Whatever our inspiration for a new starting point, we have to get a sample of material. Here were our sources and starting points of material for each of our collections:

Scent Surrection Collection (launched 2023): In 2017, synthetic biologists at Ginkgo Bioworks partnered with the Harvard Herbarium to collect small samples of material from 14 preserved flowers believed to be extinct.

Cloud Reverie (launched 2026): In 2021 we flew up into the clouds with petri dishes to collect microbes from the clouds.

Inside all of the samples is biological material in the form of DNA. Through DNA sequencing technology, we can read the "instruction manual" and search for scent molecules it has the genes to produce. This was not possible until the late 2000s which is why it is so exciting to us.

Here is what we found with each of our collections:

Scent Surrection Collection (launched 2023): In total, 2738 genes were reconstructed and screened. Over 40 scent molecules were identified across 6 plants.

Cloud Reverie (launched 2026): Sequencing revealed 13 unique microbes from the clouds with 57 scent molecules.

The data uncovered through sequencing hints at olfactive profiles. These molecules, along with the story of the original sample, are the foundation for our creative brief with the perfumers we collaborate with.

Here is what went into the briefs for each of our collections:

Scent Surrection Collection (launched 2023): Taking our fragrance "Grassland Opera" as an example (based off the extinct Orbexilum stipulatum), we found molecules like: alpha-guaiene, gamma-bisabolene, and delta guaiene which hint at a warm, woody profile.

Cloud Reverie (launched 2026): We found molecules like indole, 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde (aka vanilla!), and diacetyl, which hint at a sweet, floral profile.

Isolating the molecules from our samples provides aromatic direction, but not a full scent. To create a complete fragrance, world-renowned perfumers take their deep expertise in botany and aromachemicals give our insights from nature new life. Here are the perfumers behind each of our fragrances:

• Daniela Andrier: Invisible Woods, Reclaimed Flame, Cloud Revier
• Olivia Jan: Grassland Opera
• Jerome Epinette: Haunted Rose, Solar Canopy, Floating Forest.

We give full creative freedom to the perfumers we collaborate with. The intention of the end result is not about precision or exact replication, but rather an aesthetic interpretation from their lens.

From a scientific perspective, it is important to note that just like you and I, we carry multiple copies of genes, but don't necessarily express them. So as insightful as this process is, there is still a bit of mystery. There is always more to learn about the world around us.