There’s a frustration every perfume lover knows: you fall for a fragrance at first spray, but an hour later, it’s a shadow of itself. That beautiful opening disappears. Renowned designer Raymond Matts saw this as a fundamental flaw in modern perfumery. In response, he developed an innovative approach called the Aura de Parfum. Each Raymond Matts perfume, from the iconic Maytime perfume to every other scent in his collection, is designed for consistency. This ensures the beautiful Raymond perfume you choose in the morning is the same one that carries you through your day.
Scentbird is excited to present Maiaday, one of Raymond Matts Aura de Parfums fragrances as the March Perfume of the Month. His inventive approach to fragrance involves a unique blending technique in which the top and heart notes of a fragrance are brighter, more textured and allow for a more qualitative fragrance experience.
This is how Marian Bendeth, the perfume industry influencer and writer, describes the Aura de Parfum concept:
“As a visionary, Matts built his fragrances from the ground up but not in the typical structures that perfumers use today. The Raymond Matts Collection are scents that are heightened where many of the top notes hold their ground and don’t land with a thumpy base note. He has found a way to infuse a buoyancy and modernity that is sorely lacking on the shelves today. By drawstringing the top notes in an open invisible net, his fragrances retain the fresh qualities without sacrificing other intricate accords that are woven without the typical framework of mainstream scents”.
Maiaday, Scentbird’s featured fragrance from Raymond’s collection, is a fragrant encapsulation of a sunny day in June where linden blossoms fill the air, inspiring a dreamy, hauntingly beautiful scent. Everything feels serene and hopeful.
Wet green notes in the opening are buoyant, exciting and full of life, just like nature after a long winter’s sleep. Citruses join this vibrant assembly of notes adding just the right amount of freshness into the composition.
Maiaday flows into the floral heart of notes with an uncomplicated and harmonious lily-of-the-valley and linden blossom union.
Supporting this beautiful floral bouquet are hints of vanilla, soft woods and saffron. Though never noticeable, these ingredients will allow this fragrance to build to the beautiful tactile depth you will experience.
Maiaday is a promise of a sunny, breezy, intoxicatingly fragrant spring day contained in a perfume bottle.
Discover Maiaday by Raymond Matts with Scentbird
Fragrance Designer, Raymond Matts has a rich history in the fragrance industry.
He was the force behind many groundbreaking scents that involved rare and unique combinations of ingredients, which has garnered success and recognition in the global fragrance market.
Scentbird is a luxury fragrance subscription service that sends you a 30-day supply of a fragrance of your choice for $14.95/month.
You’ll receive a selection of fragrances each month for $14.95, and add other perfumes you want to try to your queue for an upcoming delivery.
For $14.95, Scentbird is your monthly pass to fragrant elegance, chicness and refinement.
To join Scentbird or learn more about this luxurious fragrance service, click here: https://www.scentbird.com
Why Your Scent Is Your Best Accessory
Who is Raymond Matts?
When you’ve been exploring the world of fragrance for a while, you start to recognize the names that have truly shaped the industry. Raymond Matts is one of those names. He’s not just a designer; he’s an innovator and an educator who has spent his career rethinking how perfume is created and experienced. With a rich history working behind the scenes for major brands, he eventually stepped into the spotlight with his own line, The Raymond Matts Collection. This collection introduced a new concept called “Aura de Parfums,” which focuses on creating a brighter, more textured scent experience that feels modern and full of life.
A Veteran of the Fragrance Industry
Raymond Matts is a seasoned expert in the fragrance world, having been the driving force behind many successful and groundbreaking scents. His work has consistently pushed boundaries by combining rare and unique ingredients, earning him recognition across the global market. Instead of following the traditional fragrance pyramid, Matts developed his “Aura de Parfum” style to create a more linear and lasting impression. This technique allows the vibrant top and heart notes to shine for longer, preventing them from being quickly overpowered by a heavy base. The result is a fragrance that feels buoyant and maintains its initial character, offering a consistent and beautiful scent journey from the first spritz to the final dry-down.
An Educator at the Pratt Institute
Beyond creating his own perfumes, Raymond Matts is passionate about sharing his deep knowledge with the next generation of scent professionals. He serves as a lecturer in the Continuing & Professional Studies department at the prestigious Pratt Institute. In this role, he helps students understand the intricate art and science of perfumery. His position as an educator solidifies his status not just as a creator, but as a true master of his craft who is dedicated to preserving the language and techniques of fragrance design. It’s one thing to make a beautiful scent, but it’s another to be able to teach others how to do the same.
Teaching the Language of Perfumery
At Pratt, Matts teaches several specialized courses that give a glimpse into his comprehensive understanding of the field. His classes include “The Technique and Language of Perfumery,” “Advanced Perfumery,” and a “Fragrance Creation Workshop.” These courses show that he covers everything from the foundational vocabulary of scent to the hands-on process of building a fragrance from scratch. By teaching the “language” of perfumery, he equips his students with the tools to not only identify notes but to communicate feelings and ideas through scent, a philosophy that is central to his own work.
The Philosophy of ‘Liquid Emotion’
What makes a fragrance unforgettable? For Raymond Matts, the answer isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the feeling. He designs his fragrances to create what he calls “liquid emotion,” using sensations and experiences as his primary inspiration. This philosophy is a departure from simply listing notes like rose, sandalwood, or bergamot. Instead, he asks what emotion a scent should evoke. Is it the joy of a sunny day? The comfort of a quiet moment? This approach transforms his perfumes from simple accessories into deeply personal expressions that connect with us on an emotional level, telling a story without saying a word.
Creating Feelings, Not Just Scents
The idea of “liquid emotion” is at the core of every fragrance Matts creates. He believes that the true power of a scent lies in its ability to trigger feelings and memories. Rather than starting with a specific raw material, he starts with an emotional concept. For example, his fragrance Maiaday isn’t just a floral perfume; it’s the fragrant encapsulation of a perfect, sunny day in June when everything feels serene and hopeful. By focusing on the experience first, he crafts scents that feel more like a personal memory than a commercial product, making them resonate far more deeply with the wearer.
Moving Beyond Traditional Perfumery
Raymond Matts has openly expressed that he finds many modern perfumes to be creatively stagnant, often relying on the same popular themes and ingredients. He sees a landscape filled with copies of successful formulas rather than genuine innovation. His work is a direct response to this, aiming to break free from the predictable. By prioritizing emotion over market trends, he challenges himself and other perfumers to think differently. He wants to move away from fragrances that are just a showcase of expensive ingredients and instead create scents that share authentic feelings and tell a unique story through smell.
The Value of Scent Consistency
Have you ever loved the opening of a perfume, only to find it smells completely different an hour later? Raymond Matts values consistency in a scent, especially when it’s meant to support the impression a person wants to make. His Aura de Parfum structure is designed to address this. By creating a more linear fragrance experience where the key notes remain present throughout the wear time, the scent stays true to its original character. This ensures that the “liquid emotion” you fell in love with at first spray is the same one that lingers on your skin hours later, providing a reliable and coherent signature scent.
Exploring the Raymond Matts Collection
The Raymond Matts Collection is a testament to his unique vision, bringing the philosophy of “liquid emotion” to life through a series of distinct and evocative fragrances. While we at Scentbird fell in love with the dreamy, floral notes of Maiaday, it’s just one part of a larger, masterfully crafted lineup. Each scent in the collection tells its own story, designed to capture a specific feeling or moment in time. Exploring the full range gives you a deeper appreciation for Matts’ artistry and his ability to translate complex emotions into beautiful, wearable perfumes that feel both modern and timeless.
A Collaboration with Perfumer Christophe Laudamiel
To bring his vision to life, Raymond Matts collaborated with another icon in the fragrance world: perfumer Christophe Laudamiel. Laudamiel is known for his own avant-garde and technically brilliant creations, making him the perfect partner to execute Matts’ innovative concepts. Together, they created the seven distinct perfumes that form The Raymond Matts Collection. This partnership between a visionary designer and a master perfumer resulted in a lineup of scents that are not only emotionally resonant but also impeccably constructed. You can find their full collection listed on fragrance resources like Fragrantica.
More Than Just Maiaday: The Full Collection
While Maiaday captures the essence of a perfect spring day, it’s just the beginning of what the collection has to offer. The full line includes seven unique Aura de Parfums: Jarro, Kaiwe, Maiaday, Pashay, Sunah, Tsiling, and Tulile. Each one is a distinct world of its own, designed to transport you to a different place or feeling. Getting to know the entire collection is like reading a book of short stories, where every chapter offers a new and compelling narrative. It’s a beautiful way to discover which “liquid emotion” speaks to you the most.
Jarro
Jarro is a vibrant and aromatic fragrance that feels like a walk through a lush herb garden after a light rain. It opens with a refreshing burst of mint and basil, grounded by the unique, earthy scent of tomato leaf. As it settles, the woody aroma of vetiver emerges, adding a touch of sophisticated earthiness. This is a green fragrance that is crisp, clean, and full of life, perfect for anyone who loves scents that feel invigorating and natural.
Kaiwe
Kaiwe is an exotic and juicy escape to a tropical paradise. It bursts with the sweet, tangy notes of passionfruit and mango, instantly making you feel like you’re sipping a cocktail on a sun-drenched beach. A delicate touch of hibiscus flower adds a soft, floral layer, while creamy sandalwood provides a smooth and warm base. This fragrance is pure sunshine and happiness, designed for moments when you want to feel carefree and joyful.
Pashay
Pashay is a warm, spicy, and utterly captivating scent that exudes confidence and allure. It features a bold opening of pink pepper and zesty ginger, creating a spark of energy that immediately grabs your attention. At its heart is a classic, elegant rose, which is beautifully balanced by the deep, earthy notes of patchouli. Pashay is a fragrance with a strong personality—it’s both spicy and floral, making it a perfect choice for a night out or any time you want to make a memorable impression.
Sunah
Sunah is a solar floral fragrance that wraps you in a warm, sensual embrace. It’s like the feeling of warm sun on your skin. The scent is built around creamy, tropical florals like frangipani and ylang-ylang, with a hint of sweet coconut that adds to its beachy vibe. A soft, clean musk in the base gives it a comforting and skin-like finish. Sunah is a beautifully radiant and comforting scent that feels both luxurious and relaxed.
Tsiling
For those who like their fragrances with a bit of an edge, Tsiling is an unforgettable experience. This is a bold, spicy, and woody scent that commands attention. It features a daring note of chili pepper that provides a surprising, fiery kick, which is warmed by the sweet spice of cinnamon. A strong backbone of cedarwood and rich amber gives it a deep, resinous, and incredibly long-lasting finish. Tsiling is a powerful and adventurous fragrance that is not for the faint of heart.
Tulile
Tulile is a delicate and ethereal fragrance that captures the serene beauty of a tranquil water garden. It’s a soft, aquatic floral with notes of water lily and the fresh, green scent of cyclamen. Light, airy green leaves enhance its fresh quality, while a gentle musk provides a clean and calming base. Tulile is the scent of peacefulness and clarity—a minimalist and elegant fragrance that feels like a quiet moment of reflection.
A ‘Contemporary New York Brand,’ Not Niche
Interestingly, Raymond Matts doesn’t like his brand to be labeled as “niche.” He feels the term suggests it’s only for a small, exclusive group of people, which goes against his philosophy. Instead, he sees his collection as a “contemporary New York brand.” He wants his fragrances to be appreciated by anyone who genuinely loves perfume, regardless of their level of expertise. This inclusive mindset is all about creating high-quality, emotionally driven scents that are accessible. It’s a mission that we deeply connect with at Scentbird, where we believe everyone deserves the chance to discover fragrances they love with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a Raymond Matts perfume different from other fragrances? Raymond Matts designs his perfumes using a special method he calls “Aura de Parfum.” This approach focuses on creating a consistent scent experience, so the fragrance you apply in the morning smells the same hours later. Instead of having the bright top notes fade away quickly, his technique allows them to last, creating a more linear and reliable scent journey that stays true to its initial character.
What is “liquid emotion” and how does it relate to his perfumes? “Liquid emotion” is Raymond Matts’ core philosophy. He believes a fragrance should be inspired by a feeling or a memory, not just a list of ingredients. Instead of starting with notes like rose or citrus, he begins with an emotional concept, like the hopefulness of a sunny day. This makes his perfumes feel more like personal stories or experiences captured in a bottle, creating a deeper connection with the person wearing them.
What does Maiaday smell like? Maiaday is designed to capture the feeling of a perfect, sunny day in early summer. It opens with fresh, wet green notes and a touch of citrus. The heart of the fragrance is a beautiful and simple floral combination of linden blossom and lily-of-the-valley. Subtle hints of vanilla, soft woods, and saffron support the scent, giving it a gentle depth without overpowering the bright, floral character.
Why doesn’t Raymond Matts consider his brand “niche”? He prefers to call his collection a “contemporary New York brand” because he wants his fragrances to be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates perfume, not just a small group of experts. He feels the term “niche” can sound exclusive. His goal is to create high-quality, emotionally driven scents that are accessible to a broader audience, which aligns perfectly with our mission at Scentbird.
Who is Christophe Laudamiel and what was his role in the collection? Christophe Laudamiel is a renowned and technically brilliant perfumer. Raymond Matts collaborated with him to bring his unique vision for the Raymond Matts Collection to life. As the perfumer, Laudamiel was the expert who physically constructed the seven distinct fragrances, translating Matts’ innovative concepts and emotional inspirations into the beautifully crafted perfumes available today.
Key Takeaways
- Experience Consistent Scent All Day: Raymond Matts developed the “Aura de Parfum” to address the common issue of fragrances changing or fading. His perfumes are crafted for a linear experience, so the scent you love at first spray stays with you throughout the day.
- Connect with “Liquid Emotion”: Matts designs fragrances based on feelings rather than just ingredients. This philosophy means each scent, like the serene and hopeful Maiaday, is crafted to evoke a specific mood or memory, creating a more personal connection.
- Discover Your Signature Feeling: The Raymond Matts Collection offers seven distinct scents, each representing a unique emotional story. From the spicy confidence of Pashay to the tropical joy of Kaiwe, you can find a fragrance that truly expresses your personal narrative.
