Pret-A-Porter by The Perfumer's Workshop c1978

The Perfumer's Workshop was established in 1973 by Donald and Gun Bauchner, marking the inception of a company that would become known for its innovative approach to the fragrance industry. The Bauchners, driven by a vision to revolutionize how perfumes were conceived and marketed, began their venture with a groundbreaking concept that would soon make waves in the world of perfumery.

The company's journey began with a unique collaboration with Bloomingdale’s in New York City, a retail giant known for its upscale and trendsetting approach. This partnership provided The Perfumer's Workshop with a prestigious platform to launch its pioneering ideas. The innovative concept introduced by the Bauchners was centered around creating fragrances that were not only high-quality but also offered a fresh perspective on how perfumes could be presented and experienced. Their approach emphasized creativity and artistry, setting a new standard in the industry and capturing the attention of both consumers and critics alike.

The Perfumer's Workshop quickly gained recognition for its bold and imaginative approach, distinguishing itself from traditional perfume houses. The Bauchners' vision and commitment to innovation laid the foundation for a legacy of excellence in fragrance creation, making The Perfumer's Workshop a notable name in the world of perfumery.

The concept behind The Perfumer's Workshop's "workshop" was truly revolutionary, offering a unique approach to fragrance that allowed for unprecedented customization. Instead of confining customers to pre-blended perfumes, the workshop featured a collection of 23 single note fragrances. This innovative idea gave individuals the freedom to either wear these pure single notes on their own or experiment by layering different scents to create a custom fragrance tailored to their personal preference. The concept was both simple and sophisticated, making it accessible and appealing to a wide range of perfume enthusiasts.

The primary collection born from this idea was called Parfum Prêt-à-Porter, which was launched in 1978. This collection embodied the core concept of The Perfumer's Workshop, offering a range of fragrances in both eau de toilette spray and parfum concentrations. The availability of these fragrances in two different strengths allowed customers to choose the intensity of their scent, whether they preferred a lighter, everyday wear or a more concentrated and long-lasting option.

The Parfum Prêt-à-Porter collection was well-received for its elegant and practical approach to fragrance. It allowed individuals to explore the art of scent layering and customization in a way that was both stylish and convenient. The collection enjoyed popularity and remained a significant part of The Perfumer's Workshop's offerings into the mid-1980s, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation and its impact on the fragrance industry during that era.

Fragrances in the Pret-A-Porter line:

• Amaryllis
• Amber
• Azalea 
• Camelia
• Carnation
• Freesia
• French Lily
• Gardenia
• Honeysuckle
• Hyacinth
• Jasmin
• Jonquil
• Lilas
• Lotus
• Magnolia 
• Mimosa
• Muguet
• Oriental Musk
• Rose de Mai
• Sandalwood
• Tiger Lily
• Tuberose
• Violette
• White Jasmine

Scent Profiles:

Amaryllis: As you encounter the scent of amaryllis, you are greeted by its rich, velvety floral aroma, which carries an undertone of earthy sweetness. The fragrance is both luxurious and striking, with a depth that evokes the warmth of a blooming amaryllis flower, capturing its bold and vibrant essence. There’s a slight spiciness that mingles with the floral notes, creating an overall scent that is both sophisticated and invigorating.

Amber: Inhaling the aroma of amber transports you to a place of deep, resinous warmth. The scent is rich and enveloping, with an unmistakable golden sweetness that hints at vanilla and honey. This warm, sensual fragrance has a smooth, almost creamy quality, reminiscent of ancient, sunlit forests and the comforting embrace of a well-worn leather chair.

Azalea: The fragrance of azalea is light, fresh, and airy, with a delicate, floral sweetness that feels like a breath of spring air. The scent captures the gentle, refined beauty of azalea blooms, offering a clean and subtle floral profile that is both invigorating and calming. There is a hint of green freshness that adds a touch of elegance to the fragrance.

Camelia: When you smell camelia, you’re enveloped in a soft, sophisticated floral bouquet. The fragrance is subtle yet profound, with a creamy, velvety texture that exudes elegance. There’s a nuanced sweetness to the camelia, accompanied by a hint of green leafiness, which together create a scent that is both refined and serene.

Carnation: The carnation’s scent is spicy and sweet, with a rich, warm floral character that’s both bold and intricate. You’ll notice a spicy, clove-like quality that adds a touch of exoticism, balanced by a creamy, slightly powdery sweetness. This combination makes for a fragrance that is both alluring and comforting, evoking the opulence of a blooming carnation.

Freesia: Freesia presents a bright, cheerful floral scent with a crisp, clean quality. The fragrance is airy and fresh, with a light, slightly citrusy edge that adds a burst of vitality. The freesia’s sweet, subtly spicy notes mingle with a hint of green, creating an uplifting and invigorating aroma that feels both vibrant and pure.

French Lily: The scent of French lily is luxurious and elegant, with a refined floral character that’s both delicate and sophisticated. You’ll detect a smooth, creamy aroma that’s complemented by a subtle green freshness. The fragrance evokes the image of blooming lilies in a serene garden, exuding a sense of calm and grace.

Gardenia: As you inhale the scent of gardenia, you’re greeted by its lush, creamy floral aroma, which carries a rich, almost buttery quality. The fragrance is deeply sensual, with a hint of sweetness that enhances its opulent floral character. There’s a subtle, green undertone that adds freshness, making the gardenia scent both elegant and inviting.

Honeysuckle: Honeysuckle’s fragrance is sweet and intoxicating, with a bright, honeyed floral aroma that is both warm and inviting. The scent captures the essence of blooming honeysuckle flowers, offering a rich, sugary sweetness that is balanced by a hint of green freshness. It’s a scent that feels like a sunny, summer afternoon, full of natural beauty and warmth.

Hyacinth: The hyacinth offers a bold, fresh floral scent that’s both vibrant and slightly green. The fragrance has a powerful, almost heady quality, with a sweet, rich aroma that’s reminiscent of a garden in full bloom. There’s a subtle earthiness that grounds the hyacinth’s floral intensity, creating a scent that is both invigorating and sophisticated.

Jasmin: Jasmin’s fragrance is luxuriously rich and intoxicating, with a deep, floral sweetness that feels both warm and sensual. The aroma is opulent and full-bodied, with a creamy, slightly spicy undertone that enhances its floral depth. This scent captures the essence of jasmine blossoms, offering a fragrance that is both captivating and indulgent.

Jonquil: Jonquil presents a fresh, green floral scent with a touch of sweetness. The fragrance is bright and uplifting, with a crisp, slightly herbal quality that evokes the image of jonquil flowers in the early spring. There’s a subtle, powdery undertone that adds a layer of softness, making the jonquil scent both lively and gentle.

Lilas: The lilas, or lilac, offers a sweet, powdery floral fragrance that’s both nostalgic and elegant. The scent is soft and enveloping, with a rich, creamy quality that brings to mind a blooming lilac bush. There’s a hint of green freshness that adds a touch of vitality, creating a fragrance that feels both classic and comforting.

Lotus: The fragrance of lotus is serene and exotic, with a delicate, aquatic floral quality that evokes the image of serene ponds and tranquil waters. The scent is soft and ethereal, with a hint of sweetness that adds depth to its floral character. It’s a fragrance that feels both calming and uplifting, capturing the essence of a lotus flower in full bloom.

Magnolia: Magnolia offers a rich, creamy floral scent with a sophisticated, slightly fruity edge. The fragrance is lush and opulent, with a velvety texture that highlights the magnolia’s elegant character. There’s a hint of citrus and green freshness that adds balance, creating a fragrance that is both luxurious and refreshing.

Mimosa: The mimosa’s fragrance is light, sweet, and airy, with a delicate floral aroma that feels both cheerful and soothing. There’s a hint of powderiness that enhances the mimosa’s gentle character, creating a scent that is both uplifting and comforting. The fragrance captures the essence of mimosa blooms, offering a bright and elegant aroma.

Muguet: Muguet, or lily of the valley, presents a fresh, green floral scent with a crisp, dewy quality. The fragrance is clean and bright, with a delicate sweetness that captures the essence of blooming lily of the valley flowers. It’s a scent that feels both revitalizing and pure, evoking the freshness of spring.

Oriental Musk: The scent of oriental musk is deep, warm, and sensual, with a rich, earthy aroma that’s both exotic and comforting. The fragrance carries a hint of sweetness and spice, creating a complex and enveloping scent that lingers with a luxurious, musky depth. It’s a fragrance that evokes warmth and mystery, making it both alluring and sophisticated.

Rose de Mai: Rose de Mai offers a lush, floral fragrance with a rich, romantic quality. The scent is opulent and full-bodied, capturing the essence of the rare and highly prized May rose. There’s a deep, rosy sweetness that’s balanced by a hint of green freshness, creating a fragrance that is both elegant and enduring.

Sandalwood: Sandalwood presents a warm, creamy, and woody aroma with a rich, deep scent that is both grounding and soothing. The fragrance has a smooth, slightly sweet quality that is both calming and comforting. It’s a scent that evokes the tranquility of sandalwood forests, offering a luxurious and enduring olfactory experience.

Tiger Lily: The scent of tiger lily is bold and exotic, with a rich, spicy floral aroma that’s both vibrant and intense. There’s a hint of sweetness and a subtle earthiness that enhances the tiger lily’s striking floral character. The fragrance is both powerful and captivating, evoking the dramatic beauty of tiger lilies in full bloom.

Tuberose: Tuberose offers a deeply rich, opulent floral scent with a heady sweetness that’s both seductive and intoxicating. The fragrance is creamy and lush, with a hint of spicy warmth that adds depth to its floral character. It’s a scent that captures the luxuriant essence of tuberose blossoms, making it both indulgent and memorable.

Violette: The fragrance of violette, or violet, is sweet and powdery, with a delicate floral aroma that feels both nostalgic and refined. There’s a soft, green freshness that adds a touch of elegance to the violet’s sweet, subtle scent. It’s a fragrance that evokes the delicate beauty of violet flowers, creating a gentle and graceful aroma.

White Jasmine: White jasmine presents a rich, exotic floral scent with a deep, sensual quality. The fragrance is creamy and lush, with an intense, sweet aroma that captures the essence of blooming jasmine flowers. There’s a hint of green freshness that balances the richness, creating a fragrance that is both captivating and sophisticated.