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Modern Atelier’s hand-crafted perfumes inspired by local landmarks

Modern Atelier, Richmond’s most local parfumeur, has a entire line of hand-crafted scents inspired by settings within walking distance.

The closest of her Richmond-wide assortment of scents:

Give Me Liberty – this independent and wearable scent is inspired by Patrick Henry and his famous speech at Saint John’s Church. It clings to the skin, as inalienable as our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness! Amber, tea, vanilla, leather, smoky incense and spices.

Evergreen Cemetery – Before there was Oprah, before there was Martha, there was Maggie. Miss Maggie Lena Walker was the first female bank president in United States History, and her business acumen is legend for helping African-Americans affected by segregation work together to improve their financial situation. She lies at rest in Evergreen Cemetery, her ornate grave nearly surrounded by a tangle of wild vines in the forest. Wrought iron fences are nearly pulled down by the tide of green. A few brave and sturdy volunteers constantly prune and trim back the neglected cemetery, and this wild and woodsy scent is dedicated to them. It is my hope that someday soon this site and the people buried upon it will truly be given the care and respect it needs and deserves.

Robinson Theater – a recently completed restoration has brought new life to this historic entertainment venue. The theater’s cool, art deco stylings inspired a heady, spicy, perfume with vintage allure. Imagine sneaking some rum into a icy bottle of cola, poured from a flask tucked into a lacy garter…on a hot Richmond night…

Union Hill – Peony and heliotrope bushes blossom in front of an Italianate porch. Boston Ferns hang from the railing, soft musk and the scent of sawdust and wood are in the air.

Shockoe Bottom – This begins with a sweet, musky blend of violet sugar, soft vanilla musk, and hints of Chambord. The perfect sweet/sexy scent for a night out on the town or in da club.

Farmer’s Market – early on a Thursday morning in July, you can buy the best tomatoes in the world at the 17th Street Farmers Market. Picked fresh hours before and trucked in from Hanover County, Hanover Tomatoes are famous for their sweet, tangy flesh: it’s said there’s something in the soil that makes them taste so good. But before you taste them, you smell them: bright with weeks of sunshine and surrounded by deep green vines and leaves. Clean herbal notes and the faintest trace of wood and spice make this a perfect warm weather scent.