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Paperback PerfumesReader's Advisory for Fragrance Lovers, pairing scents with stories Author: Clare Presser
Welcome to Paperback Perfumes! The host Clare Presser is a Librarian with a fascination for fragrances and their capacity to evokes memories and experiences through the activation of the olfactory system. In this podcast she chats with guests about their connections with scents and stories through the pairing of perfumes and literary texts. Think of it as readers advisory for fragrance lovers, or fragrance recommendation for bibilophiles - whichever experience is your first priority. Its fun exercise that allows a lovely discussion around peoples personal interpretation of experience, scent, and story Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Language: en Genres: Arts, Books, Fashion & Beauty Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Makeup and Murder
Episode 84
Tuesday, 23 June, 2026
“At a small table, sitting very upright, was one of the ugliest old ladies he had ever seen. It was an ugliness of distinction—it fascinated rather than repelled.”― Agatha Christie, Murder on the Orient ExpressMost perfumers focus on crafting fragrance but David Clarke, the creative mind behind Rivendare, transforms the entire process into a story. From an unexpected starting point with no initial interest in perfume, he has built a distinctive voice in artisanal perfumery from a remote corner of Australia, earning recognition from the Institute for Art and Olfaction.Please note: this conversation was recorded prior to David receiving the Golden Pear Award in the Artisan category from the Institute for Art and Olfaction in June of 2026. In this episode, David shares how a failed online business became the unlikely gateway into perfume-making, and how that pivot shaped his philosophy around creativity, independence, and experimentation. We explore the role of scarcity and mystique in niche fragrance, and how stepping away from commercial expectations can open space for truly original work.David offers an inside look at the realities of small-batch perfumery, working with rare materials, navigating the challenges of sourcing from regional Australia, and pushing beyond conventional industry standards in pursuit of artistic freedom. His approach challenges traditional ideas of luxury, shifting the focus from status and scale to craftsmanship, creativity, and the ability of a fragrance to inspire and transport.Rivendare fragrances mentioned:1747TundraDeath by VanityBooks discussed:Murder on the Orient Express - Agatha ChristieFind Rivendare at:Instagram:@rivendareperfumeTheme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.













