Lithuanian-born, Ruta Degutyte, first conquered the corporate world before embarking on her dream of making perfume. Fluent in five languages and armed with an MBA in international business, she travelled the globe as a business consultant for 15 years.
Always encouraged by her philosopher parents to ‘follow her dreams, no matter what’, it was during an assignment in Sydney in 2012 that made Ruta take the plunge and fulfil her vision.
Three years of research, collecting the best raw materials, choosing a perfumer and setting up production, Art de Parfum was born and incorporated in London in 2015.
This year sees the launch of a special limited edition scent, Encore Une Fois, which features rare, one-off materials and won’t be made again once this small batch runs out. Inspired by creator Ruta Degutyte’s love of the earthy, organic smells of the ocean, the scent focuses on the famous grey amber, otherwise known as ambergris.
We caught up with Ruta for the latest in our ‘My London’ interview series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
Richmond. I like it so much I made it my home. Relaxed ambience, friendly and cosy area with good proximity to central London.
Favourite place for brunch:
I’ve got quite a few: Notting Hill Electric Cinema, Little Venice: Clifton Nurseries and Petersham Nurseries in Richmond. I like the outdoors, hence, I’d always prefer airy places to indoors.
Best coffee in London:
So many places would be unfair to name just few. But one of my favourites is 108 Brasserie in Marylebone and No 1 in Richmond. I always make a point of going to my favourite coffee shop Cafe de Provence in Covent Garden when I’m visiting BLOOM Perfumery to see my fragrances and catch up with the retail team there.
Favourite gallery or museum:
V&A is a good mix of modern and classical art. Saatchi, Somerset House to name few.
Tell us a secret:
I am launching a fabulous scent ENCORE UNE FOIS very soon. Follow us on social media to find out more.
Favourite place to shop:
Notting Hill, vibrant and trendy. Just like the vibe there. I can often be seen browsing Portobello Market. I’m originally from Lithuania and to me if feels like home, it’s very European and cosmopolitan.
Favourite place to find inspiration:
London is the most inspiring place on the planet with its cultural diversity and beautiful parks and gardens and always bubbling cultural life.
Best London destination for a date:
Greenwich Observatory or a boat trip on the canals.
Favourite park:
Richmond it’s the only one that is so close to the city but feels like you are in the heart of the countryside where wild deer run free and dogs swimming in the riverside. The incredible, preserved view of St Paul’s Cathedral from King Henry’s Mound is worth seeing.
Favourite food market:
Borough market in Southwark. It’s the oldest in London famous for exotic local foods and many of the vendors sell delicious and healthy take home foods.
Your sanctuary in the city:
I’ve got two: Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew and Pergola in Hampstead Heath is a little gem of the garden, very few people know about it. Hence, it’s the best kept secret place full of faded splendour.
What inspires you?
Anything can trigger an idea: smells, people, events, nature, art and music.
This season I’m loving:
Aquatic blue as well as the blue eyes of my man.
