Founded by Jerome Oude Sogtoen, the mastermind behind iconic brands such as Mona di Orio and Zenology, and perfumer Fredrik Dalman, Pantomime Parfum celebrates “the art of conveying emotions, actions and feelings without language”. The founders see the brand as a stage on which the user can explore and experience emotions inspired by the five different olfactory creations, simply named Act I to Act V.
At a time when so-called natural ingredients are falsely considered by many to be more beautiful, more precious or safer, Pantomime Parfum goes in the opposite direction. The founders are keen to remind us that “synthetic raw materials are not a new addition to the perfumer’s palette, but rather the foundation of what modern perfumery is today”. And when it comes to the beauty of fragrance, Pantomime Parfum’s range is a powerful demonstration that synthetics absolutely deserve to be on stage and in the spotlight.
To bring these beauties to our readers, photographer Joseph Saraceno created this stunning series of still lifes – without words, but with a lot of artistic skill and finesse. Enjoy!
PHOTOGRAPHY: Joseph Saraceno, @josephsaraceno
CREATIVE DIRECTION & STILL LIFE STYLING: Wilson Wong, @wilson_off_figure_styling
Setting the stage …
01. Pantomime Parfum: ACT I
SCENERY: Rome, 1954, 11:02 PM Hotel Hassler
LEAD: Ambrettolide HC Supreme
SUPPORTING: Ambrette Absolute
“A slip dress and silk stockings on the floor, a pillow smeared with lipstick, a tie bound around the bedpost, red stains on the carpet. Wrinkled, messy sheets. Ripe figs in a bowl. Window ajar. The powdered smell of intimacy and lust.”
PERFUMER: Fredrik Dalman
YEAR: 2023
www.pantomime-parfum.com
02. Pantomime Parfum: ACT II
SCENERY: New Haven, 1967, 06.45 AM, New Haven Rowing Club
LEAD: Bisabolene
SUPPORTING: Cardamom Absolute
“A rower blinded by the light of the rising sun. The rhythmic creaking of the boat house, softly breaking the silence. A calm lake mirrors the tree line of weathered pines, sunlight, and the orange and blue gradient sky. The boat cuts through the lake’s glass-like surface, drops of sweat stream down the neck, onto the back. They’re in sync.”
PERFUMER: Fredrik Dalman
YEAR: 2023
www.pantomime-parfum.com
03. Pantomime Parfum: ACT III
SCENERY: NYC, 1981, 01.48 AM, The Mudd Club
LEAD: Methyl Ionone Alpha Extra
SUPPORTING: Oud Laos
“No Wave cinema. Rebels wear biker jackets that have conquered many nights of ruffianism. Club visitors submit themselves wholly to the band’s rhythm. Leather biker boots on the steps of The Mudd Club. Fingertips rolling a cigarette before a tongue licks it shut. Each corner of the club is occupied by couples intensely losing themselves in a self-inflicted kissing scene. Memories engraved in the floor, on the walls and the ceilings?”
PERFUMER: Fredrik Dalman
YEAR: 2023
www.pantomime-parfum.com
4. Pantomime Parfum: ACT IV
SCENERY: Paris, 1976, 04:00 AM Chez Régine
LEAD: Lactone of Cis Jasmone
SUPPORTING: Patchouli Aged 30 Years
“Paris glitterati of the night gather in haute couture dresses. The neon like buzz of hair spray fills the powder room. Lipstick on crystal glasses filled with half-drunk Bellini cocktails. Another spray of perfume. Getting ready to dance the night away. Could it be magic?”
PERFUMER: Fredrik Dalman
YEAR: 2023
www.pantomime-parfum.com
5. Pantomime Parfum: ACT V
SCENERY: Amdo, 1920, 05.45 AM Lake Koko Nor
LEAD: Vetiverol
SUPPORTING: Galbanum Resinoid
“Echo and Narcissus: exploring the boundaries between love and obsession. A man stares at himself, enamored. The refined shape of his freshly shaved face is reflected in the cashmere blue water. With his hand, he reaches for the reflection of his face, waiting to see what the ripples will do once reality meets his fantasy?”
PERFUMER: Fredrik Dalman
YEAR: 2023
www.pantomime-parfum.com
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