Perfumer Gerald Dubose
Sniffapalooza Magazine Interview
Gerald Knight DuBose is a gifted visionary on a mission to change how the world perceives beauty. A writer, athlete, performer entrepreneur and now budding fragrance artist, he has always seen the world differently than most. A Washington DC native, Gerald's childhood was dedicated to creativity. He began writing poetry at six-years old , developing a genuine passion for overlooked beauty. He began his love affair with scents and fragrances shortly thereafter, becoming captivated by his father’s collection.
Gerald understands that “nothing gold can stay” in much the same manner that Robert Frost did. He seeks to find perfection in an imperfect world, realizing that the imperfections of a creation or scene are where the true beauty lies.
“Beauty is what we perceive it to be as is everything else in our lives. We learn to live and love through the teachings of our family and friends, only when we study and take the time to really look upon life as well as the world around us, do we truly begin to perceive life as it should be: An individual quest to make our mark on one another and paint the canvass as bold, subtle or sublime as we like. It is then, and only then, that we are truly living.”
Night Fall by Steven Miller
Speaking at Sniffapalooza Spring Fling
Meet Gerald Dubose at the Sniffapalooza Fall Ball where he is a guest speaker.
Gerald, how did you come to get involved in the fragrance business and what led you to be a perfumer?
In fall 2007 I went into a department store to do my seasonal fragrance buying and noticed that everything new really smelled like something I already had. I decided if I really wanted to find something unique and different that I would probably have to create it. So I began studying the compositions of the fragrances I loved and reading everything I could about the creation process and here I am today, A fragrance artist, which is my term of choice because I am not professionally trained.
Tell us about your fragrances…how many do you have?
I have four fragrances currently: Knight Fall, Knight Fall Maiden, Poetry and Abstraction
Knight Fall and Knight Fall Maiden are two sides to the same coin, the male and female perspective of the same story. The story of new love beginning right as the sun is setting and the night is just beginning to fall.
Poetry is my dedication to my first love- the art of poetry. This fragrance was meant be able to create a snapshot of time on the poetry circuit. It is painting with fragrance like poets paint with words.
Abstraction is a play on the different hues of green that surround us in life. Different shades and patterns weaved together to create a unique harmonious effect.
What led you to create your very first fragrance, where did the inspiration come from?
The inspiration for Knight Fall was romance and the Medieval Times two things that I have always been drawn to. So I wanted to create something that was current but with an old world feel. Throughout the process my focus was to try and stay true to both facets, I thought nothing is more beautiful than watching the sunset and the night fall, by the same token nothing is more exciting than new love. So the name of the fragrance is a bit of a play on words.
What was your favorite fragrance growing up?
Grey Flannel by Geoffrey Beene
What is the most amazing fragrance or thing you have ever smelled?
In fragrance Carnal Flower from Malle I feel is a true masterpiece and in nature I love the smell of rain
You are also a poet. Please tell us about that; you are a poet and a perfumer! Were you always so artistic?
Poetry is my first love. I fell in love with poetry at the age of six after I heard the poem “Nothing gold can stay” by Robert Frost and began writing immediately afterwards. I have been smitten ever since. My parents and family have always encouraged me to use my creative talents. Which is why I bring the poetry into this medium as well each fragrance comes with its own poem because it is such an integral part of me as an individual.
Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you or
your fragrances that we have not discussed?
There is a fifth fragrance on the way entitled Black Knight which I will be giving a little sneak sniff at the upcoming Sniffapalooza in October.
I want to thank you Raphaella for giving me this opportunity and for all the support that you give to myself and all the other perfumers out there. Much love to you and your magazine. xoxo
RB: You are so very welcome Gerald!
Please check out Geralds website at www.gknight.net
Where are your fragrances and samples available at?
Art with Flowers in Tyson’s Corner, Va
Suendaft in Germany
