Ted Rohn

Raer Scents

Perfumer

©Martin Piekarski

From harvest to vial

Ted exclusively uses natural ingredients in his perfume making
His scents are made with a focus on one core ingredient
He works closely with farmers who grow the materials he works with

Ted Rohn makes bold and modern fragrances using only ethically sourced, natural ingredients in his atelier, Raer Scents. With a background in art direction for renowned houses like Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, Ted brings a deep creative sensibility to his perfumery. "I am driven by a deep passion for craftsmanship, nature and unconventional beauty," he says. Ted collaborates closely with farmers to guarantee expert care from soil to scent. "At Raer Scents, every step of the making process is carried out in-house," he explains. All perfumes are formulated, blended and bottled by hand. Every month, Ted opens the doors of his workshop to share insights about his creative process and create a personal signature scent made entirely with natural ingredients.

Interview

©Martin Piekarski

©Martin Piekarski

How do you source your natural ingredients?: Our orris root is a great example. This ingredient is harvested by hand in the region around Florence. The roots are peeled, sun-dried and sorted before being left to mature for three years in underground cellars. This gradual ageing process creates the soft, powdery scent that orris is known for.
Did you formally study perfumery?: I studied briefly at ISIPCA, but sourcing natural raw materials is not something they teach. Most of my knowledge comes from self-study, curiosity and learning directly from people who grow and harvest the materials I work with.
What are key differences between natural and synthetic fragrances?: Natural fragrances blend with your skin, becoming part of you, while synthetics often stay on the surface. Additionally, every new batch of natural ingredients is slightly unique because every harvest is different, much like the distinctions between wine vintages.
What sparks your creativity when developing new scents?: I often begin creating perfumes by focusing on one main ingredient, such as the angelica root. I reflect on what I know about it and its surroundings, and I look for ways to enhance its notes in unexpected ways. I also find food to be a powerful muse; the taste of a dish often ignites ideas for fragrance blends I want to further explore.

Ted Rohn is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2015 and he started teaching in 2021