill the “need for beauty in our lives.”

    My favorite of the line is Parfum DelRae Mythique by Yann Vasnier. It was inspired by Diane de Poitiers and the gardens of her chateau, Chenonceau. Mythique features three of my favorite perfume notes, IVY, FLORENTINE ORRIS BUTTER, and SANDALWOOD, and makes me feel graceful, sensual, and chic. I would love to win a bottle of MYTHIQUE!

    Thank you again to CaFleurebon and Ms. Roth for the wonderful article and generous giveaway! I look forward to more Profiles in American Perfumery and the next Parfums DelRae release! 🙂

  • Holly F. says:

    I love Delrae’s approach to perfumery. I’m intrigued by her creativity, and love of beauty. This says it all: “Perfume speaks so much to the need for beauty in our lives.” So true. Bois de Paradis is my love and I hope I win so I am never without it! French rose, spices, and amber are some of the notes that make this one so special. Thanks for the draw!

  • breathesgelatin says:

    I love her words about the American character of the line, and Americans’ openness to new and indie brands. I value that, too. Interesting that she grew up in so many diverse places within the US. For some reason, I didn’t even realize this line was based in the US, so it was interesting to read those thoughts.

    I think I’d most like to try Debut, with its notes of lily of the valley, ylang ylang, and linden, three of my very favorite perfumery notes. I have been wanting to try that one for a long, long time.

  • shannon says:

    This is a line that is so far unexplored by me … pity. I will be looking for the line in the future. I was interested to hear that San Francisco has inspired so many of her fragrances.

    Several of the line sounds very interesting, but I think I’m most curious about Bois de Paradis, with notes of blackberry buds, amber, and incense.

    Thank you for the draw …

  • Amberosmanthus says:

    I have never tried any of the scents from this line. There are so many I’m interested in, it is hard to choose just one!

    I love what DelRae has to say about Americans, “The American client is very open to small brands, in a way that doesn’t exist anywhere else….So there is more freedom for people to experiment. It is, like the culture we celebrate, quite diverse and quite democratic.” It gives me hope that the individuality I so treasure in America is still alive and well.

    I would love to try Amoureuse with its Cardamon, French Tuberose and Tahitian Lily. It sounds divine.

  • Gypsy Parfumista says:

    Wonderful profile, most excellent draw! 🙂

    I have never yet had the chance to try any of DelRae’s perfumes. Mythique (more than any of the others) sounds absolutely wonderful!

    Ivy, iris and ambrette are three of my most loved notes! *sighs*

    I love that as a small girl Ms. DelRae spent her allowance on fragrant bubble bath and colognes, just like me!

    Thanks for the chance to win…*crosses fingers*

  • gypsyqueenmother says:

    Emotionelle with tangerine, ylang ylang and honey is my choice for the draw. I also like samplers, and would like to try them all…

    I think it is very nice that DelRae Roth gave credit to her perfumers as “co-creators” before it was fashionable. Also that she had 5 brothers & sisters and they were all born in different states.

    Thank you for the draw.

  • Tourbillion says:

    I saw the words “Florentine Iris Butter” together with Peony and Jasmine Sambac, so I might just have to try Mythique. I love that DelRae lived in so many places, that gives you so many new scents to explore.

  • Paul Bunch says:

    One of the things that drew me to this article is her comments about the innovation that is going on right now in American perfumery, especially since we don’t have the same regulations as Europe. I think that I would like Eau Illuminee with Basil, Lavender and the “outlaw” note Oakmoss.

  • Irena says:

    I have only tried Eau Illuminée (got sample of it), so it would be my choice. It smells very green in another way – perhaps of the basil, lavender and bergamot notes. I liked very simple thing about DelRae Roth: that everything turned to where she is now from the childhood. Also liked description of american and european markets, think the result of all collaborations is seen on the labels of fragrances – traditional Grasse and modern San Francisco.

  • Amy M. says:

    So glad to read about DelRae Roth. Actually, I knew nothing about her, other than her line is well-loved and comes highly recommended. I learned that she has traveled extensively across the United States and also was an art director. I like that she uses classical perfumery traditions while at the same time placing value on the “freedom” American perfumery gives.

    All of her scents really appeal to me, especially Amoureuse, with notes of tangerine, sandalwood, and (my soft-spot) honey!

    Thank you for the article and draw!

  • Bonbori says:

    I covet Debut which has bergamot, ylang-ylang and lily of the valley.

    I enjoyed learning about DelRae Roth’s love of art but was also fascinated by the fact that DelRae has three brothers and two sisters, all born in a different state.

  • Mihaela says:

    I covet Amoureuse because it sounds dreamy and romantic. I think the combination of tangerine, tuberose and honey is very interesting.

    What I find fascinating about DelRae Roth is her artistic side.
    Paiting and drawing is not something easy and I just bet all her creativity and her artistic side are found in her perfumes.

    Just by looking at the notes of her perfumes, I sensed something different. Many notes that seem to be harmonious and I am pretty sure they are. I takes talent and creativity to make a perfume notes blend well.
    Perfumes are also a form of art so she is a true artist, painting, drawing, taking pictures and creating perfumes. 🙂

  • PatriciaC says:

    Eau Illuminée sounds wonderful “cool and refreshing morning air of the headlands north of the city” sounds wonderful. Oakmoss,french lavender and bergamot. I find her interesting because she draws together (combines) everything she loves -design, perfume, Paris into her work. Has to be wonderful!