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Second Chances

Season 2, Ep. 41
Life choices can be reflected in the narratives we create, But we can change the narrative at any time.


This conversation features Diane Risopoulos, a perfumery apprentice in Rome and a graduate of the 5eme Sens school in Grasse. She also is the author of the blog Pixidis Perfumes. We talk about how literature and perfume connect, focusing on how scents trigger memories and emotions. Diane collaborates with the Aromata Prize, a new perfume competition in Rome that celebrates perfume as an art and explores its ties to literature. We also discuss the philosophical ideas of choices and fate in both stories and fragrances. The speakers share personal stories about their perfume journeys, the challenges of training in perfumery during the COVID pandemic, and how scent enriches storytelling.


Fragrance mentioned:

White Whale - Christian Alori for Masque Milano

Comedia Di Mezza Estate - Edoardo Tacconi for Ateneo dell'Olfatto

Jasmin et Cigarette - Etat Libre d’Orange

La Rose Jacqueminot - Coty

Shalimar - Guerlain

No.5 - Chanel 

Apres l'Ondee (After the Rain Shower) - Guerlain

The Nightingale’s Cup - Cult of Scent 

No. 19 - Chanel 

Infusion d'Iris - Prada


Book mentioned:

Life After Life - Kate Atkinson


Poem mentioned:

Demain dès l'aube (Tomorrow At Dawn) - Victor Hugo 


Find Diane on

Instagram: @pixidisperfumes 

Website: www.pixidisperfumes.com


Find Aromata on

Instagram: @aromata2024

Website: liberostile.org/en/aromata/


Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records

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