About of Press Gurwitz Perfumerie

Press Gurwitz Perfumerie

Press Gurwitz Perfumerie is an American brand established in 2019. Rooted in a family tradition, every generation contributes their passion and creativity to shape our products and identity. Our brand is dedicated to crafting unparalleled fragrances for both the body and home, elevating everyday experiences into moments of art and individuality.

We believe that perfumes are more than scents—they’re an extension of personality, design, and atmosphere, designed to captivate and inspire. Beyond fragrances, our portfolio includes exclusive formulations of complete care products for the face, hair, and body, each crafted with precision and care.

Our values

At Press Gurwitz Perfumerie, we honor the values of family and heritage. Our brand is built on a foundation of creativity, integrity, and a commitment to progress.

We are a people-focused company driven by the belief that freedom is essential to innovation and growth.

Press Gurwitz Perfumerie thrives on redefining possibilities — whether it’s pioneering new fragrances, exploring groundbreaking ideas, or creating a legacy of excellence.

Each product we craft is a heartfelt expression of our unwavering passion and devotion. With every detail, we pour our soul into creating something uniquely extraordinary, a piece of art that enriches the lives of our customer. For us, this is not just work; it’s our love for the art of perfumery.

Your host and guide to the world of perfumery

I am a product developer and serial entrepreneur. With over two decades of experience, I’ve honed my skills in market research, data analysis, product development, and project management. My career has been built on a foundation of innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results. In my youth, I watched my grandfather and father make tinctures with black and red currants and other berries back in the Soviet Union in the 80’s. I’ve always been drawn to the alchemy of natural essences and I kept family tincture recipes and methods and improved on them. I produce these tinctures to this day.

Photo credit: Roger William Theise

I found myself involved with skincare product launch and development in 2018-20. My research revealed that skincare and haircare brands were segmenting and promoting their products based on a few key ingredients, particularly scents. While a fragrance might make up just 1-3% of a product's total formula, it heavily influences purchasing decisions. A small portion of the formula wielded so much power over consumer preferences and human psychology.

Next, my colleague and creative director invited me to collaborate on the launch and production of her new perfume line, which will be known under the brand of Press Guwritz Perfumerie. This was my entry into the world of niche perfumery on the level of operations, and I began to work with fragrance oils. I’ve worked with solvents and alcohol before. I immersed myself in learning—taking courses, reading books, watching videos, and educating myself as quickly and effectively as possible. I am now embarking on remarkable projects, including bespoke perfume creation and sharing the knowledge I’ve gained from legendary perfumers in my workshops. Two mentors, Mandy Aftel and JK DeLapp—renowned masters of natural perfumery—have guided me along the way. I’m honored to call myself their apprentice as I continue learning and passing this knowledge on through my work.

Inevitably, I learned about the difference between synthetic and natural materials and was able to compare the two. It was a time of insight and great appreciation for the honor to be able to explore the natural raw material essences because it was almost a spiritual experience to connect with live plant essences and animalics, which still possess the life energy, the vibration in the form of the fairly short-lived aromatic essence of another life form. I fell in love with natural raw materials and their distinct vibrations, which I can blend to create an infinite number of new notes.

That said, there’s no shame in using synthetic ingredients in perfumery. I incorporate them into my practice wherever I deem it appropriate. They offer perfumers a vast and creative palette, make fragrances more accessible, and even eliminate many allergens found in natural ingredients. However, synthetics remain imitations of their natural counterparts. Much like a plastic flower can replicate the shape and beauty of a real one, it lacks the life, the radiance, and the complexity of the original. I hope you will join me on this incredible olfactory journey, where every scent tells your unique story.

Press Gurwitz Perfumerie

5.0 (26)

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Heather Fergerson

2 months ago

Wow!!! What a fantastic experience our group had today at Press Gurwitz Perfumerie. This was a a truly unique experience that I can’t recommend enough. Victor is so charming and guided us on an adventure! Everyone created their own unique scent and learned the true artistry involved in this craft. Thank you so much, Victor…your passion comes through and you gave us an unforgettable day! Would highly recommend!

Jackie Fergerson

2 months ago

We spent an amazing afternoon with Victor who clearly has a passion for perfume. It was a group of four 18-20 year olds who are very into fragrance. Spent about four hours at his store in Marathon and were transported to France! They learned about the chemistry and building blocks of fragrance, sampling scents then compiling a bespoke custom scent. They got to do all of the measuring themselves with Victor’s guidance. They left with a decent sized vial of their creation. Victor will keep their custom fragrances on file and if they wish to tweak it at a later date they can. I highly recommend this experience!

Ruth Jones

2 weeks ago

My family and I went to Press Gurwitz Perfumerie for daughter's our 10th birthday. We had a wonderful time. It was really an educational experience. Victor took the time to explain the history and uses of perfume. Following, my daughter recieved hands-on experience on how perfume is made. She choose the scents that most appealed to her and is reflective of who she is. And voila a new scent was born at the end of the day. We really love the final product. I think the icing on the cake was the personalized curated musical selections that played in the background which fed into our amazing experience. My daughter was so suprised to hear her favorite songs playing. Each suprise smile she gave as each of her favorite songs played really made this so worth it. We couldn't stop talking about our time there on our way home. I recommend this experience for homeschool families, or as special gift for a special person in your life and even going there as a bridal party. Victor really cares about his craft and his clients. The set up inside is exceptional. It's filled with elegance and professionalism. I really forward to visiting again in the future. Thank you for the making this a memorable time for our family.

Shannon Arroyo

3 weeks ago

Met Viktor at the wedding expo at the OnCenter in Syracuse because of a perfume bottle piece of jewelry I was wearing, and he filled my bottle with the most euphoric and captivating scent. Very personable and knowledgeable and we will be attending workshops in the future to create our signature scents!

D D

2 months ago

I just experienced my 1st Syracuse Night Market on Nov. 30th with my friend Nikki and enjoyed a wonderful time Victor Rakovich who was very knowledgeable and professional with the perfume oil notes that I ended up buying 3 perfume sprays at a reasonable cost. My favorite #15 the Iris was invigorating, #4 the Bergamot was exhilarating, and #12 the Green Tea was exactly as he mentioned " to wear on a summery day " this scent is refreshing and clean smelling. You can't go wrong with any of notes as there all inviting to the nose with scents beyond any other! Thank you Victor, I will definitely be shopping with you again on your website and to your shop in Marathon, NY for another exciting shopping adventure! 😊

Anastasja Moynihan

a year ago

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Press Gurwitz Perfumerie, and my experience was nothing short of enchanting. From the moment I stepped into the elegantly appointed shop, I was captivated by the sophisticated ambiance that perfectly mirrored the aesthetic of Press Gurwitz. What truly sets Press Gurwitz apart is the exceptional knowledge and warm hospitality of Victor, the owner. His passion for fragrances is palpable, and he graciously guided me through the exquisite collection. Victor's insights into the scents and the stories behind them added a personal touch to the entire experience. The shop itself exudes an air of elegance that harmoniously complements the luxury of the products. Each perfume is a masterpiece, encapsulating a world of emotions within its distinct notes. I've been particularly enchanted by Press №3, a fragrance that I now consider my signature scent. Press №3 is a symphony of aromas with notes of tobacco, cinnamon, and vanilla. The combination is nothing short of mesmerizing – smoky, cozy, and spicy. The fragrance seamlessly weaves together the warmth of Madagascan vanilla, the richness of fine tobacco, and the heat of cinnamon. It's like being enveloped in a gentle yet masculine embrace, leaving a lasting impression that is both elegant and timeless. Wearing Press №3 is a sensory delight, and I consistently receive compliments whenever I don this fragrance. The scent lingers, leaving an indelible mark that is both sophisticated and memorable. It's a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that define Press Gurwitz Perfumerie. In conclusion, my visit to Press Gurwitz Perfumerie was an olfactory journey of unparalleled luxury and refinement. Victor's expertise, the elegant surroundings, and the exquisite fragrances make it an experience I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a truly exceptional perfume.

Alexandr V

a year ago

I recently visited the perfume store and was impressed by the inviting atmosphere and impeccable service. The ambiance created a pleasant shopping experience, and the staff went above and beyond to assist me in finding the perfect fragrance. A truly delightful place for perfume enthusiasts. Special thanks for Victor. Number 14 is my favorite.

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