The right scents can complete an atmosphere, and awaken homely feelings and memories with one sniff. This is something that Argentinian graphic designer Mario Lombardo recognized when he returned to his home country for the first time in 16 years, and noticed that nothing was as he remembered. Only the smells remained the same, through which he could relive his past emotions. Captivated by the power of scent, Lombardo travelled to France: to the traditional perfume manufacturer Robertet. After intensively researching the methods and techniques of perfume making, he created his Alphabet Collection, composed of 27 scented candles now available to buy online or in his new Mulackstrasse store. Each letter, a candle in a handmade glass, represents a person, moment or piece of the world. My personal favourite is, unsurprisingly, my own letter “M” – smokey and woody, like an open fire place in winter. My other favourite, the fresh, minty and citrusy “Z”, sends me back to the gardens of my childhood, making me yearn for the return of spring. (Text: Milena Kalojanov / Photo: (bottom) Gregor Hohenberg)
Atelier Oblique (new!), Almstadtstr. 5, 10119 Berlin-Mitte; map
Mi-Fr 10–18h, Sa 12–18h
