Black & White by Step Aboard: A Symphony of Contrasts

Step into a world where art and scent collide, where the black and white of existence are captured in an olfactory masterpiece.

Black & White by Step Aboard is a Floral Aldehyde fragrance that stands as a testament to the delicate balance between contrasts. Launched in 2023, this new fragrance, crafted by the esteemed perfumer Luca Maffei, is not just a scent; it is an olfactory representation of the complex interplay between softness and solidity, closure and openness, as suggested by its monochromatic name.

Olfactory Pyramid

• Top Note: Bergamot

• Heart Notes: Aldehydes, Jasmine, Neroli

• Base Notes: Styrax, Musk, Coumarin

The fragrance opens with the invigorating and fresh note of Bergamot, setting the stage for a sensory experience that is both captivating and unique. As the scent evolves, the heart reveals a sophisticated blend of Aldehydes, Jasmine, and Neroli. The aldehydes introduce a crisp, almost metallic quality that is softened by the floral sweetness of jasmine and the light citrusy essence of neroli, creating a delicate yet assertive middle accord.

As the fragrance settles, the base notes emerge, leaving a lasting impression of depth and warmth. The bitter, resinous quality of Styrax, reminiscent of ink, contrasts beautifully with the soft, enveloping nature of Musk. Coumarin, with its sweet, hay-like aroma, adds an enduring, comforting finish that lingers on the skin, embodying the fragrance's underlying theme of contrasts.

Black & White draws its inspiration from the monumental sculpture "MONUMENT WITH STANDING BEAST" by Jean Dubuffet, located opposite the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago's Loop community. Dubuffet, a pioneer of Art Brut, sought to explore the aesthetic potential of primitive and childlike expressions. This fragrance mirrors the raw, spontaneous energy of Dubuffet's work, embodying the essence of freedom and creativity through its contrasting notes.

Just as Dubuffet’s sculpture is a dynamic interplay of shapes representing an animal, a tree, an architectural form, and a portal, Black & White is a fragrance of contrasts. The raw, aldehydic notes bring a sharp edge, balanced by the smooth, warm undertones of musk and coumarin. It is a scent that speaks to both the primal and the refined, the bold and the understated.