“Indie Perfume Brand Spotlight: Eris” takes a closer look at the New York City-based perfume brand, ERIS PARFUMS. Founded and creatively directed by Barbara Herman, the brand offers sexy scents for subversives, with fragrances that are bold, beautiful, and tell a story. The article delves into the inspiration behind the brand’s name, ERIS, which is derived from the Greek goddess of chaos and strife. It also highlights the latest perfume, Delta of Venus, which reimagines the Garden of Eden’s Forbidden Fruit and pays homage to Anais Nin’s iconic work of erotica. With a desire to make it easier for international perfume lovers to access the brand, ERIS aims to expand its reach and provide more options for customers around the world.
About Eris Parfums
Founder and Creative Director
Eris Parfums was founded by Barbara Herman, who is also the creative director of the brand. Barbara has a deep passion for vintage perfume and has written about it extensively on her blog, yesterdaysperfume.com, as well as in her book, Scent and Subversion: Decoding a Century of Provocative Perfume. Her love for perfume led her to launch Eris Parfums in 2016, with the goal of creating unique and daring scents.
Entry into the Perfume Industry
Barbara’s entry into the perfume industry was somewhat serendipitous. In 2008, she developed a deep interest in perfume and started a blog to explore her passion for vintage fragrances. This blog eventually turned into a book, which further solidified her love for perfume. Inspired by her experience, Barbara decided to take her passion for fragrance to the next level and create her own brand, Eris Parfums.
First Perfume Purchased
Barbara’s first perfume purchase was either Lauren or Grey Flannel in the 80s. These classic fragrances introduced her to the world of scent and ignited her love for perfume.
Favorite Meal
When it comes to food, Barbara has a diverse palate. She enjoys fancy dishes as well as hearty basics. Some of her favorite meals include Shrimp Po Boys from New Orleans, Southern Fried Chicken, Vietnamese spring rolls, and steak frites. Barbara admits that she has a weakness for fried food.
Favorite Place
Barbara has traveled to many places that have captured her heart. Some of her favorite places include Saigon, Paris, Istanbul, and New Orleans. Each city has its own unique atmosphere and charm that inspires her and influences her creative process.
Party Trick and Hidden Talents
In addition to her expertise in perfume, Barbara has a few interesting party tricks and hidden talents. One of her hobbies is baking sourdough bread from scratch, which she started doing in February 2023. She also has a talent for graphology, the analysis of handwriting, which she has cultivated since she was a child.
Film Representation
If a film were to be made about Barbara’s life, she envisions Aubrey Plaza playing her. While Plaza may not exactly resemble Barbara, she feels that they share similar “weirdo vibes” that would make Plaza a good fit for the role.
About the Brand
Brand Description
Eris Parfums is known for creating sexy scents for subversives. The brand’s fragrances are daring, unique, and designed to make a statement. Each scent tells a story and evokes a sense of adventure and rebellion.
Origin of the Brand Name
The name Eris comes from Greek mythology. Eris is the goddess of chaos and strife, known for being a disruptive troublemaker. The name perfectly captures the essence of the brand’s bold and unconventional approach to perfume.
Target Audience
Eris Parfums is designed for individuals who appreciate luxurious ingredients and statement perfumes with a twist. The brand’s fragrances are for those who are not afraid to stand out and make a statement with their scent.
Latest Perfume
Eris Parfums’ latest perfume is called Delta of Venus. This fragrance is a guava-centric floral that reimagines the Garden of Eden’s Forbidden Fruit, complete with a hissing snake companion represented by Galbanum. The scent is named after Anais Nin’s groundbreaking work of erotica, written in the 1940s. Delta of Venus is a sensual and decadent fragrance that pays homage to rebellious and independent women throughout history.
Recommended Perfume for Trying
If someone is interested in trying Eris Parfums’ fragrances, Barbara recommends two extremes: Green Spell for its intense freshness and Mxxx. for its richness and depth. These scents showcase the range of the brand and offer a glimpse into the unique olfactive experiences that Eris Parfums has to offer.
Challenges to Overcome
One of the challenges that Barbara wants to overcome for her brand is making it easier for international perfume lovers to try and purchase Eris Parfums. She recognizes the importance of accessibility and is committed to expanding the brand’s international reach by partnering with more retailers or finding more cost-effective ways to ship the perfumes from New York.
Brand Uniqueness
What sets Eris Parfums apart from other fragrance brands is its boldness and storytelling approach. The fragrances are not simply meant to smell good, but to evoke emotions and transport the wearer to a different world. Barbara’s deep knowledge and appreciation for perfumery history are also evident in her creations, making Eris Parfums a brand that is both informed by the past and aspiring towards the future.
About the Author
Author Introduction
Grant Osborne is the founder and editor of Basenotes, an online community and resource for perfume enthusiasts. He has been passionate about perfume since 2000 and has been sharing his love for fragrance through Basenotes. His expertise and dedication to the perfume industry make him a respected figure in the fragrance community.
By: Grant Osborne
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