A Lithuanian perfumery hosted an immersive event transporting guests to three distinct cities – Berlin, Los Angeles, and Istanbul – through scent. The event, organized by Kristina Strolienė, founder of “Krispo” niche perfumery, showcased the function of fragrance creator Nick Steward and highlighted the growing trend of experiential retail.
Steward, presenting his creations, emphasized that fragrance is more than just an accessory. “Travel can be done in many ways – by car, train or plane, but fragrance allows you to travel instantly,” he said. “Scent is like an architect of memory, able to return us to travel memories.”
His brand, “Gallivant,” was born from a desire to capture the energy of cities through the eyes of a local, someone who lives, observes, and feels the spirit of a place. “I don’t create copies of cities – I create their characters,” Steward explained. “Berlin to me is not buildings, but the scent of modern intellectual bohemia, creative mess, or even anarchy. Los Angeles – not palm trees, but neon lights and constant dynamics. Hollywood fantasy and reality at the same time, glamour and emptiness… And Istanbul – is a feeling, nostalgia, romance, slowed time and the most beautiful memories… A dialogue of two worlds, where the past and present breathe in unison.”
The fragrances themselves aim to embody these cityscapes. “Berlin” is described as a scent encompassing freedom, creative chaos, and the imperfections of the city. “Los Angeles” offers a light, warm, and bright aroma evoking the freedom and creativity of the West Coast. “Istanbul” is a rich, exotic blend of spices and warmth, representing the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.
Strolienė, whose company Krispo specializes in niche perfumery, echoed Steward’s sentiments, stating, “Scents accompany me everywhere and always – they are my travel diary.” She noted that both fragrances and travel have always been integral parts of her personal and professional life.
“I like to observe what different countries smell like – restaurants, museums, even the atmosphere of the streets has its own aroma,” Strolienė said. “Since many of my trips are not only personal but also business-related (meetings with partners, exhibitions, searching for new brands), I return from each one with at least a few new fragrances. I am interested in exploring how different cultural scent aesthetics are created.”
Strolienė added that Steward’s philosophy resonated deeply with her. “These aromas seem to preserve the atmosphere of cities – the pulse of their people, streets, sounds, and cultures.”
Guests at the event had the opportunity to sample each of the three fragrances, with many finding a scent that resonated with them personally, becoming a “souvenir” from a journey through aroma. The event concluded with attendees discussing their impressions and the trends shaping the world of perfumery.
Strolienė expressed her delight in hosting Steward in Lithuania for a second time, emphasizing the value of hearing the stories behind the fragrances directly from the creator. The event underscored the growing demand for immersive experiences within the retail sector, offering consumers more than just a product, but a connection to a place and a story.
Attendees thanked Strolienė, describing the event as a memorable journey through three distinct cities, where scent played a central role and left a lasting impression.
