It is in the heart of Brussels that we find the exceptional and charismatic duo made up by Barnabé Fillion and Perla Valtierra, whose combined talents make an exquisite project. Perfume maker and a potter, together they make “The Peddler”.
Ex-model and photographer Barnabé Fillion is a man well versed in the world of beauty and aesthetics and a nature enthusiast. His deepest wish is to feel and discover the true essence and meaning that dwells beyond the fashion world’s superficial nature. He began his studies in naturopathy, to later delve into the magical world of fragrances and gradually become an artisan in perfume-making. For Barnabé, fragrances constitute a holistic way of thinking and living: memories, fantasies, illusory realities…
He recently created two perfumes—one for men and one for women—for Paul Smith.
Perla Valtierra is, essentially, a renowned potter whose life takes place between Mexico—her place of origin—and Brussels. As a potter and designer she explores the chemistry between different natural products to discover the countless possibilities they offer an artisan. She experiments with local, natural products to reproduce techniques and reinterpret traditions, thus creating uniquely beautiful objects. Despite her young age (26), Mexican craftswoman Perla Valtierra has already received a number of awards in her homeland. Her work is founded in tradition, grounded in the past, and results in authentic, unique and exceptional products. In 2012 her designs were included in MOMA’s collection, as part of the “Diego Rivera” exhibition. The artist’s future is currently taking her to the other end of the globe—Japan—where she’ll soon be working alongside other artists and designers from around the world to refine her prodigious talent; travel companions in the crossroads of dreams with Barnabé.
These two artists join forces to give birth to an innovative project: “The Peddler” (or street seller) is an olfactory installation that is halfway between costumbrismo and pure art, the perfect fusion of tradition and innovation. Perle designs utensils, decanters and diffusers for the fragrances created by Barnabé. “The challenge is to explore the limits of clay, which, thanks to its absorbency, stores and then releases the most intense gradations, helping the evanescent flow spread through the nuances of one’s heart,” said Perla. Five fragrant universes, a ceremony for the senses, so many stories to tell…
In their project Magnetic Opus, the couple focuses on another aspect of the philosopher’s stone, which is a key symbol in the mystical science of alchemy. Ceramic’s features turn every object into the perfect conductor to diffuse perfume, to invite people to join the process, the ritual and the olfactory experience.
As seen in: Milk Decoration, Photography: Louise Desrosiers , Styling: Julie Boucherat
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