Smooth Lines | Boy Smells
by BJ Panda Bear
On a recent trip to the Boy Smells’ HQ in the Pico Union area I was greeted with a world of olfactory whoas. Inside was their Wonka Factory, for the nose, a cascade of complex scents flew by. The scent journey evoked nostalgia and ephemeral sensation that gave me déjà vu for memories I am pretty sure I never had, but have only dreamed of.
Ran by business and life partners Matthew Herman and David Kien, the artisanal crafted candles are just a small part of a lucrative business that includes a popular range of gender neutral underwear produced in milky pastels. With such divine scents minimal packaging made for a chic presentation that will sit well on any table. Here we focus on the Votive Singles selection to fill you in on what scents would best fit which vibe.
Kush
The Scent: The combination of suede, tulip, and white musk accentuate the strong scent of the cannabis. a sweet and pungent hit to the senses
The Vibe: It would be a perfect candle to light up as the joint passes in a socially moving after after party hang, you might not know anyone at the start but you’ll know everyone by the end of the night.
Lanai
The Scent: The tropical scent of lanai is apparent in alluring coconut and orange blossoms base notes that are well adorned by with peppercorn.
The Vibe: This is the scent of a paradise that is off the grid and completely free, maybe a nude beach with endless piña coladas that magically appears when necessary.
Gardener
The Scent: The smells of the pleasant outdoors is apparent in the Gardener’s use of tomato and honey suckle. Upon exhaling the notes of petitgrain and white tea shines.
The Vibe: This is a scent that 35 mm film photos and the sounds of retro indie bands in Sophia Coppola movies are made of.
LES
The Scent: The black currant and peach blossoms shine through for an intoxicating mix, a second whiff of the scent bring for the echos of cardamom and asian pear.
The Vibe: The thought of a lost conversation late at night at an art opening with a few conceptual artist maybe in the LES. There will be talk of visiting their artist commune in upstate.
Boy Smells Votive Singles here
Photos by Paulette Ely