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October 15, 2014

TRITON AT HOTPAN NYC


We met the star chef behind Hot Pan NYC, Kristopher Edelen, back in May at the Sharp shopping event put on by Esquire. He loved that Triton uses carrot seed, something that struck him as an ingredient that belonged to cooking, not perfume, we hit it off, and now we're pals.

Kristopher specializes in pop-up tastings, and he wanted Blackbird to be involved in his latest presentation, so we sent over samples of Triton for all of his guests to check out. Here's a few photos of the last pop up tasting featuring Blackbird:


Kristopher will be on the new FYI chef competition series "midnight feast" that premieres 10/16. Check it out!

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October 09, 2014

BLACKBIRD NOW AT MERZ APOTHECARY CHICAGO


Merz Apothecary is more than just a store; it's the story of a small family apothecary that continued to care about its patrons when most pharmacies became little more than pill counters, and how that apothecary was scheduled to close for good, but another family found it beautiful enough to revitalize it and carry on its legacy.

And they carry Blackbird Incense.


Opened in 1875 by the multi-lingual Peter Merz, Merz Apothecary primarily served European patrons in their native tongues, and focused heavily on herbal medicines and traditional formulas. Eventually Merz Apothecary was passed from Peter to his children and grandchildren, until in 1972, when Peter's grandchild Ralph Merz was ready to retire, which meant Merz Apothecary would close.

But there was hope for Merz Apothecary in the form of 26 year old Indian-born pharmacist Abdul Qaiyum. Qaiyum had been working at a large drugstore chain but realized he wanted something more. Then he discovered Merz Apothecary. Reminded of his family's business and the healing traditions of his home, he fell in love with the humble apothecary and purchased it a few days later.

Qaiyum transformed Merz Apothecary to the internationally recognized store that it is today. Qaiyum realized that true health involves feeling good mentally, physically, and emotionally, and that inspired him to deepen the store's focus on homeopathic medicines, natural skincare, aromatherapy, and other personal care products from around the world. Qaiyum also expanded Merz Apothecary significantly, first with a mail order system and a larger location refinished to mimic a turn-of-the-century European apothecary, then eventually with additional locations and a world famous website, Smallflower.com.

Despite the growth and attention, the store has not lost its focus on the original Apothecary concept. The staff hails from around the world and collectively speaks seven languages. Although international customers no longer make up the majority of the Apothecary clientele, their numbers continue to grow and now draw from all around the world. Customers seek out the well-trained staff for the 137 years of health and product knowledge it has inherited. The location and people have changed over the years, but the Apothecary’s goal has remained the same: providing superior and personal service for each customer’s total well-being.

We couldn't be happier to now have our incense available at this historic, humble, and extremely knowledgeable apothecary.

Pictured: Abdul Qaiyum and son, Anthony Qaiyum

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September 28, 2014

Aaron Way, BLACKBIRD perfumer tells about his story - CITY ARTS

I smell fantastic right now. More specifically, my wrists smell fantastic, dabbed with Moto Oud from Blackbird Perfumes—made from agarwood, deep and sweet, comforting but unfamiliar, woodsy but far from green. Layered with notes of leather, burnt rubber and spice, Moto Oud smells, according to its maker, “like a broken down motorcycle in the desert.” It’s intoxicating.

Scent is a powerful memory activator. An old boyfriend’s cologne, your mother’s shampoo. But for Aaron Way, the perfumer behind the fragrances and incense currently being developed at the long-beloved, now-online-only shop Blackbird Ballard, it’s his medium as a storyteller.

 

READ MORE ON CITY ARTS

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September 10, 2014

FRIENDS IN PLACES: NOUVELLE NOUVELLE

We interviewed Amy Renee from Nouvelle Nouvelle, a cozy shop located in Vancouver's coolest neighborhood. There's a balance they strike between the more rough and tumble, boundary pushing brands they carry and the softer, earthier, more pretty things also available, all in a small space that normally plays old hip hop, that works very nicely. The shop has a very modern and very inviting feel to it, and the breadth of their selection ensures that there's something for everyone. On top of that, Amy and Noah know all the best places for chow in Vancouver, so if you're ever in their hood (Gastown), stop by and ask them for food recommendations. You can tell them Blackbird sent you.

How did the Nouvelle Nouvelle come about and when?

Noah (my boyfriend and co-owner of NN) and I used to travel a lot and each city we visited had such unique and beautiful independent lines and designers that we couldn't find in Vancouver. In 2007 we opened our doors. 

How big is your store?

800 square feet

What's the neighborhood like?

Gastown is a neighbourhood full of creatives - with many small boutiques, design companies and great restaurants. Most of Vancouver is glass towers but Gastown has kept it's original details, with it's low brick buildings and narrow streets.

What types of things do you sell at Nouvelle Nouvelle?

Our focus is on independent, up and coming lines. We carry clothing for men and women as well as fragrances, candles, soap, paper goods and interesting gifts.

What makes Nouvelle Nouvelle special or unique?

The selection! We work hard to fill our shop with items that are exceptional and beautiful and that can't be found in every other shop in the city.

What type(s) of music do you play in the store?

It depends on who's working but usually lots of hip hop and dub.

Are pets welcome in your store?

Definitely - we bring our little old bulldog, Lily to work everyday. So many of our customers live in the neighbourhood and bring their dogs with them to shop - we love it!

 

 

NOUVELLE NOUVELLE

209 ABBOTT ST

VANCOUVER, BC V6B 2K7

NOUVELLENOUVELLE.COM

THANK YOU AMY!

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August 30, 2014

TRITON REVIEW IN EAUMG

Triton is the latest perfume release from Seattle-based brand Blackbird. It’s an icy perfume inspired by the landscapes of Neptune’s moon, Triton. It’s a perfume with a heavy dose of bright aldehydes and incense resins. Because of this, I’m more reminded of temple surrounded by snow.

Triton opens with glistening aldehydes that remind me of “carbonated” elemi and myrrh. It becomes a rooty, vegetal iris with violets and a dry cedar. At this stage it reminds me of a hybrid between Serge Lutens La Myrrhe and Bas de Soie (two of my favorite perfumes) – aldehydes, bright resins and rooty florals. The aldehydes and resins must of completed their series of incantations successfully because Triton’s dry-down is some sort of sorcery. Up close, it’s like the cool, dry incense and iris. However, a nebula floats over these close-wearing notes. From a distance of about 1 to 2 feet, Triton projects a creamy, salty ambergris that reminds me of the gorgeous dry-down of Hermes Eau des Merveilles.

Overall, Triton is a tranquil, cool fragrance with flickers of light from aldehydes and temple-like incense.

 

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August 21, 2014

TRITON REVIEW - COLOGNOISSEUR

I’m not sure what it is about the Pacific Northwest in this country but as far as independent perfume goes it seems to be fertile ground for fragrance. Latest evidence of this creative Renaissance is the newest release from the Seattle-based store Blackbird. Blackbird recently transitioned from a brick and mortar store with an online presence to exclusively online. As a big part of this vibrant scene the store was a place to have events. It was one reason that the initial seven fragrances released under the Blackbird brand were a little disappointing. They were provocatively named, Pipe Bomb as an example, but they failed to impress as they were fairly linear and simplistic. I trusted that was what their clientele wanted and didn’t really give them another thought. A couple months ago I received the latest release Blackbird Triton. Because of my previous experience I kept pushing it down the priority list until a couple weeks ago.

READ ORE ON COLOGNOISSEUR

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August 06, 2014

BLACKBIRD BEARD OIL ON HUFFPOST STYLE

Bearded men were turning heads long before The New York Times declared facial hair fashionable. There's just something about a well-groomed guy that makes you stop and stare. You'll also notice when there's a hair askew, or the way the not-so-sexy scruff feels against your face.

Luckily, there's a product to help with that and it's called beard oil. Packed with conditioning ingredients like jojoba oil, grapeseed oil and argan oil, Dove Men+Care hair expert Jason Schneidman believes it is essential for maintaining facial hair.

"Most men don't believe they need to use any products at all," says Schneidman. "Men should take care of their facial hair as much as they take care of the hair on their heads."

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July 16, 2014

BLACKBIRD INCENSE IN THE NOBLE BARBARIAN

Studies have shown that a man always feels more confident and is more desirable when exposed to the right scent. Seattle-based Blackbird Ballard couldn’t agree more, in bringing its flawless, sophisticated collection of incense to the table with pyres based on perfume concepts and a mix of its own personal taste. The results, based on unusual ingredients paired together to create new and wildly imaginative scents, are guaranteed to draw a delighted response from just about anyone. Blackbird’s charcoal-based cone structures are additionally compact and easier to use than sticks (the fun is in lighting them on fire and watching them burn). Sleekly designed so one can use its lid as a burner, the incense also makes for the perfect travel-friendly companion. Not long ago, Blackbird was one of the top stores in the country for menswear, but switched to the way of lifestyle and beauty after realizing the level of appreciation people had for their fragrance and grooming products. Says Nicole Miller, founder of Blackbird, “I came to the conclusion that retail was too much work for such little gains and realized that sitting right under my nose was a single product that, if I focused on it completely, could afford me a living wage while doing what I love the most—designing more products. The incense changed everything.” Currently available in eight countries, Blackbird offers 11 different scents. Our favorites, including Hibernus, Izba and Nahk, retail for just $28. 

 

READ MORE ON THE NOBLE BARBARIAN

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July 06, 2014

TRITON REVIEW IN NOTEY

I wrote about the Seattle-based business Blackbird last winter, when I posted a review of their incense cones (which are still favorites of mine). At the time, none of their personal fragrances really captured my fancy; the names were memorable and provocative (Tinderbox, Pipe Bomb), but the actual scents just didn't fit my personal taste. But you just never know: Triton is the latest release from Blackbird, and I've been happily wearing my sample for the past few days.
Triton includes notes of violet leaf, iris root, cedar, aldehyde, incense, mimosa, carrot seed, dry amber, vetiver, styrax and black pepper. It was "named after the moon of Neptune that was in turn named after the son of Poseidon," and "its scent carries the nose to the icy surface of its namesake moon. . . . It’s about finding and relishing the beauty of a frozen landscape." It's a tricky fragrance to classify: I'd call it a unisex mineral-earthy-woody scent.

 

READ MORE ON NOTEY

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June 22, 2014

Triton and Incense for Summer - INDIEPERFUMES

Blackbird, situated in the Pacific Northwest (and now gone international) is a design studio that that has made several incense and smoke-toned fragrances.
All of them so far have been straightforward, minimalist, direct, sophisticated and subtle.
Triton is their new perfume. It continues their style, this time as a soft incense and dry linen paper composition.

 

READ MORE ON INDIEPERFUMES

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June 21, 2014

NAHK IN VALET

Blackbird's incense cones are pretty potent—but in a good way. The Nahk scent is a spicy mix of leather and sweetened with cognac. And while it only burns for 15 minutes, the aroma can last for up to 12 hours.
READ MORE ON VALET

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June 05, 2014

TRITON ON POISONOUS IV


Poisonous IV: A forward-thinking fashion, art, and music blog, with no-bullshit thoughtful and artful takes on impressive content. PIV selectively hunts worldwide for stories you haven't heard, guaranteed to fascinate and stimulate. Features include an interview with Vladislav Kovalik of Minimalistos "On Life After Death", a reflection on reductionism "Structural Minimalism", and it makes us proud to say Blackbird Triton was the latest story.

Poisonous IV wrote an excellent review and description of Triton, and you should really go and read the whole thing on their website. Check out a brief excerpt below, then read the full review and bookmark Poisonous IV to keep up.

"Named after the son of Poseidon whose namesake was passed to the retrograde moon of Neptune. The inspiration for the name is not lost upon application. Like Triton this scent is a messenger. The message delivered is cold, mysterious, and spontaneous... Bringing forth images of white rooms in pristine condition, inviting, clean, and spacious..."

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April 29, 2014

BLACKBIRD NOW AT SECTS SHOP SINGAPORE!


Sects Shop is a multi-brand concept shop created by Depression, a killer fashion brand based in Singapore. The shop is curated for five styles of Singaporean men: Casual Guys (nothing too loud), Street Guys (I'm a hipster), Preppy Guys, (gentleman fashion), Edgy Guys (I only wear black), and Unisex Accessories (show ponies). Sects Shop just opened, and we're pleased to say that their opening lineup includes Blackbird Incense and Perfumes. We are also pleased to say, what an excellent name for a store. Check out some stolen instagram images of the space here:


Beautiful. Big thanks to Kenny and Andrew for working with us! Very excited. We will come and visit soon.
Address:
Orchard Gateway #04-14, 277 Orchard Road
Singapore, Singapore 238858

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April 28, 2014

WENDOL ON ZACK RUSSELL

The Wendol is a green, wet, fresh grassy sent with hints of wild berries in the opening. Then once it settles Wendol becomes more of a citrus cocktail with hints of earth and wood.
READ MORE ON ZACK RUSSELL

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April 08, 2014

Everything Perfume

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NAHK INCENSE PYRES IN GQ
March 26, 2014

NAHK INCENSE PYRES IN GQ

GQ loves yet another Blackbird creation. Nahk incense pyres bring a sophisticated aroma to your air space that is unlike any other incense on the market. 
"The Easy Loft Upgrade

The smoky extra-fragrant Blackbird Nahk cones re-create the beautiful high of huffing fresh leather."

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March 20, 2014

BLACKBIRD AT iBOUTIQUES IN NYC


If you are in New York City between March 11th - May 24th you've got to check out the iBoutiques concept shop.
iBoutiques
FLAGSHIP STORE
79 DELANCEY ST
NEW YORK, NY 10002


iBoutiques is an innovative new company that's aimed to promote the best up-and-coming brands. At an iBoutiques pop-up, you use your smartphone to scan products, get more information, and place your order. Everything you purchase at iBoutiques or at home through the iBoutiques website is shipped to you, so no hauling bags around all day.


 The best part, we think, is that Blackbird incense, perfume, soaps, and shaving products are all now available to sample and experience, in a streamlined shopping experience in person! 


Stay tuned for exciting events and projects coming soon from Blackbird and iBoutiques. In the meantime, head down today to check out the beautiful displays and get to know the full Blackbird collection. We're talking to you, Manhattanites!

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March 17, 2014

JOSHUA'S MAGAZINE FEATURES BLACKBIRD INCENSE

Joshua's Magazine is an aesthetically beautiful and thought-provoking men's lifestyle magazine out of the UK that aims to present aspirational designers and creators from a huge variety of different fields. Its content is curated to celebrate brands and individuals doing exceptional, progressive work that might be of interest to any guy living anywhere in the world.

In its latest issue, Joshua's Magazine wrote a feature on incense briefly tracking its history and how history has led to the next step forward, Blackbird Incense.

Click on the image to read the full article.

Pick up a copy of Joshua's Magazine at various newsagents around NYC, or at Barnes & Noble across the US.

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March 11, 2014

BLACKBIRD INTERVIEW FOR CAIRO


Prism (Cairo's Ballard outpost), our go-to Ballard retailer that carries almost every single Blackbird product, came to the Blackbird factory for a little interview. Nicole and Aaron (pictured), the partners behind Blackbird, talked about working with your significant other, our creation processes, and much more. Check out the full interview on the Prism blog!

Alice the cat, Director of Operations

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March 07, 2014

ZURIICK: BARBER KIT STIEFEL

 

A little backstory: Zuriick was one of our all-time favorite shoe brands we carried at Blackbird. We still get customers emailing asking where to find their impeccably designed, unique silhouettes.

 

 

Zuriick opened their flagship shop not too long ago in their base of Salt Lake City, and its absolutely gorgeous. And they carry almost all of our Blackbird products.

But that's not really news. Here's the news:

 

 

Barber Kit Stiefel, a fully functioning old school barber, just opened inside of Zuriick. So now in addition to being the top shopping destination in Salt Lake City, Zuriick will now also cut your hair and make sure you're looking completely sharp for whatever the day or night holds.

If you find yourself in Salt Lake, find your way into Zuriick and see the good barber. Get yourself a hot lather shave. You deserve it.

 

 

PS: Barber Kit Stiefel has Blackbird too.

 

 

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March 04, 2014

BLACKBIRD @ LONG STORY - HANG OUT SHOP ((SEATTLE))

It's a LONG STORY so I'll cut to the chase. Our local small brand champion Laura Cassidy of Seattle Met is hosting what she is calling a HANG OUT SHOP, meaning: come and hang out with us Seattle design nerds!

Blackbird will be presenting our products for sale, to include the soft launch for our highly anticipated NEW PERFUME, our Blood Countess candles, expansion of our Tar series of travel accessories, and so much more.

The Crisp Creperie truck will pull in, back up, and fire up the grill, and the fine folks from Percy's and Co will fix and pour drinks, because what's an afternoon hangout in the city without a cocktail.

Check out works by Semigood Design, Neon Zinn, Paper Hammer, April Pride, Chloe Touran, Akiko's Pottery, Rachel Ravitch, and Joanna Morgan and many more.

If you've read this far you'll be happy to know that you've won the grand prize. Mention that you are a Blackbird Facebook fan and save 20%. On that note, here's the FACEBOOK EVENT LINK, and you can read a bit more about the event in LC's own words at SEATTLE MET.

See you there!

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February 27, 2014

OUR RETAILERS ON INSTAGRAM FEBRUARY

Our retailers deserve a ton of credit for shooting our products in beautiful ways we couldn't have imagined. Dear Blackbird retailers, thank you. Dear Blackbird customers, you can see some of what our retailers have done below. Enjoy!



Reform School

 

Zuriick

 

Zuriick

Society

 

Prism

 

Prism

 

The Celect

 

Prism!

 

aaaaand PRISM!

 

Individual Medley

 

Fred Segal at LAX!

 

Prism!

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February 17, 2014

SEATTLE GOT ITS FIRST KREMWERK


Good news Seattle. Remember our bleak landscape of electronic music venues? Well, now it's time for us to get a Kremwerk.

Kremwerk is a new Seattle [techno] club. The owner moved here from Berlin, has been building out the basement underneath Rebar (access through the alley in back) into a barely lit concrete chamber, and opened the space on 2/14. Aesthetically, keep your eyes peeled for exposed fire sprinkler system, industrial lights in protective industrial cages (think steam plant, not strip club), wall of raw pipes, and so far an incredible schedule of bookings so far including a former UR (Underground Resistance) member, J. Alvarez, and the inimitable L-Vis 1990 (photos below).

If you like techno, follow Kremwerk. They are the little engine that could, the Frodo Baggins tromping into the Mordor of Seattle clubbing, and we at Blackbird would like to make sure they receive some notice.

You can read about Kremwerk in THE STRANGER, follow Kremwerk on FACEBOOK, start by favoriting Kremwerk on their WEBSITE, and you can follow their freshly minted SOUNDCLOUD.



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February 07, 2014

BLACKBIRD INCENSE NOW AT CAPSULE TORONTO


First off, look at that image. I don't think I've ever seen a better photograph of our Blackbird Incense. Our hats are off to our newest stockist, Capsule. If you haven't heard of them, they are your go-to sneaker boutique in Toronto, and the only home of our uniquely scented charcoal incense cones in the city.

If you're in Toronto and you haven't experienced our incense, or if you're in Toronto and you haven't experienced Capsule, take a moment to stroll over and meet those needs.

 

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