MEET FISCHERSUND, ICELAND’S EXPERIMENTAL PERFUMERY

Ahead of our Fischersund pop up and special installation, we sat down with Lilja Birgisdottir, co-founder of the Reykjavik-based scent maker

Fischersund is a family-run Icelandic perfumery based in their experimental apothecary in downtown Reykjavik. Inspired by Icelandic nature, their scents are made with wild herbs and oils harvested from its countryside using the most environmentally friendly solutions available. A family business, the team is led by the nose and passions of Jónsi, the front man of acclaimed post-rock band Sigur Rós.

Fischersund will be popping up with a special installation in Edit, 9-20 November, to celebrate the global launch of their new No. 101 fragrance, which is inspired by the backyards of Reykjavik. Here, co-founder Lilja Birgisdottir tells us more about the new scents and the brand’s inspirations, as well as his favourite things about Iceland.

“The moment when we are all in the same headspace, excited about an idea and lose track of time brainstorming about the world we want to create together around a particular scent gives us so much joy”

What interests you most about Pantechnicon?

The store is an incredible curation of Nordic and Japanese design of everything you didn’t know you needed. It’s a store, exhibition space, restaurant and a bar. When you come in you enter a world of an experience where all the senses are nurtured. It’s something truly unique and meets a need in the retail landscape.

What is your greatest source of inspiration?

The people around us are our greatest inspiration. It’s always so much fun and super inspiring to watch what our friends and family create as they obsess over every detail. And, of course, the unpredictable Icelandic weather and nature has a great influence in everything we do.

 How long does it take for you to produce one perfume scent from scratch? And what’s the process?

Creating a scent is an all-consuming process. It takes time, patience and you really have to be humble. We always start with an idea that triggers something in all of us. Then we begin by sourcing oils and materials and figuring out the heart of the scent. After that it’s a game of trying out different things, starting over and trying again until you have something you can build upon. Our latest scent was exceptionally challenging because Jónsi was on tour with Sigur Rós so we couldn't meet as often as we needed. We had to send formulas back and forth amongst family members that met him on tour with testers to try.

What aspect of creating perfume gives you the most joy, and what is the most challenging?

The moment when we are all in the same headspace, excited about an idea and lose track of time brainstorming about the world we want to create together around a particular scent gives us so much joy.

It’s sometimes challenging to make a scent, so it’s an incredible experience to have that first spray, as well as to see how it develops after it has lived on your skin for a couple of hours.

What are your three favourite scents? 

When we were kids our father smoked a pipe so that is a favourite scent for sure. It’s so nostalgic and warm to us. We also love birch-tar as it has such a dark character and brings depth and a story to a perfume. Bergamot is also a favourite because of its ability to elevate all scents with its bright presence.

If you had a friend visiting, you in Iceland for the day where would you take them? What would you do?

We would take them to Hveragerði, a small town 30 min outside of Reykjavík, and we would hike to a hot spring in a thermal river in Reykjadalur where we would take a relaxing dip in the hot springs. Afterward, we would walk around Hveragerði and visit their many greenhouses and go for a pizza and beer at Ölverk brewery.

What’s your favourite restaurant in Iceland?

Hosiló is a hidden gem in downtown Reykjavík. They change their menu each week and only use seasonal products.

Where do you go for your morning coffee? 

We love going to Café Ó-lé which is a small coffee place closed to the Fischersund store in Reykjavík where Tom makes us exceptionally good coffee.

 What are your favourite traditions at Christmas?

At the beginning of December, the supermarkets stock mountains of clementines that they sell in small wooden cases. When you buy the first case, you know that Christmas is here.

The day before Christmas, it’s tradition to meet up with friends and family to eat skate fish that has been fermented and drink Brennivín. That day everything and everyone smells horrible – but in a very Christmasy way!

What’s on your Christmas list this year?

 Some alone time with a glass of red wine and a good book.