Perfume Materials Spotlight: Orris, with Daniel Krasofski (In Person)

Let’s smell together! Join perfumer and instructor Daniel Kraosofski to explore, compare, and contrast orris samples--including extractions of various ages, isolated molecules, and synthetics--while evaluating their unique olfactory and chemical characteristics through guided sensory analysis and discussion.

Dive nose-first into the world of orris (iris pallida root), tracing its journey from ancient rituals to the pinnacle of European perfumery. In this immersive two-hour class, you'll evaluate a curated selection of orris materials--aged butters, tinctures, isolated molecules, and rare perfumes--each with its own unique scent character shaped by extraction, the perfumers creativity and years of patient aging.

Explore the full spectrum of orris — from modern materials that bloom with delicate, green floral notes to rare fine fragrances revealing buttery, powdery depth and nuance.

We’ll trace orris’ transformation from humble iris root to one of the most treasured ingredients in fragrance, and smell our way through natural extracts, isolated molecules, and modern synthetics that echo its complex charm. You’ll sharpen your senses through guided smelling exercises, compare materials from different regions and distillation methods, and learn how perfumers build and enhance orris accords in contemporary compositions. We’ll smell fine fragrances that highlight the many facets of orris, with perfumes pulled from the Institute for Art and Olfaction’s library of fine fragrances.

Through discussion, sensory exercises, we’ll juxtapose classic orris with modern interpretations and synthetic analogues, revealing the creative bridge this material has built between old-world luxury and contemporary scent making.

Whether you're an aspiring perfumer, a devoted fragrance enthusiast, or new to the art of scent entirely, you'll walk away with a deeper appreciation for why orris remains the crown jewel in the world of botanical aromatics.

For students looking to expand their olfactory prowess: all levels are welcome.

Along the way, you'll discover:

• What makes orris butter so precious (and expensive)
• How its fragrance develops through long years of aging
• The signature powdery, creamy, and woody facets that distinguish orris from other florals
• The basic chemistry of irones and what they contribute to high-end fragrance
• Fresh vs. aged orris: nuances you can smell, and why the waiting is worth it
• Experience some of the most beautiful and legendary perfumes featuring orris

Materials: Materials are included in the sign-up cost, and provided by the IAO during class.

Safety Note: Some aromatic materials can have side effects when applied to skin. The information and teaching materials presented in our classes are for educational purposes only. These are not intended for commercial use and do not necessarily reflect commercial best practices or industry safety standards. For more information about commercial best practices and safety, consult the relevant authorities in your country of residence.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR, DANIEL KRASOFSKI

At the age of six he discovered his first perfumery, ever since he has enjoyed the use of scent in all aspects of his life. Beginning his professional career in the mid 1990’s with AVEDA, his focus has been the use of plant based scents for wellness and aesthetics. Internationally he has taught ayurveda, aromatherapy, perfumery and wellness to thousands of students. Over the last decade, his pursuit of combining art and wellbeing has resulted in numerous art projects, theatrical collaborations and experimental use of scent. As a presence at the IAO for over 12 years, he has participated in innumerable ways. He currently enjoys a private practice in Los Angeles, manages the IAO Lab while also teaching the future industry leaders at FIDM.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE FOR ART AND OLFACTION

Location: We are located in Los Angeles’ historic Chinatown neighborhood, on a pedestrian street that also hosts galleries, souvenir shops, production companies, design studios, and two very cool parrots. The IAO is wheelchair accessible.

Street Address: 932 Chung King Road Los Angeles CA. 90012 (213) 616-1744 [email protected]

To find us: Chung King Road is a pedestrian-only road that runs parallel to Hill Street, between Hill St and Yale St. See more information here: http://artandolfaction.com/visit

Cancellation Policy

When we host a class or workshop, we often order the materials to be used in the class well in advance, based on how many people have signed up (and padding a bit for safety). We also use class proceeds to pay our teachers. Although we realize that life has a funny way of getting in the way of the best laid plans, as a small non-profit we cannot afford to carry the burden of lost proceeds and materials. With all that said, here’s our refund policy for in person classes!

– Cancellation with refund or credit requests made 1 week or more (7 days) before the scheduled session will be honored with gusto! We’ll miss you, but will 100% refund your spot.

– Refunds or class credits requested less than 7 days before the scheduled session: We will refund you 50% of your class fee. Why? Because we’ve already ordered the materials.

– Refunds or class credits requested less than 72 hours before the class, on the day of the class or after the class has happened will not be granted.

– Cancellations or refund requests must be made by email (hello@artandolfaction).

Note also that event tickets are non-transferable.

Image credits: The Institute for Art and Olfaction | Wikimedia Commons: , via Wikimedia Commons; Naturalis Biodiversity Center, CC0.

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