Reviews – Olfactive Studio Still Life in Rio

Olfactive Studio – Still Life in Rio – Peach tea on the beach – 7.5/10.

Olfactive Studio is a niche house that draws inspiration from photography and perfume – two pastimes that fascinate me. Thus, a house I knew I’d enjoy. So, what’s the story behind the brand, and how does the creative process work? Olfactive Studio was founded in 2011 by Celine Verleure, setting out to fuse the two mediums of photography and perfumery. The genesis of every Olfactive Studio perfume begins with a perfume name. This perfume name is then given to a photographer, who interprets/reimagines/translates the name into visual form through their camera lens. Once this photo is finalised, it is then handed over to the perfumer to work their magic. It’s undoubtedly, a unique concept.

I first encountered Olfactive Studio after purchasing a discovery set featuring some of their heavier, darker scents. I was immediately taken with the cherry, white tobacco, tonka, coffee, amber, and rose blend, Close Up. To this day, that is still my pick from the house. However, Chambre Noire’s plum/leather combination was another intriguing scent that drew me in.

My positive experience with the discovery set gave me the impetus to seek out some of their other scents. Still Life in Rio stood out with notes that had summer written all over it. And a subsequent visit to a local perfume boutique for sampling soon resulted in a full bottle purchase. It has since become a summer staple. So, in today’s blog post, I review this 2016 composition from Dora Baghriche that is practically good enough to drink.

I can almost feel the sand between my toes and the warm summer air surrounding me when I wear Still Life In Rio. It opens with a burst of citrusy and zingy notes. It’s both bracing and spicy. The bracing citrus effect comes courtesy of yuzu and lemon. Yuzu, for mine, is a very much underutilised ingredient in perfumery. In Still Life in Rio, it provides a tangy sweetness and is an instant mood enhancer. The zingy spice comes courtesy of ginger. Again, another note that should be used more often. It always provides such an energetic fizzy burst in any composition and is perfect for fresh scents.

In the middle phases of Still Life in Rio, Dora Bagriche introduces a coconut note. Here, it is juicy/ watery and further emphasises the beverage-like feel-good nature of the perfume. It’s always a risk using a coconut note, as it can go down the suntan lotion route. Fortunately, it doesn’t do that here. The middles stages of the perfume are also mildly spicy, thanks to the inclusion of black pepper and Jamaican hot pepper. Neither note is overly noticeable, though. Rather, they create just enough warmth to add an interesting contrast to the fresh tropical notes.

The base of Still Life in Rio is made up of rum, Brazilian Copaiba essences, and a white leather accord. However, the effect is not boozy, at least not for me. Instead it brings to mind peach iced tea or lemon ginger tea – sparkling and fizzy. That may be a disappointment for some hoping for a more alcoholic libation. I detect all the base notes on my skin, but they’re pretty subtle. Perhaps your skin may amplify some of the more boozy, woody nuances of the base. The reviews I’ve read online are mixed in this regard. I still enjoy the scent, despite not experiencing as much of the rum and woods as others.

I couldn’t complete my review without mentioning the photo that inspired the scent. It’s by famed Brazilian photographer Flavio Veloso. The picture captures Rio’s beauty at sunrise, at Corcovado, where the Christ the Redeemer statue stands. Indeed, a stunning image.

Sadly, Olfactive Studio no longer seems to be available in Australia. Such a shame, as they have some unique offerings. As a whole, the brand is well worth sampling. And with Still Life in Rio, the brand has created an interesting fresh scent that is many levels above the generic crowd-pleasing dullness of Department Store fare. Perhaps, if some of the warmer notes in the base had been more noticeable, it would have elevated the scent even further. However, that’s a minor gripe. Indeed, had the base notes been more pronounced, Still, Life in Rio may not have been such a summer delight. Do check out Still Life in Rio if you’re looking for an olfactory companion for the beach or indeed your next samba class. Viva Brazil.

Quick Notes:

Launch Year: 2016. The same year as the Rio Olympics.

Perfumer: Dora Baghriche.

Top notes: Yuzu, ginger, lemon, mint & mandarin.

Mid notes: Jamaican hot peppers, pink pepper, black pepper, coconut water.

Base notes: Rum, Brazilian Copaiba wood, white leather accord. Prominent notes in bold.

Longevity: 5-6 hours maximum.

Projection: 3 hours, medium.

Season: Summer.

Price: 50ml, $159AUD. 100ml, $229AUD. I think very reasonably priced for niche.

Alternatives: Guerlain Homme, Creed Virgin Island Water, L’Artisan Parfumeur Batucada.

Have you tried Olfactive Studio’s line? What’s your favourite?

Note: All photos by me.