In Memoriam Mona di Orio

Acceptance of death is a peculiar thing. When it comes at the end of a long life we say, “They had a good life.” When it strikes without warning early in life we wonder what might have been as that person feels cruelly cut from life’s tapestry. What of the person who lives to see their dreams fulfilled; to create that which they desired to create? What do we say then? Today is a day with the announcement of the passing of perfumer Mona di Orio that I find I actually have something to say.

First the loss to her family and friends must be enormous. Through my connection with her perfume creations I sense Mona di Orio was a person full of a desire to create. I hope that she was able to do it on her terms made her happy. Certainly the pictures of her and her words, through interviews, seem to indicate a person who was happy with her life. It occurs to me that all too rarely do we have people around who are truly happy to be what they’re doing. Without knowing for sure I think Mona di Orio was happy making perfume.

The loss to the artistic perfume community is also large. In particular 2011 was, in my opinion, her best year. In point of fact Mona di Orio and her creation Les Nombres D’Or Oud are my Perfumer of the Year and Perfume of the Year respectively. It was an easy decision this year because each of the releases built upon the other. It reminded me of the Facebook icon as a pyramid of bottles. On top of that pyramid is Les Nombres D’Or Oud. This is a completely original construction full of bold architecture and subtle contours. I’ve worn it over a dozen times now and I still find something new to admire in it. I’m sure it is possible that she had even something greater still inside of her; but this particular fragrance is one that stands in a special place for me, and will for years to come. Now it will serve as a fitting reminder of the brilliant redheaded creator of fragrance who is lost to us.

I wish her family and friends the strength to get through the next few days. In my little part of the world I am going to spray myself with Oud tonight and meditate on the creativity on display.

If there is a perfume afterlife I think they are about to add a new creative viewpoint to their everlasting discussion. Have at ‘em Mona I think you have something to teach them.

Join us here at Cafleurebon in a moment of blog silence in memory of Mona di Orio. We’ll be back tomorrow afternoon with our usual mix of stories but until then we will pay tribute with our silence.

–Mark Behnke, Managing Editor

Note:  EIC Michelyn Camen’s art direction is always inspired but the Modigliani “Young Redhead In An Evening Dress” has always seemed as if Mona was his model and it seemed a fitting piece of art to memorialize her.

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23 comments

  • Claudia says:

    This is so unbelievably shocking and sad. My thoughts go out to her family, she will be missed by many. Her perfumes are so beautiful. I am completely shocked.

  • d3m0lici0n says:

    So shocking, so unexpected and so sad, I am going to wear her Vetyver as a tribute to a great talent. Rest in peace dear Mona.

  • sandi L says:

    So beautifully put Mark, and I have the same feelings of this past year for Mona. Tribute of silence is fitting. Wishing family, (which includes her business family), friends, and those who admired her spirit and her work comfort and peace during this time.<3

  • Lisa says:

    I am so sorry to hear of her untimely death. How very sad. My condolences to her family and friends.

  • Flora says:

    Mark, what a lovely tribute, but I am still trying to process this, it’s so tragic and sudden. We have lost a true talent and a wonderful person today.

  • Joe says:

    Mark, and everyone: I’ve been really in such a state of shock and mourning all day. Mona was certainly one of my very favorite perfumers; I consider her a genius of the art. My thoughts go out to her loved ones, and to those like me who were lucky enough to experience and appreciate her art. And, as always, this is a reminder that every day is a gift — none of us knows when this gift may be taken away from us. Enjoy and love to the fullest.

    (Also, I’m planning to make a lasting gift in Mona’s memory to the Orange Babies charity for children with HIV, to which she pledged proceeds from her beautiful Jabu, the perfume that was my introduction to her artistry.)

  • Michelyn Camen says:

    “My grandmothers and my mother are all excellent cooks and I spent a lot of time observing them when they were in their kitchen or going with them to the market, I was always trying to touch and smell the fruits and vegetables. Indeed the market is the first place I visit when I travel, it informs me about the habits and customs of the country.
    Our meals were always full of flavor, color and happiness”.-Mona Di Orio
    To Mona’s family our deepest condolences

  • brigitte says:

    I remember reading the interview with Mona on CaFleureBon. It was my introduction to this talented woman and her beautiful perfumes. What struck me the most was her passion and love for her artistry. My condolences to all who knew and loved her.

  • Neil says:

    So tragic – I’m still quite shocked. Thank you, Mark and Michelyn, for remembering her so kindly.

    I can only take some solace in the thought that she was truly appreciated before leaving us, as one can see by the outpouring from her friends and admirers.

    My sympathies and condolences to Mona’s family and all her friends.

  • chayaruchama says:

    Thank you Mark, for your lovely tribute.
    Modigliani indeed…

    Our prayers and thoughts are with Mona’s bereft family and dearests.
    She was an original, in the very best way, and a gentle soul.

  • naheed says:

    It was one of the saddest news that I got to hear yesterday. I still have every word of her interview with cafleurebon frozen in my memory. I loved it how well she described real and synthetic oudh. She left us all so young. May you rest in peace dear Mona.

  • Madelyn E says:

    Very moving tribute here, as usual.
    Too bad Mona couldn’t know the impact of her sudden passing on her global perfume audience.
    As I watch and read her interviews I am struck by her determination to create a work of art and classic beauty with her perfumes.
    Now what ?

  • janelc says:

    Mona’s passing is a loss to the World of Perfume. She truly was an artist. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.

  • Kathryn says:

    Mona di Orio’s death is such a tragic loss,nto her family, her friends and to the world. Her recent fragrances have moved me as few others ever have. May she rest in peace.

  • Asali says:

    Such a gifted, artistic and brave perfumeur. As has been said already many times, a truly tragic loss. Her stunning work will live on.

  • Marcin says:

    That’s totally shocking. What a loss!!! She was so gifted! I cannot believe she’s gone…. R.I.P.

  • Heather says:

    This was so touching! And so sad. I had always put off buying samples and I finally placed an order after hearing the news. I wish others in her line of work would cultivate their passion as such.