Arturo Obegero
# Arturo Obegero: Fashion Designer Turned Fragrance Creator
## From Spanish Shores to Parisian Perfumery
Arturo Obegero's path to perfumery began in the fishing village of Tapia de Casariego in northern Spain, where he grew up in a bohemian family of surfers. This coastal upbringing, surrounded by what he describes as a "melancholic and poetic" atmosphere, would later become the foundation of his creative vision. His mother's encouragement in the performing arts fostered his artistic sensibilities from an early age.
After mastering technical skills like pattern-cutting in Spain, Obegero pursued his MA in Fashion at Central Saint Martins in London. A formative stint at the House of Lanvin in Paris provided him with invaluable insight into major fashion houses. In March 2020, amid the global pandemic, he launched his eponymous label AO, quickly earning a spot on the official Paris Fashion Week calendar by January 2021.
Obegero's creative philosophy blends romanticism with architectural precision. His work draws heavily from dance, particularly flamenco, as well as surrealist and neo-noir movements. He creates garments that are both sensual and severe, emphasizing the body's natural movements through precisely tailored cuts. His commitment to sustainability shows through his use of salvaged fabrics from haute couture houses and theater velvet curtains.
## Azabache: A Fragrant Translation of Fashion
Obegero's entry into perfumery came through a collaboration with Prague-based house Pigmentarium, resulting in [Azabache](/perfume/pigmentarium-azabache). Named after the Spanish word for jet (a black gemstone), this fragrance embodies his dark, elegant aesthetic. The scent intentionally blends feminine and masculine notes, reflecting his fashion philosophy of challenging traditional gender norms.
[Azabache](/perfume/pigmentarium-azabache) opens with [pink pepper](/note/pink-pepper) and [geranium](/note/geranium), immediately transitioning to an opulent [rose](/note/rose) heart. The composition evolves from lively floral chords symbolizing society into meditative balsamic tones of [labdanum](/note/labdanum), [frankincense](/note/frankincense), and [myrrh](/note/myrrh), evoking solitude in a church. The base features warming [cedar](/note/cedarwood) and [amber](/note/amber), with [musk](/note/musk) providing depth and sensuality.
The fragrance creation process involved Obegero translating his inspirations through mood boards, playlists, and collages, conveying his memories of northern Spain and Parisian experiences to the perfumers. This approach demonstrates how a fashion designer's creative universe can successfully cross into perfumery, creating a holistic brand experience that captures both his Spanish heritage and contemporary Parisian sophistication.
