Perfume Wardrobe: Cassandra Dittmer on Her "Quintessential L.A." Fragrance and Extra

“I believe it is necessary now greater than ever to proceed our private magnificence routines,” says stylist Cassandra Dittmer of her quarantine perfume behavior. It is no shock that the L.A.-based sustainability professional considers perfume a remaining step of getting dressed, and even much less in order that her private perfume wardrobe consists of an eclectic mixture of African apothecary finds combined with cool-girl staples, like Byredo and Le Labo. Dittmer, who has labored in vogue for years, grew disillusioned with the trade’s immense carbon footprint and lack of understanding of sustainability practices. She vowed that if she have been to remain in vogue, she could be a pressure for change, serving to carry consciousness to bigger manufacturers about their ecological and social affect, in addition to connecting smaller manufacturers on the forefront sustainable applied sciences and practices. Nowadays, she types the likes of Laura Dern and Bebe Rexha, and is thought to be a voice of sustainable vogue. Forward, get to know Cassandra Dittmer and her quintessentially L.A. perfume wardrobe.

How would you describe your perfume type? 

My perfume type has at all times been distinctive. I acquired actually into perfume once I moved to Los Angeles—I vividly bear in mind going to Authentic Scent in Pasadena the place you possibly can create your personal customized fragrances. It was actually cool to have blind odor assessments and see all of their beakers with any scent you possibly can probably think about. I’ve at all times liked one thing that could be a bit masculine meets female. The primary perfume I created I referred to as the “Cassbomb.” It was a citron, amber, musk, and patchouli combo that was refined, but additionally actually attention-grabbing and deep. It was a type of that softly lingers all through the day which I like. I’m additionally very into notes which can be earthy and spicy. Rising up, I used to be at all times very into cologne and robust scents. I undoubtedly wasn’t a floral woman!  

What was the primary perfume you ever purchased and why? 

To be trustworthy, I needed to verify with my mother earlier than answering this query. I might have sworn it was the Coach Summer season Version perfume, however she insists that Restricted Too’s “It Woman” was an excellent earlier first selection. (She additionally mentioned, “After all, you preferred the mens too.”) I vividly keep in mind that I used to be fairly loopy for all the pieces with the coloured “C”s from the Coach line rising up, nonetheless, I’m not shocked that Restricted Too was my very first perfume as a result of I used to be utterly enamored with that retailer. Rising up within the midwest it was an enormous deal to go to the mall and the perfume counter. I undoubtedly took my candy time going by means of all the fragrances on the Von Maur counter. I think about that again within the day I used to be actually into no matter bottle seemed the best versus the precise scent!   

Do you continue to put on perfume even when you do not go away the home?

I completely nonetheless put on a spritz of perfume whereas at residence! It’s in all probability largely recurring at this level, however I believe it is necessary now greater than ever to proceed our private magnificence routines. I believe I’ve consciously worn a bit much less figuring out that I seemingly received’t be leaving the home, however I do nonetheless suppose dressing up and feeling good for your self is crucial factor! 

Your WFH perfume: 

My favourite perfume proper now’s Terra Flora from Wild Olive, an African apothecary. This parfumerie was established by a chemist within the ’70s. I used to be in Cape City final 12 months and, whereas I used to be there, I met one of many girls who works there and acquired a tour of the ability. Their merchandise are 100% pure, created in home, and are impressed by the Floral Kingdom of the Cape of Africa. I used to be utterly fascinated by their complete course of—I’ve by no means seen such artistry and science all rolled into one. They operate as champions of sustainable, revolutionary, and socially accountable entrepreneurship which is all the pieces I stand for as nicely. They respect the custom of the craft whereas additionally implementing new applied sciences. They are saying their merchandise are made with integrity and purity of function. I believe it’s so necessary to grasp completely different markets and merchandise to attempt to perceive sustainability holistically.   

Your cozy sweatsuit perfume: 

Clear Reserve White Fig & Bourbon. This has been a staple perfume for me this final 12 months. I wore this loads once I was working in Seattle so I’ve a comfortable and wet affiliation to this perfume. It makes me consider late nights and early morning drives out and in of the Seattle drizzle. It additionally offers me some main flashbacks to Mount Rainier proper because the fog lifts. This perfume was undoubtedly a girlboss second for me in my life.  

The perfume that brings you consolation: 

I turned obsessive about all Maison Margiela fragrances about seven or eight years in the past. I like REPLICA Seaside Stroll. I began to put on this once I lived in Venice Seaside with a few girlfriends in an previous home a couple of blocks up from the water. I like the carefree reminiscences this perfume brings me again to. It undoubtedly makes me shut my eyes and smile: I’m reminded of lengthy bike rides to Hermosa, summer season live shows on the Pier, and early morning exercises on the sand earlier than the vacationers would are available in for the day. There’s a snug and steady ease that evokes such fond reminiscences with this perfume.  

The perfume you spritz to carry again good reminiscences:

After Seaside Stroll, my subsequent favourite perfume is Le Labo Santal 33. I first found this in candle type and finally made my technique to the fragrance. To me, this perfume is the quinnessential “L.A.” odor. Now it’s nearly too recognizable, however it nonetheless makes me really feel related to town in an enthralling means. I wore it once I lived in L.A. alone for the primary time and began my very own styling firm so it’s my entrepreneur scent for certain. The peak of my obsession with it was across the time I began to vary my complete mindset to favor a extra pure magnificence routine with extra of an ease. Beginning my very own enterprise was the scariest and bravest factor I’ve completed thus far. Santal 33 was my go-to throughout this time and I’ll always remember it. 

The candle you are at present burning proper now and why (embrace what it smells like)

I’m at present burning Byredo Bohemia in my studio as I sort this. In a bizarre means, this candle offers me such wanderlust and is a little bit of an escape. I actually decide up the sandalwood and rosemary on this mix. It additionally has this Opopanax and mossy tones to it that make it an ideal transition from summer season to fall. I can nearly really feel the seasons change once I gentle it. 

What you odor whenever you need to unwind/destress: 

I’ve been lighting a bunch of Northwest Sparks candles these days. I significantly love the oakmoss and amber one. It’s a small Seattle candle model that I discovered final 12 months. They solely use environmentally accountable supplies of their candles they usually have an eco-friendly woven cotton wick and final for a very very long time.  

The scent you may affiliate with this time:  

I’ve a Valentino perfume that acquired despatched to me earlier this 12 months. I had all of my stuff in storage and was planning on shifting to London when the pandemic hit. It’s a bit candy and romantic, however it has utterly grown on me. I really feel prefer it makes me pause a bit extra and evokes a little bit of reflection because it’s such a brand new scent for me. With all the pieces that is occurring on the earth at the moment, I completely do not thoughts that my perfume has a bit extra sugar than earlier than. It has been a heat contact that I did not know I wanted.

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