The Power of Perfume: A Journey Through History, Culture and Creation

Fragrance has played a powerful role in human history
— shaping ritual, culture, fashion, memory, and personal
identity for thousands of years. In this four-week
immersive course, internationally recognized fragrance
expert, author, and educator Sue Phillips explores the
fascinating world of perfume from ancient civilizations
to today’s modern creations.

Drawing on over 40 years in the global fragrance industry,
including crafting iconic fragrances for Tiffany & Co.,
Burberry, Avon, and A-list celebrities, Sue brings history
to life through engaging lectures, storytelling, and guided
olfactory experiences. Participants will discover how
perfume has mirrored major social, economic, and political
movements, and how changing consumer values—from
post-war optimism to today’s emphasis on individuality
and wellness—have influenced fragrance trends.

The course also explores the science of scent and
why smell is our most powerful sense, deeply connected
to memory and emotion. Students will learn the
language of perfumery, fragrance families, and what
personal scent preferences can reveal about identity
and emotional intelligence.

March 18: Origins of Scent — Perfume Through
the Centuries
A journey from ancient Egyptian rituals and early aromatic
materials through the rise of French perfumery, the
leather industry, and iconic fragrances of the 20th century
to today’s modern designer and celebrity scents.

March 25: Scent and Society — How Culture,
Economics and Politics Shape Fragrance Trends
Explore how world events and cultural shifts influence
fragrance preferences, including personalization,
confidence, emotional well-being, and the impact of
Millennials and Gen Z on today’s fragrance landscape.

Apr. 1: The Language of Perfume — Fragrance Families,
Memory and Emotion
Learn how scent triggers memory and emotion, why
certain ingredients evoke romance and sensuality, the
difference between perfume and cologne, and the
profound impact of losing one’s sense of smell.

*Apr. 8 The Power of Perfume Workshop — Create Your
Own Signature Scent
An interactive workshop where participants take Sue’s
Scent Personality Quiz, explore fragrance construction,
experience rare essences, and create a personalized
fragrance to take home. Ideal for men and women.
Sue is offering a special price for OLLI participants.

*This is an optional session. Materials needed for the
Perfume Workshop are $75 (regularly $145) and should
be paid directly to the instructor.