Aedes de Venustas

Exceptional fragrances, a philosophy of artistry and luxury in perfumery: this is what the exclusive boutique in New York's West Village stands for. The name Aedes de Venustas is a true institution for perfume lovers worldwide and translates roughly as "temple of beauty." From the very beginning, the perfumes were designed to transcend the boundaries of traditional perfumery and are characterized by complex, opulent compositions. Each perfume is unique, combining both time-honored ingredients with modern, innovative touches. What makes Aedes de Venustas so special is not only the quality of the perfumes, but also the expertise and vision of the founders, who, together with internationally renowned perfumers, combine masterfully selected raw materials and rare ingredients.

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The most popular products from Aedes de Venustas

Aedes de Venustas has earned a reputation for its outstanding quality and unique products. This brand's fragrances appeal to connoisseurs seeking something special and ready to immerse themselves in extraordinary olfactory experiences.

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Founder and History

Aedes de Venustas is a name instantly familiar to perfume lovers around the world. The brand was founded by Robert Gerstner and Karl Bradl in their small, exclusive perfume boutique in New York's West Village. From the very beginning, the original location on Christopher Street was the perfect place to share their passion for fragrance with a hand-picked clientele. But with the move to Orchard Street in the East Village, a new chapter in the history of Aedes de Venustas began. This change was not only geographical but also an invitation to a new creative era. The move to Orchard Street marked a significant moment for Gerstner and Bradl, accompanied by a complete redesign of their fragrance line.

  • A symbol of individuality and beauty

    Inspired by the new location and the symbolism of the peacock, which serves as a decoration and symbol of the brand in both the first and the new boutique, an iconic bottle was developed for the fragrances. The bottle shines in a sophisticated peacock blue design with a matte black cap and the brand's insignia, reflecting the refined character of the creations. This new look is not only a visual masterpiece but also a tribute to the brand's roots, which have always focused on individuality and beauty. The bottle is intended not only to honor the contents of the bottle but also to express the philosophy of Aedes de Venustas.

    In addition to the new design, the brand also presented the reissue of its legendary perfumes in new bottles: Signature, Iris Nazarena, Copal Azur, Palissandre d'Or, Cierge de Lune, Grenadille d'Afriques, and Pelargonium. These fragrances embody the brand's philosophy: the use of high-quality ingredients and the symbiosis of modern, rare botanicals and traditional incense. The focus is on a sensuality that is both baroque and minimalist, making Aedes de Venustas an icon of modern perfumery.

  • Creative masterpieces: Collaboration with perfumers and awards

    Through close collaboration with renowned perfumers such as Bertrand Duchaufour, Alberto Morillas, Fabrice Pellegrin, Ralf Schweiger, and Nathalie Feisthauer, Gerstner and Bradl have continually presented the perfume world with new, exciting creations. The brand has never been afraid to experiment with innovative and unusual accords, which has earned it numerous awards and international recognition. Particularly noteworthy are the 2014 Fragrance Foundation Award for Iris Nazarena in the "Perfume Extraordinaire of the Year" category and the 2017 FIFI Fragrance Award for Pelargonium in the "Unique Niche" category. But the path to success was never easy for Gerstner and Bradl. Their vision was always clear: perfumes should be works of art that reflect the wearer's personality and merge with them. "Never before have people expressed such individuality in their appearance and lifestyle," explains Gerstner. This philosophy is evident in every single perfume from Aedes de Venustas.

Perfume art by Aedes de Venustas

Each Aedes de Venustas fragrance is unique, created with the aim of enchanting the senses and transporting the wearer to another world. The compositions are complex and multi-layered, often with unexpected twists and surprising elements. They deliberately eschew the classic fragrance pyramid and instead rely on a rounded, harmonious structure that unfolds organically, continually revealing new facets. A central element in many of these fragrances is the use of resins and woods, which create a warm, mystical atmosphere. Frankincense, sandalwood, patchouli, and vetiver are just a few of the ingredients that appear repeatedly and give the perfumes their depth and complexity. Floral notes such as rose, iris, and jasmine also find their place, bringing a subtle elegance to the compositions.

  • The artistry of perfumers

    Collaborations with renowned perfumers such as Bertrand Duchaufour, Alberto Morillas, Fabrice Pellegrin, and Luca Maffei have helped Aedes de Venustas become one of the world's most respected niche brands. Each of these "noses" brings their own signature and vision to the creations, resulting in an impressive variety of fragrances that nevertheless always bear the brand's signature DNA.

    An outstanding example of Aedes de Venustas' artistry is Corfu Kumquat . This fragrance transports the wearer to the Greek island of Corfu, where the small, bitter kumquats thrive. The composition combines the zesty freshness of Calabrian bergamot, tangerine, and mandarin with the salty note of ambrox and mystical olibanum. Heart notes of ginger, lavender, Granny Smith apple, and rhubarb give the fragrance a fruity depth, while base notes of Alaskan cedar, Haitian vetiver, captive musk, and tonka bean add an earthy warmth. Perfumer Ilias Ermenidis describes the fragrance as "a unique and joyful emotion" that captures the essence of the island.

  • An olfactory masterpiece

    Another masterpiece is Grenadille d'Afrique , which reflects the majestic presence of African blackwood (grenadilla). The composition opens with sparkling bergamot and a hint of lavender, followed by heart notes of juniper and violet. Base notes of vetiver, labdanum, vanilla, white tea, and musk give the fragrance an earthy depth. Perfumer Alberto Morillas describes the fragrance as "fossilized wood rubbed with a vanilla accord," a highly contrasted composition that captures the dark soul of African blackwood.

Sueño Latino: A fruity-leathery dream image

Sueño Latino is a fragrance that transports the senses to a world full of exotic fantasies. It captures the essence of tropical rainforests and the vibrant urban lifestyle, blending these two seemingly opposing worlds into a harmonious olfactory masterpiece. It is a dream rooted in the depths of the tropics, yet simultaneously imbued with the elegance of urban culture.

  • The fragrance journey begins with a lively freshness

    Brazilian red pepper and Peruvian pink pepper—extracted to their full aromatic depth using innovative Firgood® technology—open the fragrance with a sparkling, citrusy intensity. These initial impressions awaken the senses and blend seamlessly with the spicy, herbal notes of davana leaves, whose astringency reflects the soul of tropical nature. The freshness of bergamot peel gently leads into the heart of the perfume, which is sustained by the fruity sweetness of pink mango and the creamy smoothness of fig.

    Sueño Latino is an artistic reinterpretation of tropical essences, taking on a new dimension in the combination of fruity and spicy notes with precious woods. The heart of the fragrance is supported by Mysore sandalwood and suede musk, whose moist, earthy facets evoke the mystical rainforest. This gentle touch of suede emphasizes the refined, soft texture of the fragrance and provides a subtle elegance that settles on the skin like a delicate veil.

  • Tropical sensuality and urban elegance

    The fragrance culminates in a deep, sensual base of Paraguayan guaiac wood, the finest olibanum resin, amber, and patchouli. A powerful combination that gives the perfume both depth and a smoky accent. This base accord is what gives Sueño Latino its lasting power and complexity. It's the touch of luxury that makes this fragrance an unforgettable experience.

    The perfume is a representation of a dream image brought to life by the sensuality of nature and the energy of its inhabitants. This fragrance is a tribute to the exotic tropics and their vibrant culture, an unforgettable journey into the warmth of humid nights, where the heat of the skin blends with the scent of the air. A perfume that carries the essence of passion, warmth, and elegance in its opulent yet unobtrusive aura.

    It is a fragrance that reflects both the rugged beauty of the rainforest and the delicate sophistication of urban architecture. Inspired by the tropical rainforests and the vibrant pink walls of Mexican architect Luis Barragán, Sueño Latino captures the magic of these two worlds in a unique olfactory vision. It is the perfect blend of nature and culture that transports the wearer to a state between dream and awakening—an olfactory fantasy that can be relived with each use.

The signature scent of Aedes de Venustas

Signature is the fragrance that fully reflects the olfactory universe of Aedes de Venustas, laying the distinctive foundation of cult perfumery. The fragrance symbolizes the essence of Aedes de Venustas: a world of luxury, quality, and a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. With this fragrance, founders Robert Gerstner and Karl Bradl pay homage to the art of perfumery in all its facets, setting a new standard for exceptional fragrances.

  • An extraordinary symphony of fresh and deep nuances

    The fragrance itself deliberately breaks with the traditional structures of conventional perfumes. It is not a classic eau de parfum that adheres to a clear fragrance pyramid. Instead, Signature captivates with a lush yet futuristic structure composed of overlapping ingredients that unfolds anew with each use. It is a fragrance that combines both the complexity of nature and the sophistication of modern perfumery, creating a completely new olfactory experience.

    The renowned French perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour, who was responsible for its creation, describes Signature as a "play of mutually supporting elements." He compares the creative process to that of an architect who combines disparate materials to create a fascinating structure. And it is precisely this interplay of fresh and deep nuances that makes the fragrance so unique. The initial accords open with a fleeting, green rhubarb note, which intensifies over time and merges with the resinous, mystical scent of incense. The chypre accord fades into the background, making room for the subtle yet present aromas of the other ingredients.

  • A sophisticated blend of nature and luxurious design

    In addition to rhubarb and frankincense, other intriguing notes play a role: tomato leaf, red currant, and honeysuckle lend the fragrance a green, fresh component, supported by vetiver and hazelnut with an earthy, woody depth. Each individual note is carefully selected to create a balanced yet exciting fragrance composition. Of particular note is the vetiver, which for Signature was sustainably sourced in Madagascar—a perfect example of Duchaufour's commitment to fair trade and ecological responsibility in the selection of fragrance ingredients.

    The new Signature bottle reflects this exclusivity. With its peacock blue accents, fluted bottle, and matte black cap adorned with the brand's insignia, the bottle radiates a refined design and perfectly rounds off the luxurious experience of the perfume. The refinement of the bottle is in perfect harmony with the unique fragrance composition, elevating Signature to a true masterpiece of perfumery.

Café Tabac: A hedonistic perfume for moments without words

Café Tabac is the essence of a lavish celebration that never seems to end, a night full of life where time stands still. The fragrance evokes boisterous dinners that continue into the early hours to the rhythm of merengue. It is the fusion of floral scent and smoke that thicken in the air and linger in a spicy, sensual mist. Café Tabac is the perfect olfactory expression of a magical moment.

  • The atmosphere of a legendary era

    The name Café Tabac is inextricably linked to the memories of Aedes de Venustas founders Robert Gerstner and Karl Bradl of the legendary East Village bar they frequented so often in the 1990s. It was the place where glamour and authenticity met, a retreat for the true stars of the era. Here, they experienced moments full of life, away from cameras and paparazzi. An atmosphere that significantly inspired the fragrance. Bertrand Duchaufour, the perfumer behind Café Tabac, describes the spirit of this place as "the deep blue cloud of smoke from cigarettes, cigars, weed... or whatever. In it, you float away to other paradises: laughter, longing, pure pleasure."

    The creation of Café Tabac is a tribute to all these moments. The fragrance begins fruitily with zesty bergamot, surprisingly accompanied by exotic notes of apple and tamarind. But the true character of Café Tabac unfolds over time, transporting the wearer to a world of tobacco in all its facets: dried tobacco leaves, tobacco blossoms that exude a warm, humid aura, and the familiar scent of a freshly lit cigar. These powerful notes are supported by herbal elements such as clary sage, davana, and mugwort, which infuse the fragrance with an unexpected freshness.

  • Balance between sweetness, smokiness and resinous complexity

    The fragrance evolves, taking on a fruity, almost sweet dimension through the combination of mango, dried fig, and date. Yet it is the expressive smokiness of tobacco absolute, blended with juniper and cedarwood, that forms the heart of Café Tabac. This combination conveys a depth and character that is both earthy and seductive. The heart notes contain rich, resinous elements such as rockrose, labdanum, amber, oakmoss, vanilla, and cocoa, giving the fragrance a complex and luxurious texture. Hints of roasted sugar, clove, and cardamom round out the composition and prevent the fragrance from becoming too heavy. Instead, Café Tabac takes on an elegant, multi-layered lightness that defines the character of a modern classic.

    The perfume's concentration is 20 percent, giving it the intensity and longevity expected from haute perfumery. The fragrance must mature for months to achieve the perfect balance between the different notes—a slow process that underscores the artistry and sophistication of Aedes de Venustas.

Amnesia Rose: A floral-spicy fragrance that seduces the senses

The floral-spicy fragrance unfolds like an elaborate bouquet, drawing the wearer into a world of luxury, mystery, and sensuality. With its distinctive blend of saffron, patchouli, and captivating petals, gliding like the breath of a fine red wine over the freshness of a rose field, Amnesia Rose leaves an unforgettable impression. The scent is reminiscent of a languid late summer evening, as dusk falls and the air is filled with the scent of blossoms and spices.

  • Inspired by the elegance of a boudoir and the beauty of nature

    The inspiration for Amnesia Rose came from the captivating still-life aesthetic of Aedes Perfumery on New York's Lower East Side. The opulent boutique, known for its magnificent floral arrangements, majestic vases, and dramatically draped velvet and silk panels, served as the perfect backdrop for this unique fragrance. The scent of incense, the magnificent beauty of ostrich feathers, and the atmosphere of a bygone boudoir are reflected in the elegant composition of this perfume.

    The main ingredient for Amnesia Rose comes from a unique rose variety from Ecuador, now cultivated in France. This rose, captivating with its vintage look and breathtakingly captivating fragrance, is the origin and soul of the perfume. Neither dark red nor pale pink, it shimmers in a rare pastel red that almost appears gray. Its petals are full and round, like a thick teacup, and it is filled to the brim with nuances of spices and precious woods.

  • Mysterious fragrance composition of rose essence and exotic notes

    Italian perfumer Luca Maffei, known for his ability to create emotional and mysterious fragrances, combined this special rose with a sophisticated blend of earthy and woody notes. He relies on the contrasting effects of ingredients that together create a composition that unfolds its appeal on every skin. Thus, the rose essences, both Moroccan Rose Absolute and Bulgarian Rose Essence, are combined with the slightly smoky notes of cypress grass and the Bushman's Candle succulent. The latter grows in the arid regions of Namibia and lends the fragrance a mysterious depth and complexity.

    The fragrance gains further intensity from saffron, which brings the perfume to life with its warm, spicy note, and a dash of pink pepper, which adds the necessary freshness and vibrancy. But it's the base notes that give Amnesia Rose its impressive radiance: labdanum, patchouli, and oud – earthy, profound aromas that give the perfume a lasting impact and a sophisticated elegance.

Aedes Perfumery: The Mecca for Perfume Lovers in New York City

In 1995, Robert Gerstner and Karl Bradl opened their enchanting perfume boutique in the West Village, which quickly became an insider tip for creatives, trendsetters, and celebrities. Located in the middle of a tree-lined neighborhood, the small shop attracted not only perfume enthusiasts but also fashion designers, models, and celebrities seeking exclusive, rare, and unusual fragrances. Aedes Perfumery became a meeting place for those who appreciated the special and the unusual.

  • The concept of Aedes Perfumery was unique from the beginning:

    It wasn't just about the scent, but about the entire experience. The boutique offered a carefully selected range of fragrances from renowned master perfumers from around the world, as well as innovative cosmetics and surprisingly beautiful products such as scented candles, sprays, and incense sticks. But it wasn't just the selection that enchanted customers – it was also the exceptional service. The gift boxes, decorated with lush floral arrangements, became a popular and sought-after gift. Customers could rely on highly competent advice, ensuring that every visit was an unforgettable experience.

    After 23 years in the West Village, Aedes Perfumery relocated to the Lower East Side in 2018, a dynamic neighborhood brimming with creative energy. The new location on Orchard Street reflects the area's vibe. Here, Aedes Perfumery continues to offer a treasure trove of exceptional fragrances and beauty products, presented in a stylish, contemporary setting. The new boutique is as much a place of discovery as its old location, but with an even deeper connection to New York's vibrant urban currents. Gerstner and Bradl offer their customers a unique experience that is of the highest quality both in the physical store and in the digital space.

    With the relaunch of their own perfume line, Aedes de Venustas, Gerstner and Bradl have led the brand into a new era and further expanded its influence on the perfume world. Their passion for exceptional fragrances and the artistry behind them has continued in the new boutique and online. Aedes Perfumery remains synonymous with exclusivity, creativity, and the highest level of service.