When I first came across Abel Odor, I was instantly drawn to its clean aesthetic and focus on natural ingredients. As someone who values sustainability and craftsmanship, the brand stood out immediately. Founded by New Zealander Frances Shoemack, Abel has built an international reputation for creating contemporary fragrances made entirely from plant-derived materials.
The Story Behind Abel Odor
Abel began when Frances Shoemack, a former winemaker from New Zealand, set out to create a perfume that was both natural and long-lasting. Unable to find a fragrance that met her standards, she launched Abel in Amsterdam in 2011 with the goal of producing perfumes using 100 percent natural ingredients without compromising on quality.
Today, the brand operates from its workshop and boutique in Wellington’s Aro Valley, where visitors can experience the fragrance-making process up close. It’s common to find Frances experimenting with new blends while working among carefully sourced botanicals and natural extracts.
A Commitment to Natural Ingredients
Abel’s philosophy centres on full transparency and sustainability, using only plant-based and biodegradable materials sourced responsibly from around the world. The brand focuses on combining creativity with science to create perfumes that feel modern and luxurious.
Frances collaborates with master perfumer Isaac Sinclair, a New Zealander trained in Paris and Milan who now works from São Paulo. Their partnership allows Abel to craft sophisticated scents using traditional techniques while staying true to its natural approach, as explained in the brand’s ingredient philosophy.
The Fragrance Collection
Abel offers a range of unisex Eau de Parfums designed to evolve with each wearer’s skin chemistry, creating a personal and unique experience. Some of the most popular scents include:
Cyan Nori, a refreshing blend with soft, salty and sweet notes inspired by the ocean
Green Cedar, a warm, woody fragrance featuring cedar from Texas and the Atlas Mountains
Pink Iris, a bold floral layered with violet and a touch of Sichuan pepper
Golden Neroli, a luminous scent combining neroli, jasmine sambac, and vibrant citrus
Black Anise, a smoky and mysterious fragrance infused with star anise and cacao
Cobalt Amber, an elegant amber blend balanced with pink pepper, juniper berry, and tonka bean
Pause, a delicate floral created to celebrate hormonal transitions and renewal
The collection also includes home fragrances, such as Scene 01 with green tea, yuzu, and verbena, and Scene 03, which combines leather, tonka, and vanilla for a warm, comforting scent.
Global Presence and Local Appeal
Abel Odor has grown from a boutique brand into an internationally recognised name, with its perfumes available in over 30 countries. You can find the collection in luxury retailers worldwide and at boutique stockists in New Zealand, including Infinite Definite, which showcases a curated selection of Abel’s fragrances for those looking to explore the range locally.
Why Abel Stands Out
Abel sets itself apart by proving that natural perfumes can be elegant, complex, and long-lasting. Each fragrance is carefully crafted to adapt to the wearer, offering a personal scent journey while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability. The combination of ethical practices, high-quality craftsmanship, and modern artistry makes Abel Odor one of the most respected names in natural perfumery.
Final Thoughts
Abel Odor represents more than just perfume. It is about creating a deeper connection to nature through fragrance, blending luxury with responsibility and transparency. For anyone looking for a
