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Post by Ainslie Walker
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Hello my favourite fragrant folk!
Earlier this year I developed a fragrance to accompany the scenic launch of Australian fashion designer, Alexi Freeman’s latest collection. The scent was released ambiently during the catwalk showing of White Noise trans-seasonal 2016 on the clifftops at MONA Museum, Hobart – possibly the most southern and most scenic catwalk in fashion history!
“As daylight shifts to the still of night, silhouettes move upon a cliff face. Ultra violet light reflects from pale, voluminous and translucent threads. Nearby vineyard fruits sweeten the air. Vapor escapes from shimmering bitumen. White leather treads, pulsing the earths surface. Light amber woods waft upwards carrying the salted air if the river towards us. Soon darkness reigns, broken only by the glimmer of the star filled sky”
MONA is one of the worlds most iconic Art Museums. I am honored to have been the first ‘fragrance artist’ to scent the iconic outdoor space. Here’s hoping there will be more scent events at MONA in the future! Over a few glasses of the local Pinot Noir I talked to owner, art collector David Walsh, discussing ‘scent as art.’ David finds wearing perfume “misleading.” He likes to smell the “natural scent of a person,” deeming it sexy, rather than “a false mask that wears off and is no longer there in the morning.” We discussed basic instincts and attraction in humans and the potential to find a lover attractive due to their natural odor and how wearing fragrance can potentially mess with proceedings and attract the wrong person! (The concept of odiferous ‘beer goggles?!’)
The event was curated by Brian Ritchie, ex-bassist for The Violent Femmes. Each day as he passed by me he opened his collar for a few squirts of Nocturne and a giggle. He loved it and even read it’s description out for the whole crowd!! (My teenage-90s-grunge inner child SQUEALED all the while, believe me!)
Morag from Aussie Fragrance Network Facebook Group came along to the show with her daughter and here she describes the evening:
“We walked uphill from the bitumen car park past lawns and sculptures. Looking out over the river we watched the mix of fashionistas and conventionally styled audience members drift in. We took our seats on heated benches beneath the ** installation, to wait for the fashion show to begin.
**not-allowed-to-mention-the-artist’s-name-due-to-marketing-restrictions
We basked in the change from daylight to night, watching the silhouette of gum trees against a darkening sky. The sculpture’s coloured lights shifted through the rainbow, whilst seamlessly melding with the sky.
All the while, the air was filled with colour, Ainslie Walker’s Nocturne. Rich, luscious fruits and florals – deeply velvet. Byron Meyer produced accompanying soundscapes which in turn carried ethereal gowns, white on white, floating and gliding past us: Alexi Freeman’s White Noise collection. Shorts and tank tops, beautiful gauzy dresses over bodysuits threaded with silver and textural contrasts of leather and perspex glowed under UV, surrounded by the darkness of night.
A feast for all the senses. A subtle fusing and truly experiential. A sensory experience full of provocation.
Wearing Ainslie’s Nocturne, I am transported to that evening and beyond. Because what I smelt that night was just the beginning. On the skin, the scent is much much more. After the voluptuous ripeness dissipates, there is a calm quiet center of gentle leather and musk. The easing into the night after a spectacular sunset.”
Nocturne. Ainslie Walker for Alexi Freeman
APJ READERS OFFER: contact Ainslie Walker to order sampler in card, including postage for $20
Nocturne limited edition candle from Ainslie Walker or Alexi Freeman’s Studio in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
Limited edition Nocturne parfum via emailing ainslie@ainsliewalker.com
PS big thanks to Morag for her support and story xx
Please tell me about a scent installation you’ve attended?
Xx Ainslie
All Photos donated by Ainslie Walker
Does my cookie kitchen count? Brilliant post.
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Oh yes! Imagining the scent installation of cookies in your kitchen is giving me goosebumps!!!
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WANT! WANT IT NOW!
Congratulations Ainslie on your continued successes. No surprise, you’re amazing.
Portia xx
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Thank you Portia! Keep an eye on your mailbox my dear X
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OOOOH! Promises!
Love them.
Portia xx
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Brilliant, wish you every success.
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Thank you so much Anna X
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Congratulations Ainslie! What an exciting evening and a powerful new beginning in the Art World opening up.
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Thanks Hazel. Yes, worldwide, scent is really getting more traction in the artworld. So much potential! X
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Wonderful, Ainslie!
Even this old, cranky, BTDT critical person can’t help but love the description of your installation. It must have been magic. Congrats on your success and many more!
Azar xx
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Thank you Azar! I’m unsure the definition of “BDTD” but I’m glad you like it. I also have never thought you cranky!! It was indeed a magical night! Hopefully many more scented events to come! X
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Oh my god, Ainslie! What a magical night!! Congrats on clearly knocking this one out of the ballpark, it sounds marvelous! AND BRIAN RITCHIE!!!! Absoltely gobsmacking! I would’ve been dithering and mumbling!!! Yaay!!!
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Thanks Robert! Yes was all very exciting!! Xx
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I love MONA and have been lucky enough to stay in the accommodation there. The whole experience sounds very exciting if not surreal.
I must try Nocturne xx
Congrats
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Wow Helen!! I’d love to stay there for a night. It’s such a magical place. Yes I’d love you to try Nocturne! X
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You are seriously one talented lady Ainslie. I wish I could have experienced it for myself, it sounds like something out of this world. Congrats on your continued success in the scent art world! X
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Aww thanks so much for stopping by and your comments, Tonia! Xxx
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It must have been a special experience for all the senses that night. Just perfect for a summer evening. I have never attended (nor heard of) a scent installation before, but I think it’s a fantastic concept! Congratulations Ainslie!
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Thanks Neva. Where are you based? I’m sure we can find one near you!! X
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Oh wow.. You’re awesome.. Congratulations!
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Thanks so much Ivan! Xx
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MONA was the best experience I have in Hobart. Great post!
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