Perfume Review: Imaginary Authors Mosaic by Josh Meyer + Roman Baths in the Black Forest Draw

Imaginary authors mosaic cafleurebon

Josh Meyer, owner and nose of the Imaginary Authors perfume company, released an exclusive perfume for Spruce Apothecary in Portland, Oregon in 2013, called Mosaic. The packaging for this entire line is as creative and unique as the scents and their inspirations are. Each perfume is based on a book never actually written and the authors are indeed imaginary. The labels are faux book bindings, with a creative graphic aesthetic. The line debuted at the first annual LA Artisan Fragrance Salon with seven scents (click here to read our reviews) growing with Cape Heartache and Mosaic last year. Each scent or sample comes with a usable bookmark offering a description and salient notes.

Imaginary authors mosaic bird tile cafleurebon

Aquileia – the Roman Forum, photo by Matteo Lavazza Seranto

I love both literature and perfume. Not only is Mosaic a quality construction, but it’s also a unique and innovative take on both. Mosaic is set in the Friedrichsbad spring-fed Roman baths outside the German village of Baden Baden, bordering the Black Forest, and is a discourse between two protagonists while they converse and wander through all seventeen sections of the ancient famed spa. The story, penned we are told by newcomer Warren Hahn, may be labyrinthine as the setting, with the two protagonists alternately narrating chapters. The scent itself contains none of the possible luridness associated with Roman baths and offers a truly sensational fragrance.

imaginary authors mosaic aquatic cafleurebon

Mosaic in Roman Baths Museum, photo by Ed Holden

A scintillating beginning of petit grain and bergamot reflects the traditional German cologne roots of the fragrance. As Mosaic develops, it stays rather verdant and sheer throughout its impressive longevity. As it settles and begins to tell its story, mineral notes of cool limestone are warmed with steaming water and condensation, smelling nothing like any other aquatic I have encountered. The addition of cedar and oak moss adds some woody depth and a hint of mystery. Anyone can take tiles and throw them together in a pattern; it takes a true artist to evoke complex forms and beauty with such simple materials that can truly weave a story you want to read, or wear, again and again. This perfume takes scented tiles of citrus cologne, wood, and water with chypre accents and creates an elegant and stimulating pattern utilizing no flowers or spices, without being either boring or too complex. Utterly unisex and sublime, Mosaic is an excellent choice for any time of year or any setting due to its bright blending of clean and cool notes that last for hours, while leaving a shimmering trail of refreshing scent. Sillage: good. Longevity: very good.

Notes: petit grain, bergamot, oak moss, cedar wood, limestone & artesian well water accord. 

I received my sample from Imaginary Authors.

John Reasinger. Senior Editor and Natural Perfumes Editor

Editor's Note: Mosaic is a Finalist in the Art+ Olfaction Awards, Artisan Category, that will be held April 25, 2014 at the Goethe Insitute in Los Angeles

Thanks to the generosity of Imaginary Authors we have a 60 ml EDP of Mosaic to give away to one US reader. To be eligible please leave a comment stating you live in the US, your favorite fragrance from the line, or one you would love to try, and be sure to join Imaginary Authors email list on the website and let us know that you have done so to be eligible. Draw will end April 6, 2014

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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32 comments

  • Anastasia says:

    I have been on the Imaginary Authors email list already for a long time now! I literally (no pun intended) LOVE every one of them!!!! Josh isba brilliant, and incredibly creative perfumer! I would like to share with you all that I have been to these very spring fed Roman Baths in Baden Baden and; being yhe Romaphile I am, it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life!!!! Josh has captured it perfectly in Mosaic..and I love reliving my experience with every sniff of it! Thank you John for a very enjoable memory jog! Thank you Josh and Ca Fleure Bon! I am in the US. 🙂

  • I already own Bull’s Blood and been on their list as well for quite some time. My next in line would be Falling Into The Sea. Excellent line. I’m quite keen to try this fragrance. I love fresh scents and this sound right up my alley. I appreciate the chance to win such a great fragrance. In the USA.

  • Ohhhhh count me in one this one. The story, the notes, the fragrance itself sound like perfection to me. I would own this one. Glad it was brought to my attention. I have only tried “Soft Lawn”. Something in it made me have a sneezing fit. I have smelled “Bull’s Blood” on someone else and I did like it. Different. I will sign up for emails. Never opposed to something I don’t own. In the US and thank you. Will read the previous posts about Imaginary Authors. Josh Meyer sounds like quite the perfumer.

  • ringthing says:

    I’m in the US, I’m on the email list and I’m a big fan of this line. Memoirs of a Trespasser is one of my favorite scents ever; many times over this endless winter it was the only thing I wanted to wear, so warm and comforting. Cape Heartache is one I want to try, and Mosaic sounds fabulous. Thanks for the review and draw 🙂

  • I have been on the e-mail ist for quite awhile. It’s very hard to pick a favorite scent from Josh.
    Just when you think you have your very favorite picked out, he comes along with another stunner. Falling Into the Sea was my first Imaginary Authors bottle and will always hold a special place in my heart.
    Thank you John for the fabulous review! I live in the U.S. and would Love to win Mosaic. Thanks.

  • I adore Josh and his creativity. My first purchase was and still is a favorite. Memoirs of a Trespasser.. I have sampled Mosaic I would love… I am in the US and great review John.. Thanks to Josh for the draw.

  • Oh yes, this is a nice house. Not only is their concept original, but the scents are really good too. And the prices allow for multiple bottle enjoyment. I like Memoirs of a Trespasser most of all. I joined the list and am in the US.

  • I have a hard time choosing my favorite from the line…Memoirs of a Trespasser and Cape Heartache are neck and neck for me! I’ve tried a sample of Mosaic and really appreciated it’s uniqueness. I’d love to own a full bottle. I’ve joined the email list and am in the U.S. Thank you Josh for the generous draw!

  • Carla meiners says:

    Imaginary Authors is one of my favorite lines and thus far (and I have tried them all!!) Memoirs of a trespasser is my #1. Thanks for the draw!

  • I have never tried any Imaginary Authors scents but I joined their mailing list and live in the US so hope to try Mosaic soon! Thank you.

  • I made the smart purchase some time ago and picked up the samples packet and enjoyed them all very much. I enjoyed Bulls Blood as i felt it was a scent that I have not run accross in awhile. My favorite scent would have to be Soft Lawn as it really makes me think of Spring just starting and winter leaving. I live in the US and have subscribed to the mailing list. Thank you for the opprotunity.

  • I was lucky enough to win Cape Heartache and love it. After wearing it then trying the rest I can honestly say they’re all quite good. This perfume takes some of my favorite notes and ties them in to literature and ancient history simply but eloquently.

    Thank you all for your kind words and thanks to josh for the generous draw. Good luck to everyone.

  • Valentine girl says:

    Resident of USA and just joined mailing list. Have never tried this line, but I love the concept…I would be honored to try this new scent or The Cobra and the Canary…I love wearing leather (both clothes and perfume)!

  • Huge fan of Josh. Congratulations on the Finalist in Art + Olfaction Awards! My favorite Imaginary Authors scent is Cape Heartache. Only tried a sample of Mosaic so far but it seems like a winner. I am in the US and did join the email list.

  • Carole Fallon says:

    Memoirs of a Trespasser and Cape Heartache are my two favorites from this up-and-coming line! I am in the US.

  • Joined the mailing list. This line is new to me but I love to try Mosaic since you mention it’s a refreshing scent.
    USA thanks

  • I am in the US. My favorite is Cape Heartache. I’d like to try the others again. The first time I had the chance to sniff I was so into Cape Heartache I couldn’t focus on the rest.

  • Very nice review, John! My favorite IA scent is Cape Heartache and that was the first full bottle I owned. I’d love to ass Mosaic to my collection. I am in the US and I’m already on Josh’s mailing list. Thanks!

  • Bull’s Blood is one I like a LOT. I’d like to experience the limestone and artesian well water notes/accords of Mosaic. US.

  • I just joined the email list and enjoyed perusing the website. Memoirs of a Trespasser pulled me in as something I would like. Mosaic sounds like something I would love to sdmell on my husband, too. U.S.

  • I joined the mailing list, I’m in the USA, and my favorite scent from the line is Cobra & Canary. Thank you!

  • I live in the U.S.
    I would love to try Falling Into the Sea. And, this fragrance, which sounds amazing.
    And, I have signed up on the email list on their website.
    Thanks

  • Bulls Blood sounded interesting, I have gone to their website and checked out all of their offerings and signed up for the mailing list. From the USA. I am very interested in trying the Mosaic. Thanks. Greg

  • I’m only hearing about this company through your site now and several of them scents sound really enticing. Soft Lawn and Mosaic sound beautiful.

    I’m in the US and I’ve signed up for the mailing list. Thanks!

  • I have also been on their mailing list for some time. I haven’t tried any yet but will correct that soon. Cape Heartache has captured my interest. Mosaic sounds like an interesting concept as well. I live in the US.

  • I am on the IA mailing list. Cape Heartache is my absolute favorite. I am so interested in trying the whole line, really. Thanks so much for the draw. I’m in the U.S.

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    I have not tried any Imaginary Authors fragrance so far but one i have read a lot about on internet is ‘Memoirs of a Trespasser’ . I am subscribed to the email list and reside in the US.

  • Love Josh, and love Memoirs of a Tresspasser and The Soft Lawn! I live in the US and have subscribed on Imaginary Authors website’s mailing list!

  • Cynthia Richardson says:

    I would like to try Cape Heartache and joined the mailing list. I live in the US

  • Nice review … I love the idea of authors who are just a figment of the perfumers mind
    I signed up for the newsletter and must say I adore the bottles and bookmarks
    Since I am unfamiliar with Mr Meyer Mosaic sounds like a grand way to get to know his work

  • I haven’t tried the whole line but the ones included mosaic. Its a fantastic fragrance that I knew id enjoy from the opening spray. I want to try the rest of the line based on what Ive read and heard from other people so far.

    USA