Applied Chemistry c1992

In 1992, design partners Sandra Higashi and Byron Glaser from King George County created an innovative concept that blended science and scent with their creation of "APpLiEd CHeMiStRY," a playful and artistic perfume kit aimed at igniting human chemistry. 

Inspired by the old-fashioned chemistry sets often associated with childhood, the kit was designed for adults who enjoyed both fun and novelty. The packaging, a sleek square gunmetal-gray box, housed five test tubes filled with distinctive fragrance oils, each a separate, carefully crafted element. The design was both simple and striking, evoking the look of chemical experiments, with the playful use of upper and lowercase letters mimicking chemical equations. The real test tubes, ordered from a chemical supply company, were filled with aromatic liquids, inviting users to mix and match their own personal fragrance blends.

The five distinct fragrances each carried a unique character, ready to be combined or worn solo. X2C delivered a bouquet of white florals, fresh and airy, perfect for those who favored soft, romantic notes. IM4U was an earthy blend of musk with floral undertones, offering a grounded, sensual quality that felt both intimate and comforting. HeHe, with its tropical fruit essence and melon undertones, was light, sweet, and playful—evoking the lushness of warm, sunny days. Y brought an Oriental richness, with the deep, lush fragrance of hyacinth paired with exotic undertones. Lastly, OoAh captured the essence of aquilaria agallocha, a woodsy fragrance with aloe-like qualities, offering an earthy, almost medicinal fragrance that was rich in depth and complexity.

The genius of APpLiEd CHeMiStRY lay in its interactive nature. The kit invited users to not only enjoy the individual fragrances but also to create their own "CoNcOcTiOnS" using the included recipes. These tongue-in-cheek instructions provided playful formulas designed to help users attract love, ward off bad luck, or even mend a broken heart. The idea was not just to wear fragrance but to engage in the chemistry of scent, experimenting with combinations and indulging in a sense of discovery.

Sold in upscale boutiques and museum shops around the world, APpLiEd CHeMiStRY became a collector's item that blended design, fragrance, and a sense of whimsy. The set, priced at $48, was marketed as an indulgence for those who appreciated both the art of fragrance and the playful allure of creating something personal and unique. With its thoughtful design, simple elegance, and flawless manufacturing, it was as much an experience as it was a product—a fun, creative way to explore the world of scent through the lens of science and magic. The concept of mixing and creating one's own fragrance potions with a playful twist was a refreshing departure from the typical fragrance experience, and it captured the spirit of the early '90s, where personal expression and a sense of fun were valued just as much as luxury.

all images from ebay seller stellamae17