Lila Engel Perfume Manifesto

Neurologically speaking, our sense of smell is the only one of our senses that does not take a detour from the sensory organ to our emotional center. It is the oldest sense, the most fundamental; it is the first we receive at birth and the last to leave us when we die.

Perfume is a direct form of abstract art, sharing many similarities with other art forms, such as music and poetry, by painting abstract images upon the inner projector of our consciousness, telling a story or describing a state of mind.

Perfume can be seen as a form of play. Just as we did as children, we play-acted different characters and created new worlds within our imagination. In adulthood, we can find our way back to that playfulness by deciding who we want to express ourselves as for the day. Styling, hair, makeup, and fragrance provide us with the tools to reclaim play in adult life.

Finding the right perfume is not merely about smelling "pleasant" for the sake of others by following stereotypes of age, gender identity, class, or profession. It is about discovering the connection between ourselves, our soul, and our aesthetic expression.

Finding a scent that vibrates at the same frequency and matches our energy.

Do we need perfume? Do we need fresh-cut flowers in a vase on the kitchen table? Do we need well-prepared food and a fine glass of wine? Do we need to hold the door open for a stranger? It is a philosophical question, but adorning one’s life with beauty in all its forms is a moral duty, first and foremost to oneself, but also to others.

To make life beautiful for oneself and for those around us.