Founder and perfumer Alexandra Balahoutis, a native of Los Angeles ( and yes, A-List celeb connected, her stepfather is producer Jerry Bruckheimer – I did say with a touch of Hollywood glam!) founded Strange Invisible Perfumes (named for a line from from Shakespeare’s Anthony & Cleopatra) in 2000 and opened her boutique in 2005.
As I open the door to this cool lab-like looking boutique, I’m not quite sure what to expect… I’m immediately drawn in by the ambiance… this is a space where laboratory and luxury converge… As I’m greeted by gracious store manager Michelle Ray, I sit down on the high, steel-blue stool behind the slick steel counter, and start to smell.
Did I mention that all the perfumes are botanical creations, created without synthetic chemicals? The science of botanical perfumery is the essence of Alexandra Balahoutis’s philosophy and creativity. All perfumes are based in organic grape alcohol and as natural as can be …
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Alexandra Balahoutis, founder and perfumer of Strange Invisible Perfumers. |
Step inside this art deco yet contemporary, intimate salon to work with the perfumer to create your own customized scent. |
Strange Invisible Perfumes bottles
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As I discover each of the 23 botanical perfumes, I immediately sense that these are subtle and intimate perfumes, made to discover as you wear them with time.
I have selected 3 Strange Invisible Perfumes creations for you, the ones that most spoke to me:
Black Rosette by Strange Invisible Perfumes : a sensual rose, black tea and leather creation…Alexandra Balahoutis created this one with the hypnotic delicacies of Eastern Europe where she has lived and traveled extensively.
Black tea and Bulgarian roses are fused with the menacing aroma of leather and the crystalline movement of spearmint.
Notes: African roses, black tea, leather and spearmint
Prima Ballerina, by Strange Invisible Perfumes : a true rose classic that you just love to smell over and over again, a top seller in the signature collection line.
A satiny bouquet of Egyptian and Turkish roses is laced with ribbons of Greek sage and lime. Poised on an enchanting stage of botanical musk, this lithe composition executes tours jetés with the rare, exhilarating grace of a true classic.
Notes: Egyptian and Turkish roses, sage, lime and botanical musks
Magazine Street, by Strange Invisible Perfumes : I’ve chosen to mention this one, because 8% of the retail sales price from every ¼ fl. oz. Bottle supports the Katrina relief work of the Common Ground Collective, a non-profit organization providing immediate aid and long-term support in order to sustainably rebuild devastated communities in New Orleans.
Opulant magnolia holds court under exotic arches of vanilla and patchouli, delighted by the brazen intimations of vetiver and botanical musk.
Notes: magnolia, vanilla, patchouli, vetiver and botanical musk
