Perfume-Blending in the Men's Department (in person)

Minetta Rogers introduces a 3-part blending course exploring the cologne and fougere perfume styles from the men’s department. In person. What is a cologne? What is a fougere? What were the molecules commonly found on the men’s side of the perfume counter? Join Minetta Rogers for a perfume course incorporating smelling, reading, and scent-blending sessions as you learn about these so-called masculine perfume categories! Over three sessions at the Institute for Art and Olfaction, the course will provide an overview of the perfume styles traditionally associated with masculinity and the men’s side of the perfume department. Through smelling, making, and discussion, we’ll investigate, experiment, and play with these scents. CLASS SCHEDULE Class 1: Sunday, November 8, 2026: Introductions and Cologne In this class, we will review the syllabus and dive in by exploring the cologne category of fine fragrance. We will start by smelling a selection of fine fragrances shared from the Institute for Art and Olfaction collections supplemented by aromatic materials from our perfume organ. Following that, we will create our own short classic cologne formulas, then blend them to take home in a splash vial. Class 2: Sunday, November 15, 2026: Fougere In this class, we’ll smell through the fougere category of fine fragrance while examining it through various literary and olfactory lenses. We’ll discuss the fougere’s place in perfumery as written about by contemporary authors, perfume critics and writers while smelling through fine fragrances shared from the Institute for Art and Olfaction collections, supplemented by aromatic materials from our perfume organ. Following that, we will create our own short classic fougere formulas, then blend them to take home in a splash vial. Class 3: Sunday, November 22: Perfume Design - Blending Challenge In this class, we’ll return to some of the key aromatic materials we’ve smelled and worked with previously, now in a more hands-on manner as we focus on perfume-blending. In a playful but educational setting, we’ll experiment with and compose individual short formulas building our own “masculine” fine fragrance. Each participant will expand their favorite formula to take one spray vial containing their experimental blend. Between classes: There is homework between class 1 and 2 that is required. This involves both reading and smelling and will take between 1 and 2 hours. Topics covered: + Introduction to the perfume category - smelling and discussion + Introduction to key perfume materials - smelling + Introduction to perfume blending Take-Aways: + Kit of smelling materials, exercise workbook, and reading materials (included in the cost of registration, provided at the end of Day 1) + Short formulas and individual scent blends (included in the cost of registration, made at the end of Days 1, 2, and 3) About the Instructor Trained in architecture and design, Minetta Rogers is the director of programs at the IAO and has been teaching newcomers to perfumery for almost a decade. Drawing inspiration from the design approaches that she learned through her studies in architecture and in the field, she brings an approach to education that is rooted in facts, curiosity supported by rigorous research, and design strategies. Materials:Materials are included in the sign-up cost, and provided by the IAO during class. Safety Note Some aromatic materials can have side-effects when applied to skin. The information and teaching materials presented in our classes are for educational purposes only. These are not intended for commercial use and do not necessarily reflect commercial best practices or industry safety standards. For more information about commercial best practices and safety, consult the relevant authorities in your country of residence. Important notes: Please read before signing upYour Eventbrite confirmation contains important instructions for class attendance. Please scroll down on the confirmation email to review. All levels are welcome, but this session is 18 and up. LOCATION Location: We are located in Los Angeles’ historic Chinatown neighborhood, on a pedestrian street. The IAO is wheelchair accessible. Street Address: 932 Chung King Road Los Angeles CA, 90012 To find us: Chung King Road is a pedestrian-only road that runs parallel to Hill Street, between Hill St and Yale St. See more information here: http://artandolfaction.com/visit ATTENDANCE AND CANCELLATION POLICY FOR IN PERSON CLASSES Please note that you must reserve your space in advance. If you just show up without reserving a spot, there is no guarantee we will be able to accommodate you. When we host a class or workshop, we often order the materials to be used in the class well in advance, based on how many people have signed up (and padding a bit for safety). We also use class proceeds to pay our teachers. Although we realize that life has a funny way of getting in the way of the best laid plans, as a small non-profit we cannot afford to carry the burden of lost proceeds and materials. – Cancellation with refund made 1 week or more (7 days) before the scheduled session will be honored UNLESS materials or formulas have been shared in advance. – Refunds requested 1 week or less before the class starts, on the day of the class or after the class has happened will not be granted. Please review our cancellation policy here: https://artandolfaction.com/educationatiao/cancellation-policy/ Thank you for understanding! Image cologne: Pexels / public domain.