The Alchemist
Among the Russian independent perfumers, Andrej Oljenikov is known as "the alchemist".
When he was a kid, he used to collect plants and tried to make magical lotions from them.
Later he studied medicine for six years, but left the faculty without a degree and turned to making essential oils, which he distills in his own laboratory. Most of the plants and flowers he needs for his fragrances are gathered in the forests of Moscow and in the Crimea.
Oljenikov looks back on more than 35 years of experience in the creation of fragrances, to which he also ascribes certain healing powers.
He is interested in naturalistic representations. Many of his perfumes seem like soliflors at first glance, but in the course of analysis they reveal a complex structure and fascinating density.
I will always remain connected to Russia through my personal biography. My eldest daughter is half-Russian and we spent some years living in Moscow and the surrounding area. In the 90's I was lucky enough to be able to participate in a research project that allowed me to commute between Russia and Germany. Back then, I was extremely enthusiastic about perfumes already, but word of the niche perfumery hadn't gotten around to me yet.
What a pity!
I've only known Oljenikov's scents for a few weeks. I found out that he even offers workshops. (A project for next year, when we can all travel freely again ...
- I'm really looking forward to going to Russia.)
"Jardin d'hiver" is a multi-layered, complex floral fragrance ... and much more.
If you wear it, you will immediately understand why Oljenikov is nicknamed "the alchemist".
Rose, rhododendron and tea tree result in a completely new, initially irritating combination.
Am I spraying myself with something to strengthen my immune system? Maybe.
But other miracles happen, too.
Lotus, mango and chrysanthemum let their voices ring, cheer you up like a beautiful trio from Cosi fan tutte ... (Suave sia il vento ...).
Ambrette and a profound earthiness, a velvety alto voice deepen your soul.
I imagine a dacha with a roof from glass. In the corner there is a shelf with pickled fruits, supplies for the winter.
Light frost outside. When I open the door and stick my nose out, I smell that peculiar, green, cold freshness that mixes with the warmth of the porch.
Here I can sit in peace for a while and don't have to worry about anything.
Not a single cloud in the sky.
No watch on my wrist.
Happiness in my heart.
When he was a kid, he used to collect plants and tried to make magical lotions from them.
Later he studied medicine for six years, but left the faculty without a degree and turned to making essential oils, which he distills in his own laboratory. Most of the plants and flowers he needs for his fragrances are gathered in the forests of Moscow and in the Crimea.
Oljenikov looks back on more than 35 years of experience in the creation of fragrances, to which he also ascribes certain healing powers.
He is interested in naturalistic representations. Many of his perfumes seem like soliflors at first glance, but in the course of analysis they reveal a complex structure and fascinating density.
I will always remain connected to Russia through my personal biography. My eldest daughter is half-Russian and we spent some years living in Moscow and the surrounding area. In the 90's I was lucky enough to be able to participate in a research project that allowed me to commute between Russia and Germany. Back then, I was extremely enthusiastic about perfumes already, but word of the niche perfumery hadn't gotten around to me yet.
What a pity!
I've only known Oljenikov's scents for a few weeks. I found out that he even offers workshops. (A project for next year, when we can all travel freely again ...
- I'm really looking forward to going to Russia.)
"Jardin d'hiver" is a multi-layered, complex floral fragrance ... and much more.
If you wear it, you will immediately understand why Oljenikov is nicknamed "the alchemist".
Rose, rhododendron and tea tree result in a completely new, initially irritating combination.
Am I spraying myself with something to strengthen my immune system? Maybe.
But other miracles happen, too.
Lotus, mango and chrysanthemum let their voices ring, cheer you up like a beautiful trio from Cosi fan tutte ... (Suave sia il vento ...).
Ambrette and a profound earthiness, a velvety alto voice deepen your soul.
I imagine a dacha with a roof from glass. In the corner there is a shelf with pickled fruits, supplies for the winter.
Light frost outside. When I open the door and stick my nose out, I smell that peculiar, green, cold freshness that mixes with the warmth of the porch.
Here I can sit in peace for a while and don't have to worry about anything.
Not a single cloud in the sky.
No watch on my wrist.
Happiness in my heart.
Gold
